9-ball safety break (APA)

[2rgrbn]

When I traveled and played I found that giving up the break was one of the best spots I could give against a less then strong player. If the odds are they aren't going to get out and they don't have a real strong safe game foul the break and give it to them, let their mistakes put you in the drivers seat. This of course won't work against a player but you probably don't have to give up so much against a player. OR I have always heard and said the most important shot of the game is the break perfect your break. If you break like Johnny Archer the odds are in your favor.

 

[btoneill]

If the CB/OB are frozen, you can just shoot through them, right? Is it different in league?

Not really, even in tournaments... Unless you hit them "properly" you may get called on a double hit or a push shot... But in most cases if you're thinking of calling it, call over a ref to watch the shot... The double hit is a pretty clear foul in APA, the push shot is a bit more iffy.... The APA manual lists it as:

PUSH SHOTS: A push shot involves a situation where the cue ball is frozen to
the object ball. The problem faced by the shooter is to keep from pushing or
keeping the tip of the cue on the cue ball. It looks bad and is generally thought of
as illegal. Push shots are controversial. Push shots will not be called in this
amateur League. Even the professional players cannot agree about what is and
isn?t a push shot. In general, you can lessen your chances of being accused of
shooting a push shot if you elevate the butt of your cue about 30 degrees. This
automatically cuts down the length of the follow through which is the principal
cause of a push shot. Players who repeatedly guide the cue ball with force
through object balls that are frozen or nearly frozen to the cue ball, using a level
cue and long follow through, may be subject to a sportsmanship penalty.

Which just goes to show that a lot of league players don't realize it... I just happen to be one of "those" people who read rule books cover to cover

Brian

 

[btoneill]

Oh, also to add to the push out issue, it's only illegal in APA handicapped play. In APA Masters or any APA non-handicapped tournament a push-out is perfectly legal in 9ball.

The Master's division is the perfect place for all the higher level players to play if they want to get away from all the "crap" that that handicapped league has...

Brian

 

[Ken_4fun]

You have to go to 75. I'm a 9 in 9 Ball and play all different skill levels (1 thru 9) and I generally lose one match per session (usually I win 12-1 in matches). You just have to learn not to shoot up in the air and place safe like the pros do (see my comments earlier in this thread).

Getting hooked after the break on barbox is not shooting up in the air.

Playing a 6,7,8 or 9 is easy action. Break and give ball in hand to ANYONE, and they should make a few balls at least.

Playing a SL2 is tough action if you are higher ranked. I dont care who you are.

As mentioned above, APA 9 ball is a joke. If the rules are no push out it should be by the game not by the balls.

Ken

 

[Ken_4fun]

You have to go to 75. I'm a 9 in 9 Ball and play all different skill levels (1 thru 9) and I generally lose one match per session (usually I win 12-1 in matches). You just have to learn not to shoot up in the air and place safe like the pros do (see my comments earlier in this thread).

You got action if you want it, I will put you against some SL2 that can pocket balls and a SL9 is the underdog.

If you are 12-1, give me 10:1 on the money and bet all you want.

Ken

 

[TWOFORPOOL]

APA 9 Ball

Getting hooked after the break on barbox is not shooting up in the air.

Playing a 6,7,8 or 9 is easy action. Break and give ball in hand to ANYONE, and they should make a few balls at least.

Playing a SL2 is tough action if you are higher ranked. I dont care who you are.

As mentioned above, APA 9 ball is a joke. If the rules are no push out it should be by the game not by the balls.

Ken

I completely agree if your not making a ball on the break or getting hooked on the break it is very hard to win with the spots you are giving to lesser skilled players.

Have you tried the APA Masters League. It is designed for the better players. You can push out after the break in 9 Ball and jump cues are allowed. You play a race to 7. You play 5 games of 8 ball and 8 games of 9 ball. Winner of lag decides to break or which game to play first. Most players decide to break first and let the racker decide which game to play first. Its more fun than regular APA. Most all of the players in APA Masters league can play (7,8 & 9s).