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.