Does this make sense (better players question)

[erhino41]

In my opinion, unless you have infinite energy and a love of disappointment, area position is your best friend.

It's not the area that you play, it is how you approach that area that is the important part. On all shots, except those that will require a very exact spot to hit, you will be playing area position, even if that area is very small. Ensuring that you are taking the best path into that area to maximize your chance of getting to a manageable position is the key. Hitting an extra rail or two and coming in as close to the position line as you can is the way to go about it. Sometimes that is not possible and you really need to stop on a dime, however I feel that is the exception rather than the rule.

 

[erhino41]

When I'm better I might agree with you, right now I'm probably my own worst enemy! So to me it doesn't matter who's waiting for me to miss! I'm giving everyone the same game. How does it matter who you play? Unless you are playing a far inferior person you might play reckless breakouts instead of a well thought safety. i just assume everyone can run 8or9 balls! If they can't I'm happy as hell!

I see it this way, when you are at the table and are examining/planning your strategy to handle the current layout, your opponent shouldn't matter that much. If you feel you should clear the table then your opponent shouldn't matter at all, if he cant touch the table then it doesn't matter if it's Efren sitting in that chair. If you need to play safe and develop the table, then your opponent will definitely come into play. Knowing how your opponent plays is going to either open up safety opportunities to you or it is going to close off safety opportunities depending on how well they shoot.

If by playing the table not your opponent you simply mean not letting them get into your head then you are 100% correct.

 

[Tramp Steamer]

disagree 1000% with playing the table over an opponent

i think it's the best course of action if your opponent is uknown otherwise shift your game a little if it means taking advantage of his weaknesses

Grady Mathews reminded us to play to the weaknesses of our opponent, like you say. If he has trouble with long shots then leave him on the end-rail all night long.
The Professor also said you should take what the table has to offer. In other words, let the layout dictate your strategy.
If you're playing One Pocket you may want to leave the stack (congested area) alone until a more opportune time.
Sometimes precise position is not possible. Have a back-up plan such as a nearby ball that will keep your run alive. Scott Frost teaches that one.
And, always remember. A woman is a woman, but a good cigar is a smoke.
That one's from the old Trampster. :smile:

 

[owll]

consistency in results comes from consistency in approach.

same foot placement, same head orientation, same elbow and wrist placement, same head placement in relation to shot line.

To improve your game, make fundamentals your number 1 priority. Your second priority should be playing games that punish you for mistakes in position (9 ball, one pocket, 15 ball rotation).

 

[worktheknight]

1: I no longer play opponents, I play the table
2: I no longer play a game, I play well executed shots,1 at a time
3: I open up congested areas to move better
4: I then play breakout shots after some room to move has been made
5: I nolonger play area position, I pick a resting spot.

Just my opinions:
1: I no longer play opponents, I play the table: I do believe you are referring this as a mental part of the game in which I agree 100 % with. As I learned the game and played against some of the worlds best non professional players, focusing on the layout of the table instead of my scary opponent gave better results at the time.

2: I no longer play a game, I play well executed shots,1 at a time
I again, feel you are relating to the mental side of the game and are just advancing in table awareness and forming a better confident pace from shot selection, pre shot routine and position.

3: I open up congested areas to move better
I am guessing you are on bar boxes as with the smaller area of table, more clusters are formed. This becomes easier and must be done when your attention to cue ball resting area improves when you go from an area resting place to something more specific.

4: I then play breakout shots after some room to move has been made
An extension from # 3

5: I no longer play area position, I pick a resting spot.
Staying in position against slowly getting out of position will increase those finishing games.

I will send you a PM also. In my opinion, you are making good choices and stick with them. Good Luck.