Defensive play
- Thread starter Jodacus
- Start date
Of course it can be taught. The best written discussion I know of for safety at eight ball is Randy Givens "8 Ball Bible". As for the number of situations, just look at the number of positions chess players have to deal with. I think the number of common pool situations is far less.
I think most players agree that the best game to learn safeties from is one pocket, and that is multiplied by the fact that most of the shots have a defensive part or are nearly all defense.
Yes. It can also be learned. There are some excellent DVDs available that offer help with both good information and drills. I can't quite remember the exact names of the videos, but I think they have the word "encyclopedia" somewhere in the titles, but don't quote me on that.
Regards,
Dave
Yes it can be taught and there are some good books and videos on saftey play. 8 ball bible, VEPPS, and pro skill drills are my favorites. Personally I think it's more of a mind set though to become very proficient at it. One pocket and straight pool are very good games to learn how to safe.
Teaching defense?
If you mean, "Can someone teach you all the defensive maneuvers?"
No, there are virtually countless defensive maneuvers in pool. I teach 15 VARIETIES of defense in 8-ball alone!
An instructor can teach you how to think about defense, so that you can teach yourself the shots.
There were virtually no instructors when I was a kid, so I learned by watching the masters. When I watch pool on tv or in person, I anticipate the shooter's move on every shot to test my knowledge. The more I do this, the more I think like a pro! But this is a long, slow process. Better yet, find a qualified instructor.
Many instructors, while having well-rounded knowledge and teaching skills, often have their specialties. I never really learned much about snooker, so I'm not the one to come to for that game. My game has generally been 8-ball, and shot selection my specialty.
If I could afford the best teacher of defense in EVERY game, I would probably go to Nick Varner. If I cannot afford huge $ lessons, I would contact a number of instructors, and ask them what game is their specialty (as well as their fees!)
Donny L
BCA/ACS Instructor
Gainesville.Fl
If you mean, "Can someone teach you all the defensive maneuvers?"
No, there are virtually countless defensive maneuvers in pool. I teach 15 VARIETIES of defense in 8-ball alone!
An instructor can teach you how to think about defense, so that you can teach yourself the shots.
There were virtually no instructors when I was a kid, so I learned by watching the masters. When I watch pool on tv or in person, I anticipate the shooter's move on every shot to test my knowledge. The more I do this, the more I think like a pro! But this is a long, slow process. Better yet, find a qualified instructor.
Many instructors, while having well-rounded knowledge and teaching skills, often have their specialties. I never really learned much about snooker, so I'm not the one to come to for that game. My game has generally been 8-ball, and shot selection my specialty.
If I could afford the best teacher of defense in EVERY game, I would probably go to Nick Varner. If I cannot afford huge $ lessons, I would contact a number of instructors, and ask them what game is their specialty (as well as their fees!)
Donny L
BCA/ACS Instructor
Gainesville.Fl
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While there are theoretically countless variables re: safeties, over time one will note there are certain shots that come up more than others and there are some that are easier that others to execute.
Absolutely teachable.
Absolutely teachable.