Dogging the Money Ball..just conversation.

[GoldenFlash]

Just conversation here...no 'preaching'.
As a very young man, I remember Danny Jones making a good point on why a player misses the money ball lots of times. (other than being scared to death with people watching and outwardly pulling against you).
Danny's observation was that there is one thing we all do different on the money ball which we do not do on all the previous shots....thus breaking up the thought process of continuity.
We do not play position for another ball.
He believed that by playing some modest position for another "imaginary" ball, the mind did not become cluttered with thoughts of "all I got to do is just cinch this 9 ball" and stuff like that. Billy Johnson used to say the same thing.
The idea has served me well for many many years.
I learned a lot from Danny back in the old days in Atlanta.

 

[Johnnyt]

Just conversation here...no 'preaching'.
As a very young man, I remember Danny Jones making a good point on why a player misses the money ball lots of times. (other than being scared to death with people watching and outwardly pulling against you).
Danny's observation was that there is one thing we all do different on the money ball which we do not do on all the previous shots....thus breaking up the thought process of continuity.
We do not play position for another ball.
He believed that by playing some modest position for another "imaginary" ball, the mind did not become cluttered with thoughts of "all I got to do is just cinch this 9 ball" and stuff like that. Billy Johnson used to say the same thing.
The idea has served me well for many many years.
I learned a lot from Danny back in the old days in Atlanta.

This was what my Dad taught me many, many moons ago. He also added not to get down on the shot too quickly or take forever either. Try to stay at your normal time between shots.

I never really had a problem on the money ball, as I never played for more than I was comfortable with. I did tighten up a bit playing with a partner in pay ball, money ball, 15 ball rotation...or whatever you call it in your neck of the woods. Johnnyt

 

[Goldcues]

Agreed. Play some sort of position on the money ball even if you don't have to.
Stop shot, center table, name plate safe (center of the short rail), something.
Keep your rhythm and mechanics the same.
With these things in mind your money ball success should be the same as any other ball.

 

[336Robin]

Position on the Money Ball

Playing Position on the Money Ball is the way to keep from scratching on it by not thinking which way that last cue ball is going.

 

[boogeyman]

Just conversation here...no 'preaching'.
As a very young man, I remember Danny Jones making a good point on why a player misses the money ball lots of times. (other than being scared to death with people watching and outwardly pulling against you).
Danny's observation was that there is one thing we all do different on the money ball which we do not do on all the previous shots....thus breaking up the thought process of continuity.
We do not play position for another ball.
He believed that by playing some modest position for another "imaginary" ball, the mind did not become cluttered with thoughts of "all I got to do is just cinch this 9 ball" and stuff like that. Billy Johnson used to say the same thing.
The idea has served me well for many many years.
I learned a lot from Danny back in the old days in Atlanta.

Interesting post.
If this works for a particular player, then more power to him/her.

However, I don't see the point "playing position" when one doesn't have to.
Seems to add an unnecessary element to the shot.
If you can simply pocket the money with center, then do it. Be done with it.

Again, if it works, so be it.

 

[Corwyn_8]

I would be cautious of the idea that 'dogging' is more common on the money ball, than one more mundane ones. We tend to remember it more, but...

Thank you kindly.

 

[Baxter]

If I have any kind of somewhat tough shot on the money ball, I play the cue ball to end up safe or tough if I miss. Opposite end of the table on the rail or something like that. I don't imagine another ball to play shape on, I just make sure I move the cue ball to somewhere on the table where it will be tough for my opponent should I happen to miss the money ball.

 

[AF pool guy]

I've always wanted to get a practice set of balls with seven 8-balls, seven 9-balls and a numberless red ball. Then every shot would be practicing on a moneyball.

 

[GoldCrown]

I've always wanted to get a practice set of balls with seven 8-balls, seven 9-balls and a numberless red ball. Then every shot would be practicing on a moneyball.

Interesting and would probably help/work. Mind set is everything. Lately I'm trying to play the 7,8,9 as if they are 1,2,3.

I play position when playing the 9. I did make a severe cut shot last week for game/match and scratched. My focus was solely making the 9. I made it alright:angry: It was hard enough to make so much as playing position.

 

[Bank it]

Sometimes it's just a missed shot. Missing it regularly, it's in your head, placing a certain level of importance on that ball as compared to the others throughout the run. It's just another ball, act accordingly

 

[philly]

Interesting post.
If this works for a particular player, then more power to him/her.

However, I don't see the point "playing position" when one doesn't have to.
Seems to add an unnecessary element to the shot.
If you can simply pocket the money with center, then do it. Be done with it.

Again, if it works, so be it.

I find using center ball can cause a skid on certain cut shots on the money ball (or any ball) when hit softly. I feel at least a little english causes the object ball to hold it's line on a soft hit. I always play the cue ball to a spot when shooting on the money ball because it keeps me from scratching, and it's what I do on all other shots.

 

[GoldenFlash]

Agreed. Play some sort of position on the money ball even if you don't have to.
Stop shot, center table, name plate safe (center of the short rail), something.
Keep your rhythm and mechanics the same.
With these things in mind your money ball success should be the same as any other ball.

YES...good observation.
That's what Danny (Jones) was talking about.
Billy said the same thing.

 

[3andstop]

I say play straight pool. Every ball is the money ball and before long you will realize how important each shot is. Then .. when you play those carnival games, you will feel less pressure.

 

[curacao2]

I always try to play the last shot freezing my cueball to a rail. That way even if I miss I make it a little harder on my opponent and I am playing position.