I was poking around youtube and I found Pat Fleming's "The Creative Edge" videos. In the final chapter he goes over some break shots and "general rules" for break shots. I'd just like to know are these general rules applicable most of the time or are there a lot of exceptions? Do most players use these rules?
Some of the 9 ball rules don't apply now. Like in the video Pat said if you are playing by Texas Express Rules then balls are re-spotted...Its a great instructional video. Much to learn from it...such as the "Double Kiss Safety" ( One of my favorites) You rarely see anyone use it. Its a great alternative shot which can win you a lot of matches.
I was poking around youtube and I found Pat Fleming's "The Creative Edge" videos. In the final chapter he goes over some break shots and "general rules" for break shots. I'd just like to know are these general rules applicable most of the time or are there a lot of exceptions? Do most players use these rules?
When it comes to break shots, Pat Fleming is a God amongst mortal men. His knowledge on the subject is second to none. Personally, I have found his advice in that video to be extremely helpful - so helpful that I have referenced it and recommended it (to include the info on how to order it) in my own 14.1 DVD. There are exceptions to those rules, as is the case with anything. Nothing works all the time in every situation. But, generally if you follow what Pat says in that video, you can't go wrong.
Your question brought something to mind that I'd like to share. I hope I can both explain what I'm trying to say as well as set this cuetable graphic up close enough to proper, that it shows what I mean.
On certain break shots, like this one where the CB is farther from the long rail than the OB, draw is recommended so as not to scratch in the lower left corner.
But, on some lesser angle shots like the one shown, I like to add a touch of inside english to the draw for two reasons. First, the inside english will help slow the CB from running all the way up table to the far short rail after contacting the rack. Secondly, the touch of inside "shocks" the rack a tad more as it comes off the rack than would just draw.
Applying just draw, when you hit this shot firmly, will in and of itself apply outside english to the CB as it rubs off the OB and hence, when the CB continues on into the rack with that unintentional outside english, the tendency is for the CB to run up table.
So, applying a touch of inside negates that friction induced outside and while shocking the rack a bit harder, also helps control the CB.
Thanks for the replies. I am just starting to be able to string racks together on a regular basis and it feels great! Thanks to everyone for posting their advice and videos.
