back to basics: (notably) blacks off the spot

[Terry Davidson]

ccfook:

You should have said you found the POSITION much harder to achieve with the brown rather than the black which is absolutlely true regarding the brown ball, but with the pink it should be easier than the black as you have 6 pockets to choose from.

From my own experience, I have potted over 100 pinks off the spot without touching the cueball however I havent achieved that magic 100 with the black as yet (sometimes with the pink I was forced to use a baulk pocket to maintain position, but also a lot of middle pocket pots, all great practice).

Terry

[Terry Davidson]

jonny:

First of all you have to review why you are practicing the black off the spot. Always remember it is to get better in matches or at least in a normal frame.

If your cueball is level with the pink and 10" (25cm) towards the cushion on the yellow side of the table then for a right-handed player, I agree, you must either get your leg on the table or else use the mini-butt or rest.

BUT, CONSIDER THIS, in a normal frame this would be a 30% shot at best, perhaps a 50% for a pro, especially if he tried to play position. Would you take this shot on in a match or would you choose either an easier pot, like if the pink was tied up as it normally is, how about a blue into the green pocket? Or if no blue there then perhaps a safety shot? I know I would do this in a match and pass on that black ball unless I was absolutely forced to take it on.

Remember the 2 golden rules regarding set-up. You must be COMFORTABLE and STABLE. If you cannot get to BOTH of these consitions with the cue or even with the mini-but, then use a rest ip you decide to try the pot or else go for another pot or safety.

NEVER, EVER, EVER over-stretch for a pot as you will miss it most of the time anyway and probably leave your opponent with a sitter.

Terry