How to Test Out an Unfamiliar Table Quickly and Fully

[dr_dave]

FYI, I just posted a video that discusses and demonstrates a set of 5 simple shots you can use to quickly assess an unfamiliar table if you have only a short amount of time to practice before a match. That way, you will know how to adjust to table conditions accordingly during play. Game-situation examples are provided throughout the video. Check it out:

Contents:
0:00 - Intro
0:17 - 1 – Lag Shot
4:15 - 2 – Stop/Draw Shots
6:04 - 3 – Kick Shot
7:17 - 4 – Maximum Spin Shot
8:50 - 5 – Maximum Throw Shot
10:29 - More Info

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy!

 

[billiards_watch]

Also,

Grab two balls and try to fit it through a pocket. This is a quick gauge of what you are dealing with in terms of pocket size.

Good post Dr. Dave. Always contributing to the game.

 

[gregcantrall]

Developing good habits is important. In my league play, I have developed a personal routine for testing a new table. It is similar to what you promote. Using the half hour allotment for team practice requires efficiency.
Checking the 3 rail kick to the corner pocket is my quickest first warm up shot.

 

[dr_dave]

Also,

Grab two balls and try to fit it through a pocket. This is a quick gauge of what you are dealing with in terms of pocket size.

If I were to add one more section to the video, I would have been "shooting balls slow and fast into the pockets at the extremes to see how the pockets play." Sometimes "large pockets" can rattle easily (especially with large facing angles, a deep shelf, and sticky cloth). And sometimes "small pockets" can play much bigger than they look (especially with parallel facing and new/slick cloth).

Good post Dr. Dave. Always contributing to the game.

Thanks. I'm glad you liked it. I got lots of good practice making it.

 

[dr_dave]

Checking the 3 rail kick to the corner pocket is my quickest first warm up shot.

That is included in the longer procedure on VEPP-V.

I also like hitting shots into a corner with 2-rail paths through the center of the table (ala the 45 degree rule). That gives me a feel how the cloth and rails play, and these shots are good to practice since they come up so often.

 

[gregcantrall]

That is included in the longer procedure on VEPP-V.

I also like hitting shots into a corner with 2-rail paths through the center of the table (ala the 45 degree rule). That gives me a feel how the cloth and rails play, and these shots are good to practice since they come up so often.

Back in The Day . I played nightly small tournaments, starting cold. If my opponent was stalling while racking , I would bounce whitey off the side pocket point and back to kitchen. Didn't take but a couple of strokes and usually they picked up the pace after noticing that I was practicing.

 

[mareh]

Cloth, rails and balls to check .
Also, i check if a ball on the rail passes the side pocket to the corner, and as greg said

Checking the 3 rail kick to the corner pocket is my quickest first warm up shot.

 

[bbb]

Very useful video, Dr. Dave
Thanks for taking the time to produce it
Question for you
Why does a drag shot produce more spin effect ?
the low right turns into high right? Why do you get more action?

 

[dr_dave]

Very useful video, Dr. Dave

Thanks. I’m glad you liked it.

Thanks for taking the time to produce it

You’re welcome. I aim to swerve.

Question for you
Why does a drag shot produce more spin effect ?
the low right turns into high right? Why do you get more action?

With drag, the the CB loses forward speed without losing much sidespin. This increases the spin-to-speed ratio, which results in more spin effect. For demonstrations and more detail, see the videos and info here:

drag shot resource page​