The reason I ask is I recently have been trying to force myself to think about and play the *correct* position to make the runout easier. Meaning, like shots where you have multiple ways you can go to get to the next shot, which way to do you choose? Use high/inside english off one rail? Use low/outside off 2 rails? Things like that.
I recently starting taking lessons with the lovely and talented Jenn Barretta. So far, she has been a wonderful coach. Our lessons have been all about shooting the correct shot and playing the correct position. I'm already seeing things different and starting to understand why you take one way over the other. For anyone looking for lessons, I would highly suggest Jenn.
The past few days I've been thinking about how I should go about planning a run out, here are the steps i've thought of.
1. Where would I want to be on the next two balls if I had ball in hand?
2. Use no rails/1 rail/multiple rails?
3. What route makes speed control less important? (can I over/under hit the ball and still have a shot?)
4.Does the english needed for that route make the ball too hard to pocket?
For sure you're on the right track.
As a player becomes more proficient, their "puzzle solving" skills become quicker and more accurate. A pro like Jennifer can glance at most open tables and know very quickly how she will take it on. Planning the table is at the heart of great pool. There are many, many ways to play position. Some players like certain shots and dislike others. As a player's skills improve, they have a lot more options.
In general, for position play, here are what I consider some rules of thumb:
1- Always have a plan. Don't rush to shoot. Once you take that first shot, you're commiting to a pattern.
2. I like to use the smallest angle that will get the job done. This makes the shot easier and the speed less crucial. But the rule of thumb is you want an angle.
3. Positional errors are much more likely due to speed mistakes than directional mistakes. As such, play shape to larger open parts of the table, even if it means taking longer shots.
4. Get comfortable shooting back downtable. Position play becomes a lot easier if you're not always trying to get shape on the pocket closest to an object ball.
5. Keep it simple. For example, shoot downtable or use side pockets instead of trying to get back around balls. Use stop shots if they leave good enough but not ideal positiion.
6. Speaking of side pockets, don't be afraid of going up and down the table off of them. A lot of times that's easier than trying to get on the right side of a side pocket.
7. On open tables, I always try to identify my traveling shots first. For example, if I am on the 1 and have shape to the 2, but the 3 and 4 are on opposite sides of the table from each other, my key angle is 3 to the 4, so I have to play the 1 to the 2 accordingly.
8. On traveling shots, select the most open route that avoids pockets. Often this involves two or 3 rail shape and you should be comfortable playing it.
9. Know the traveling shot routes, 1 rail, 2 rail, 3 rail and straight back draw or follow.
10. The more you think, the more pool table puzzles you solve, and the better and quicker you get at it.
Chris
