Thought Process When Shooting the 9-Ball ?

C

ChrisinNC

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
For the purpose of this discussion, let's assume we are referring to a tournament match or a money match, in which the outcome of every game is critical.

When playing 9B, on a 9B shot that I realistically accept that there is a chance I may miss, I am usually looking to play the shot with the spin and speed that will maximize my chance of leaving distance between the 2 balls and a harder shot for my opponent, even if by doing so that decreases my chance of making the shot. I'm also thinking of, if I miss, to make sure I miss the shot on the correct side of the pocket and at the correct speed to leave my opponent a harder shot, which also may slightly decrease my chance of making the shot.

The dilemma comes when you fall upon a certain angle on a 9B shot that you may be more comfortable using a certain spin and speed on, but in doing so, if you happen to miss, is more likely going to sell out and leave your opponent an easy shot.

My question is - on a less than easy 9B shot, is it negative and detrimental to your chances of making the shot to be thinking in the back of your mind what kind of shot you might be leaving for your opponent if you happen to miss? Should you go all-in on making the shot, even if it requires you to play the shot at the speed and spin that may sell out the game to your opponent if you happen to miss, or does it make sense to be thinking of a 2-way shot when shooting the 9B? Of course, the problem is, if you happen to rattle the 9B in the pocket and it stays in the pocket, it doesn't really matter where you leave the CB.

Just curious what thought processes go through other player's minds in situations when shooting a 9B shot that, difficulty wise, you have a 60%-80% chance of making. For myself, anything less than 60%, I'm looking to playing a good safety anyway.
 
ChrisinNC said:
For the purpose of this discussion, let's assume we are referring to a tournament match or a money match, in which the outcome of every game is critical.

When playing 9B, on a 9B shot that I realistically accept that there is a chance I may miss, I am usually looking to play the shot with the spin and speed that will maximize my chance of leaving distance between the 2 balls and a harder shot for my opponent, even if by doing so that decreases my chance of making the shot. I'm also thinking of, if I miss, to make sure I miss the shot on the correct side of the pocket and at the correct speed to leave my opponent a harder shot, which also may slightly decrease my chance of making the shot.

The dilemma comes when you fall upon a certain angle on a 9B shot that you may be more comfortable using a certain spin and speed on, but in doing so, if you happen to miss, is more likely going to sell out and leave your opponent an easy shot.

My question is - on a less than easy 9B shot, is it negative and detrimental to your chances of making the shot to be thinking in the back of your mind what kind of shot you might be leaving for your opponent if you happen to miss? Should you go all-in on making the shot, even if it requires you to play the shot at the speed and spin that may sell out the game to your opponent if you happen to miss, or does it make sense to be thinking of a 2-way shot when shooting the 9B? Of course, the problem is, if you happen to rattle the 9B in the pocket and it stays in the pocket, it doesn't really matter where you leave the CB.

Just curious what thought processes go through other player's minds in situations when shooting a 9B shot that, difficulty wise, you have a 60%-80% chance of making. For myself, anything less than 60%, I'm looking to playing a good safety anyway.
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Just mho but, anytime you're thinking anything when you're shooting any ball ( the actual act of shooting ), let alone the 9, you're giving up weight ( or more weight, if you're already giving some up ) to your opponent. The time to plan out your shot and/or run is before you ever address the ball. As for the 9 itself, a great, great player told me when I was just a kid: "Never baby the $$$. Always hit it with authority." So, between shooting with a clear head and not being anything other than dead sure when you shoot the 9, things usually come up roses.
 
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Michael Andros said:
Just mho but, anytime you're thinking anything when you're shooting any ball ( the actual act of shooting ), let alone the 9, you're giving up weight ( or more weight, if you're already giving some up ) to your opponent. The time to plan out your shot and/or run is before you ever address the ball. As for the 9 itself, a great, great player told me when I was just a kid: "Never baby the $$$. Always hit it with authority." So, between shooting with a clear head and not being anything other than dead sure when you shoot the 9, things usually come up roses.
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Agreed, all decisions on how you're playing the 9-ball shot are done when you are standing up, before you even start in to your pre-shot routine. Once you take your stance and start in to your pre-shot routine, you are already committed 100% to what you've decided to do.
 
I do all that thinking before I get down. When I get down on the shot I dedicate to the shot the way I decided to play it before hand.

ChrisinNC said:
For the purpose of this discussion, let's assume we are referring to a tournament match or a money match, in which the outcome of every game is critical.

When playing 9B, on a 9B shot that I realistically accept that there is a chance I may miss, I am usually looking to play the shot with the spin and speed that will maximize my chance of leaving distance between the 2 balls and a harder shot for my opponent, even if by doing so that decreases my chance of making the shot. I'm also thinking of, if I miss, to make sure I miss the shot on the correct side of the pocket and at the correct speed to leave my opponent a harder shot, which also may slightly decrease my chance of making the shot.

The dilemma comes when you fall upon a certain angle on a 9B shot that you may be more comfortable using a certain spin and speed on, but in doing so, if you happen to miss, is more likely going to sell out and leave your opponent an easy shot.

My question is - on a less than easy 9B shot, is it negative and detrimental to your chances of making the shot to be thinking in the back of your mind what kind of shot you might be leaving for your opponent if you happen to miss? Should you go all-in on making the shot, even if it requires you to play the shot at the speed and spin that may sell out the game to your opponent if you happen to miss, or does it make sense to be thinking of a 2-way shot when shooting the 9B? Of course, the problem is, if you happen to rattle the 9B in the pocket and it stays in the pocket, it doesn't really matter where you leave the CB.

Just curious what thought processes go through other player's minds in situations when shooting a 9B shot that, difficulty wise, you have a 60%-80% chance of making. For myself, anything less than 60%, I'm looking to playing a good safety anyway.
Click to expand...
 
ChrisinNC said:
Agreed, all decisions on how you're playing the 9-ball shot are done when you are standing up, before you even start in to your pre-shot routine. Once you take your stance and start in to your pre-shot routine, you are already committed 100% to what you've decided to do.
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Or sure should be! :D
 
ChrisinNC said:
For the purpose of this discussion, let's assume we are referring to a tournament match or a money match, in which the outcome of every game is critical.

When playing 9B, on a 9B shot that I realistically accept that there is a chance I may miss, I am usually looking to play the shot with the spin and speed that will maximize my chance of leaving distance between the 2 balls and a harder shot for my opponent, even if by doing so that decreases my chance of making the shot. I'm also thinking of, if I miss, to make sure I miss the shot on the correct side of the pocket and at the correct speed to leave my opponent a harder shot, which also may slightly decrease my chance of making the shot.

The dilemma comes when you fall upon a certain angle on a 9B shot that you may be more comfortable using a certain spin and speed on, but in doing so, if you happen to miss, is more likely going to sell out and leave your opponent an easy shot.

My question is - on a less than easy 9B shot, is it negative and detrimental to your chances of making the shot to be thinking in the back of your mind what kind of shot you might be leaving for your opponent if you happen to miss? Should you go all-in on making the shot, even if it requires you to play the shot at the speed and spin that may sell out the game to your opponent if you happen to miss, or does it make sense to be thinking of a 2-way shot when shooting the 9B? Of course, the problem is, if you happen to rattle the 9B in the pocket and it stays in the pocket, it doesn't really matter where you leave the CB.

Just curious what thought processes go through other player's minds in situations when shooting a 9B shot that, difficulty wise, you have a 60%-80% chance of making. For myself, anything less than 60%, I'm looking to playing a good safety anyway.
Click to expand...
I think usually you should either commit fully to the shot or fully to a safety. Trying to do both too often ends up doing neither very well.

pj
chgo
 
If the shot is more than a ~30% chance to miss, I play it on the pro side of the pocket (make sure if I miss, I don't under-cut it). Any English I use would be whatever would avoid the scratch.


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Get_A_Grip said:
If the shot is more than a ~30% chance to miss, I play it on the pro side of the pocket (make sure if I miss, I don't under-cut it). Any English I use would be whatever would avoid the scratch.


Sent from my iPhone using AzBilliards Forums
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Agreed, but problem is, making sure you miss it on the "pro" side of the pocket greatly increases your chances you may leave it hanging in the pocket. I follow that rule pretty much just as you do, but when I tell myself "If I miss it, make sure I overcut it", it is very likely I will do just that.
 
GoldCrown said:
Stroke and play position. Put it in.
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Well said. Morris said it a bit differently in Lenny's "rocket science" video...that when shooting the game winner, play position anyway...thus avoiding the scratch.

A great shot sinking the 9 isn't so great if the cue ball goes in another hole.
 
100%

My question is - on a less than easy 9B shot, is it negative and detrimental to your chances of making the shot to be thinking in the back of your mind what kind of shot you might be leaving for your opponent if you happen to miss? Should you go all-in on making the shot, even if it requires you to play the shot at the speed and spin that may sell out the game to your opponent if you happen to miss, or does it make sense to be thinking of a 2-way shot when shooting the 9B? Of course, the problem is, if you happen to rattle the 9B in the pocket and it stays in the pocket, it doesn't really matter where you leave the CB.
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IMO even the slightest thought in your mind about what you MIGHT leave, takes you out of fully committing to your shot. You might get the yips and not just SHOOT THE SHOT. If all the stuff you listed above is going through your mind, your percentage
of making it go down. 100% confidence, decide your shot, get down, and spear it.
 
When I shoot at the 9 regardless if it's a tough shot or not I'm not shooting to miss it
I might miss it and lose (did this last week) but I'm fully confident that I'm going to make it
If the shot is to tough to make then I try to make my opponent have to shoot a tough
bank to win.
 
Agree with what has been said. I am always trying to play for some leave on the 9 to make it similar to every other ball.

I may play a certain English on the 9 to leave the cueball where the 9 can't be made. But I won't do that if i think it takes me to 75% or less odds to make it.

As for pro side and leaving the 9 ball in a particular area, I do that even less. More on banks than anything. I will do that if i think my odds are low to make it. Maybe 50% to make it.

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ChrisinNC said:
For the purpose of this discussion, let's assume we are referring to a tournament match or a money match, in which the outcome of every game is critical.

When playing 9B, on a 9B shot that I realistically accept that there is a chance I may miss, I am usually looking to play the shot with the spin and speed that will maximize my chance of leaving distance between the 2 balls and a harder shot for my opponent, even if by doing so that decreases my chance of making the shot. I'm also thinking of, if I miss, to make sure I miss the shot on the correct side of the pocket and at the correct speed to leave my opponent a harder shot, which also may slightly decrease my chance of making the shot.

The dilemma comes when you fall upon a certain angle on a 9B shot that you may be more comfortable using a certain spin and speed on, but in doing so, if you happen to miss, is more likely going to sell out and leave your opponent an easy shot.

My question is - on a less than easy 9B shot, is it negative and detrimental to your chances of making the shot to be thinking in the back of your mind what kind of shot you might be leaving for your opponent if you happen to miss? Should you go all-in on making the shot, even if it requires you to play the shot at the speed and spin that may sell out the game to your opponent if you happen to miss, or does it make sense to be thinking of a 2-way shot when shooting the 9B? Of course, the problem is, if you happen to rattle the 9B in the pocket and it stays in the pocket, it doesn't really matter where you leave the CB.

Just curious what thought processes go through other player's minds in situations when shooting a 9B shot that, difficulty wise, you have a 60%-80% chance of making. For myself, anything less than 60%, I'm looking to playing a good safety anyway.
Click to expand...
I don’t condone this thinking, whatever choice you make before getting down on the shot, you must commit to that decision 100%. Anything less will breed negative results.... my 27cents..
 
In general, when shooting, no matter what ball it is I commit to a choice, be it trying to pocket a ball or playing safe. I find that most players make errors if they try to do two things at once.

There are rare occasions that I may shoot at one side of the pocket for reasons you mentioned but like I said above, not in general.
 
no you stroke using the speed and place for it to go that gives you the best chance of winning the game. the making of the balls chances is only part of it.
 
I really haven't played 9-ball yet but the psychological process seems like it would be similar for me playing 8-ball when you're both either on the 8, or with them having just a ball or two left.
After reading someone's advice on something similar here, I have adopted the practice of going through my PSR, lining up, and then just pausing for a few seconds to let the confidence in making the shot build in my mind. Seems like the longer I look, the easier the shot seems most times. If that doesn't happen, I stand back up and re-evaluate. For me, long distance shots and bank shots are where this kicks in the most. If the doubt doesn't subside, then maybe that's not the shot I should play.
 
This may sound nuts but an old hand told me years ago to play position on an imaginary ball. He said you play shape on every other shot so do it on the 9 as well. Keeps you from worrying about the outcome. Sounds stupid but it works.
 
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