Relating pattern play to connect the dots.

[Drop The Rock]

I have been playing pool for almost 2 years and to be honest, until recently I had no idea what the concept of 9 ball patterns looked like. What I am starting to focus on is playing the cueball into the line of my next shot rather than across it. This makes the margin for speed error much bigger. What I have tried to use to simplify this process is a concept of connect the dots. I have trouble visualizing the pattern while close to the table, but if I step back and imagine it like connect the dots its a lot easier.

I have been really focusing on rotation pool in the last month or so and I'm discovering a lot of stuff. I mostly played one pocket up until recently and can see how aspects of both games transfer and help improvement.

These may be things everybody already knows but I'm still learning.

 

[Patrick Johnson]

What I am starting to focus on is playing the cueball into the line of my next shot rather than across it.

I think you'll find that this is so important that it becomes second nature to you - you'll automatically see the CB route that does that, and prefer it even if it involves an extra rail or two.

But try to remember to also consider other routes - it's easy to form habits and start overlooking other options (that are sometimes best). I sometimes practice by taking only "second choice" CB routes, just to remind myself of their potential benefits.

pj
chgo

 

[Drop The Rock]

I think you'll find that this is so important that it becomes second nature to you - you'll automatically see the CB route that does that, and prefer it even if it involves an extra rail or two.

But try to remember to also consider other routes - it's easy to form habits and start overlooking other options (that are sometimes best). I sometimes practice by taking only "second choice" CB routes, just to remind myself of their potential benefits.

pj
chgo

Maintaining a level of creativity is important!

 

[BrianaBrown13]

The 3 ball process, where do I need to be on the 2 to get to the 3. Then expand a couple more balls out. Also, identify trouble balls and if its possible to move them out of trouble. Controlling the rock is the key.