Position Play

You may think that position play only applies to the more experienced player, and it certainly does, but it also applies to the new player.  The strategies that you can employ as a new player can increase your handicap and experience.  Read on.....

 

The "first law of position play" is to get the hard shots off the table first, before clearing the isolated balls.  The "second law of position play" applies to defensive play.  The only time you should run out is when you are certain you will make it all the way.  If you don't think you can, play safe before pocketing any of your balls.  You should play a safety anytime you are looking at a ball arrangement that prevents a reasonable shot.  You know your billiards ability. If you can't consistently make a bank shot (five-for-five is consistent), then the bank shot is a low percentage option for you. Consider alternatives, a safety, or a shot to back up bunches. 

Prevent friendly fire casualties.  Know the value of each of your balls to a victory.
Don't pocket your "key ball" too early.  Don't pick off your own blockers.  If these are your only options, consider a safety.  Every ball you pocket without running out is like killing one of your own soldiers in a war.

Tear up your 'get-out-of-jail-free card'.  Leaving the 8 ball in jail: Whenever the 8 ball is blocked by one of your balls, you must leave it there so you opponent cannot win the game.  The only time you will shoot your ball is when you know you can run out, freeing the 8 ball. 

A key tactic...Patience.  Patience is very important.   Once everything is out in the open, then it's time to run the balls and win the game.  Taking a ball or two and getting them out of the way is okay, as long as you leave yourself a couple of balls to work with and you're not in a good position to have a safe played on you.

Coaching

Team captain or coach: "Man! That was stupid, why'd you take that shot?"

Team player: "Well, coach, I'll tell ya. I had the choice of taking that shot, or coming over here and smacking you upside the head with my cue stick. So, How'd I do?" 

 

Sound familiar?  A beginner might play an advanced player and still have a chance to win. It is a great idea, and exposes weaker players to the wisdom of stronger players. It will raise the level of competition across the board. But there is a catch. The captains and stronger players on some teams go spastic when their weaker team mates are shooting. Some come absolutely unglued, and feel compelled to humiliate the poor souls, when they should be offering encouragement and praise . There is a time to share your impressive knowledge of the game, and your incredible ability to see the mistakes of others. But, if you're not smart enough to offer constructive support for your team mates during a match, your advice is probably suspect as well.  It is another great idea that will help beginners learn more about strategy. A good coach or captain will suggest that inexperienced players call time out before a critical shot, especially if winning or losing the entire match is at stake. That's okay. Many new players are embarrassed about calling time out, not realizing it is good team strategy. Even strong players will ask for advice, if for no other reason than to feel more confident in a choice they have already made. Unfortunately, inexperienced players may not know they are taking a bad shot, and their coach may not see what they are planning until it is too late. But, that is a mistake a coach must expect, and learn to live with. It is not good "coachmanship" to exacerbate the mistake by going ballistic and humiliating the violator.  I have noticed that the best team captains and coaches are excellent shooters who are justifiably confident of themselves. They teach by example, and are ready to help when asked, not before.  If you are a coach or team captain, remember that your advice must be attainable. Do not - I repeat, do not tell an inexperienced player how you would shoot the ball. That is useless, even harmful information to someone who lacks your skills, or can't visualize the ball action. If it is a tough shot you've suggested, they will be concentrating on your advice and not on the ball. So, if you must give advice, be sure it is consistent with the player's skill level. Before making a suggestion, ask what they were thinking, and unless it is high risk choice, tell them to shoot it, and possibly advise them on speed.  Most important, if your player misses, keep in mind it was not deliberate. Offer an encouraging remark, and let him or her know it's okay. Help them focus and concentrate on the game, not your attitude. Not only will it help them, it will help you remain focused on your game. In short, be a nice guy and you'll reduce the risk of someone wrapping a cue stick around your head.  If you are looking for a team to play on, and you are not an advanced player, look for a team that has a captain you and the other team members respect. It might even be best to start out on a team that doesn't expect too much. As your game improves, you can handle more stress and might join a stronger team. Most important, Just have fun.  This was found on the internet and thought everyone could benefit from it.

 

In NAPA if your skill level is between 0 and 30 you get 2 timeouts per game.  Skill level 31-60 you only get one.  And for those players with a skill level above 60 you do not get a time out....so sorry!  However that does not stop you from talking, quietly, with your team mates about what you just did or what you should do in a future shot.  But remember, once the ball stops it is your turn and you cannot talk.

The difference between timing and rhythm.  Believe it or not we all have rhythm!  When it comes to pool both timing and rhythm are important.  Timing is how long it takes to get ready for a shot.  Stance, warm up strokes, etc.  Rhythm is the cadence of your game, or to put it another way, the rhythm of moving from one shot to the next.

Timing and rhythm are different for everyone.  You have heard the term "in the groove" and that really refers to rhythm.  Taking the same practice strokes, whether it is one, two, five, or ten, every time.  That is something each player has to develop and your body then becomes accustomed to that.  How many times have you done only one or two practice strokes and then missed the shot when you normally take 4-5 practice strokes?  You probably said, I rushed it.  You probably did.  Try to take the same number of strokes each shot but do NOT count your strokes.  They will become second nature.  If it does not feel right then STOP.  Start over.  Rhythm is very important.

Timing is also important but in my opinion not as important as rhythm.  Timing can throw your game off as well.  Remember, it is the time it takes to execute your shot.  If you vary your timing then your rhythm can be off as well.

To determine your best timing and rhythm you need to practice.  That is all there is.  You can try a different number of practice strokes until you feel comfortable and confident.  Timing can also be practiced to become a routine.  In fact, the mere act of shooting a cue ball should be routine.  The less you have to think about things the better your shot, and game, will be.

Billiards has been around for a long time.  So has competition.  Billiard leagues combine these to make the sport competitive and fun.  In the book PRECISION POOL by Gerry Kanov and Shari Stauch, they say "This is a sport, a game, a form of recreation enjoyed by millions of people.  But it can be a difficult and frustrating  sport for untold millions-and you- if you're not enjoying it.  Accept the Challenges, embrace the difficulties, revel in the mastery of each new skill, no matter how trivial at first glance. There's not a professional player in all the pool circuit that will tell you they've mastered the art of cue sports.  What they have mastered is the love of pool, and the thrill of discovery in a sport that will endlessly challenge them for as long as they weild a cue.We wish the same for each of you!"

I agree.  If you are not having fun playing pool then you should find something else to do.  You are always learning.  You are always watching.  You are always practicing.  That is what NAPA is all about.  You the player, becoming better, becoming more competitive, becoming part of a team, and becoming a leader, a teacher, a mentor.  If you love something then it is easier to to tolerate frustration, enjoy competition, encourage friendship, and promote the game and the league.

I will be giving tips each week to help every level of player from those just beginning to those who think they have mastered the game.  I will invite each of you to also give me your comments, suggestions, and remarks to make the blog, and the league, better. 

I look forward in starting this series and continue it as long as there is interest.