Those who contributed to WOP and SMS were champions. Early on I was asked by ER to contribute a shot or two but never got around to it. I wish that I had. And what kind of shot do you think I would have chosen to present? Given this opportunity don't you think I would have offered up a shot something similar to one from my collection of videos? Of course I would. You will find in both of ER's books a lot of flash mixed with a lot of sound thinking. I want those of you who own a copy of either of these books to take a look at the scenarios presented in WOP, "Shots from the past" and tell me truly, are many of these situations and solutions typically what you would expect to find in the course of a game? Are these solutions shots you would feel comfortable playing? I put it to you that most of the shots these champions offered were rather flashy examples, personally motivated by a desire to demonstrate how imaginative the shooter could be, and why wouldn't they? If this was their intention they succeed admirably. I do the same thing with my videos. I try to present interesting situations and shots for their entertainment value but also to encourage the viewer to attempt expanding their One Pocket imaginations. The reality is quite different. Much of the time taking a simple approach to the situation is the better approach. Jay H. suggested, much can be accomplished by rolling the cue ball off another ball and hiding the cue ball behind something. He is right! You won't see much of that in the illustrations ER presents in either WOP or SMS. Why, it looks boring, but it can be as effective as any flashy shot you see in ER's books or in my videos.
Don't get me wrong here. I don't mean to criticize ER's books.These books did wonders to help promote One Pocket. They helped expose the game's wonders for all to see. They are filled with insightful information useful to any reader interested in learning about this game. They are not all flashy shots. There is a wealth of good solid information within those pages. Still, it was my opinion then as it is now that these books do not present as solid a foundation for learning this game as the student needs. More often than not it is the game within the game that must be firmly understood. How should you manage to "Get the first shot" how should you decide which option is the best, and then, once a good scoring opportunity arises, "how should you manage the rack so as to score heavily during that one inning"? Possessing a steady and sound understanding of the needs of the moment is the key. This is where I believe ER left room for expansion. This was my goal in writing "Controlled Aggression". As the title implies, Strive to find an aggressively offense shot but temper this desire with common sense, and if need be, prepare to turn that aggressive nature of yours in reverse and survive with defensive until the proper, aggressive opportunity returns. These are the weapons I teach throughout my book. I do this with every page, explaining my reasoning as I go along. I provide many basic examples with which to begin this process, taking into consideration, skill level and the score of the game as just two of the many factors involved in formulating a decision. From these examples variations can then be recognized and the solutions then become commonplace. In this way you can begin to see patterns develop and quickly recognize how to exploit the various situations.
WOP and SMS only go so far in teaching the theory behind the game. I felt there was a need to expand on this area. Hence, my book. Maybe someone else will come along and take what I have endeavored to teach and expand further. I welcome that contribution. There is much to learn about this great game and there is plenty of room for those with the knowledge to teach what they have gathered throughout their careers. Volumes of helpful information to any would be One Pocket player is waiting to be written. Good information is just that and it does not matter a lick where it comes from. If it is sound advice. If it makes sense. If it helps to improve your understanding of the subject, than it is worthwhile information.
Thank you,
Tom
I was able to outshoot my opponent on pure firepower and some creative thinking but when it got to the moves he choked me like a python. So basically I want to get more knowledgable about the moves/tactics, about the break etc. so the next time i would be ready tactically.
