Here is an excerpt from the preface.
Controlled aggression is not simply a strategy; it is an attitude which should be in your thoughts every time you step to the table. Your first thought should be, “How can I capitalize on this situation”? Do not confuse aggressive play with offensive play. They are not the same thing. Aggressiveness is all about exacting the most damage to your opponent’s position and creating situations that maximize your ability to win.
Though these shots are typically offensive, they can also be defensive in nature. This is what is meant by aggressive One Pocket. It would be a mistake to adopt a cavalier attitude when performing any safety. Every shot is important and deserves dedication to executing that shot to the best of your ability.
Carefully studying the situations described in these chapters will help develop your imagination and an aggressive mind. Armed with a constant search for the maximum possibilities while incurring acceptable risk, you will discover that many times what appear to be strictly defensive positions are in fact offensive opportunities. Take your time, look carefully first for the most aggressive shot and work your way through the various options until only one logical shot remains.
The shot you choose should be determined by weighing the anticipated reward against an objective perception of risk according to your skills. Don’t be in a hurry to jump at the obvious. The most aggressive shot will not always be one where you will pocket a ball. Sometimes the more aggressive shot will move balls from one area of the table to another while playing the cue ball safely behind a cluster. This may even mean rejecting an opportunity to pocket a ball and choosing instead, a move that immediately creates monumental problems for your opponent.
Constantly search for ways to better your position or diminish even the slightest advantage your opponent may hold. A single ball near a small cluster located near the foot spot happens to be favoring your opponent. Seek a way to disturb this potential danger. It may take a few innings to accomplish this task but set and prioritize goals which help reduce the problems you may otherwise face later in the game. Maybe you see an opportunity to create a dead combination for your pocket by lightly skimming off a single ball which is part of a group of balls. Always be on the search for opportunities to improve on your position. There are countless ways to effectively use an inning. These seemingly simple undertakings can cause great havoc for your opponent. Continued......
Controlled aggression is not simply a strategy; it is an attitude which should be in your thoughts every time you step to the table. Your first thought should be, “How can I capitalize on this situation”? Do not confuse aggressive play with offensive play. They are not the same thing. Aggressiveness is all about exacting the most damage to your opponent’s position and creating situations that maximize your ability to win.
Though these shots are typically offensive, they can also be defensive in nature. This is what is meant by aggressive One Pocket. It would be a mistake to adopt a cavalier attitude when performing any safety. Every shot is important and deserves dedication to executing that shot to the best of your ability.
Carefully studying the situations described in these chapters will help develop your imagination and an aggressive mind. Armed with a constant search for the maximum possibilities while incurring acceptable risk, you will discover that many times what appear to be strictly defensive positions are in fact offensive opportunities. Take your time, look carefully first for the most aggressive shot and work your way through the various options until only one logical shot remains.
The shot you choose should be determined by weighing the anticipated reward against an objective perception of risk according to your skills. Don’t be in a hurry to jump at the obvious. The most aggressive shot will not always be one where you will pocket a ball. Sometimes the more aggressive shot will move balls from one area of the table to another while playing the cue ball safely behind a cluster. This may even mean rejecting an opportunity to pocket a ball and choosing instead, a move that immediately creates monumental problems for your opponent.
Constantly search for ways to better your position or diminish even the slightest advantage your opponent may hold. A single ball near a small cluster located near the foot spot happens to be favoring your opponent. Seek a way to disturb this potential danger. It may take a few innings to accomplish this task but set and prioritize goals which help reduce the problems you may otherwise face later in the game. Maybe you see an opportunity to create a dead combination for your pocket by lightly skimming off a single ball which is part of a group of balls. Always be on the search for opportunities to improve on your position. There are countless ways to effectively use an inning. These seemingly simple undertakings can cause great havoc for your opponent. Continued......
