Side pockets are big holes.

CaptainJR

CaptainJR

Shiver me timbers.
Silver Member
I've always known that given the same distance and amount of cut, I'd rather shoot a cross side bank than a cross corner bank. A while back when discussing legal pocket sizes I noticed that on the BCA guide lines, side pockets are bigger than corner pockets.

For example if I have a fairly straight forward bank in the side that I can shoot like a stop shot leaving myself perfect for the rest of the out I'll take the bank without thinking twice about it. However if the same situation is using a cross corner bank I'll definitely take an extra look for other options.

Any thoughts?
 
At the opening, the side pockets are larger, but the angle to the pocket is the determining factor for me....those big side pockets seem to get much smaller when the angle increases.
Steve
 
pooltchr said:
At the opening, the side pockets are larger, but the angle to the pocket is the determining factor for me....those big side pockets seem to get much smaller when the angle increases.
Steve
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Your right. Just the opposite of corner pockets. Corner pockets get smaller as the angle decreases. :confused:
 
I prefer to drop the balls in the corner pockets; but it is amazing how big that side pocket becomes for the cueball. Sometimes that white ball will come off the end cushion and find its way into the side that just seems to be an impossible angle for a bank or a cut shot.
 
TheBook said:
I prefer to drop the balls in the corner pockets; but it is QUOTE]

I usually try to avoid the side pockets unless it's easy shape...it's too easy for me to get out of line on them
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To me ....

Shooting side pockets on an 8' table
with tight pockets is one of the hardest
things to do. Sometimes they almost
feel like snooker pockets. Seems like
the angle of the side of the side pockets
is different than a 9 footer or something..
 
You all keep bringing up cut shots. I'm talking about bank shots. A bank into the side will not be making the side pocket smaller the way a cut shot does.
 
On a corner pocket bank you can hid the rail and still have the ball drop. You can also play speed to leave the OB on the middle of the end rail. It's important to be able to go either way with it in 9-ball depending on the situation.
 
CaptainJR said:
I've always known that given the same distance and amount of cut, I'd rather shoot a cross side bank than a cross corner bank. A while back when discussing legal pocket sizes I noticed that on the BCA guide lines, side pockets are bigger than corner pockets.

For example if I have a fairly straight forward bank in the side that I can shoot like a stop shot leaving myself perfect for the rest of the out I'll take the bank without thinking twice about it. However if the same situation is using a cross corner bank I'll definitely take an extra look for other options.

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

I agree with the bank to the corner posters....More room for error...and if you do miss your more likely to leave a bank for your opponent...

A missed bank to the side pocket is more than likely a sell out...

I very rarely see an "option" on which pocket to bank too...Usually the angle, lay of the CB and shape on the next ball will dictate a pocket...
 
pooltchr said:
At the opening, the side pockets are larger, but the angle to the pocket is the determining factor for me....those big side pockets seem to get much smaller when the angle increases.
Steve
Click to expand...
they really do dont they
 
Your room for error is larger at the corner. The opening of the side pocket is all you have - left or right of that and you miss. You can miss the corner to the short rail by a few inches and still make the ball.

Try the exact same shot in the side and the corner ten times and see which you do better on. If your OB is to the right of the side pocket (facing table) then move it down to the left corner and try it there.

Jake
 
vapoolplayer said:
there is more room for error banking into the corners.

VAP
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I sort of thought that. I guess that is why I feel peculiar about feeling more confident about a cross side bank.
 
CaptainJR said:
I sort of thought that. I guess that is why I feel peculiar about feeling more confident about a cross side bank.
Click to expand...


i'd rather bank into the corner, because the room for error is greater.

you can still hit the shot bad and make it, or leave your opponent safe.

hit a side pocket bank bad........well.........i'm sure you've seen what happens.

also depending on the angle of the bank, the side pockets get smaller just like a cut shot would.

VAP
 
i'd go with the cross side, too- but not because of pocket size: I'm always nervous about getting the cb out of the way.
 
If the side pocket "looks" and "feels" cofortable to you then I wouldn't fight it and just take that shot. But unless you are recording your make percentage then you might only be remembring the times you make the shot and forget the times you miss it. How often does the point get you? But for me I find if the shot "feels" on then I usually make it. you probably feel comfortable with it because you shoot it a lot. And it looks so nice when it goes in.


Jake
 
vapoolplayer said:
i'd rather bank into the corner, because the room for error is greater.
Click to expand...

Lately, every tournament I play, the corner pockets are so friggin' tight that banking to the corners is a losing proposition.

Fred
 
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