"Stomach is three miles down the road" -- I've had matches like that.
I thought that opening bit in the 2nd link was pretty familiar.
The WWYD Thread...
- Thread starter The_JV
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I thought that opening bit in the 2nd link was pretty familiar.
What's going on in this particular situation is a good illustration of a pro players thought process. In this case (and most others) it comes down to percentages and margin of error.
Sure, they execute better than amateurs but they also think better, whether knowingly or just by instinct.
There are 3 ways to play this shot as been pointed out already. Let's examine each, taking into consideration not just position but the difficulty of the 5 ball.
Not that it's a difficult shot but (like many other shots) make percentage increases with different strokes.
Just to make everything clear as far as the side pocket goes, the part of the long rail closest to the 5 ball would be (to me) "above the side pocket".
Sending the CB above the side pocket with the intention of playing short side of the 7 may be the best (natural ball, a little running english) for make percentage. I'd guess however, that Filler (and the majority of pros) would reject that choice immediately.
Why? Because you're playing difficult (small MOE) position speedwise which unless you get (real good) you'll be faced with a difficult shot up in the corner. When you have one marginal play leading to possibly another, pros are going to avoid that unless absolutely necessary.
What about below the side pocket? For position on the combo. This may be the worst of the 3 options.
Why? Two reasons. The side pocket near the 7 is in play but the more important reason is that it requires an "in between stroke". Not follow, not punch, not draw.
To hit the 1st rail correctly the stroke would be in between follow and punch. Depending on right side english the side pocket IMO becomes larger.
Again, 2 variables and pros will avoid unless forced. Another consideration is the position of the CB. While able to hit wherever you want on the ball, you can't bridge comfortably which compromises accuracy.
Top players, while very good at these "in between" strokes, are also acutely aware that these strokes are the most prone to error.
What about the way he did shoot it? His choice allowed for the most favorable MOE for both speed and direction. Some people may be worried about hitting the 8.
Don't be. If you watch the video in slow motion you'll see that the 8 is basically not a factor at all. You would have to completely butcher this shot to hit the 8.
On the video, as the CB is slowing to a stop, Earl remarks that he comes close to scratching. While possible, the combination of speed, angle and english makes it extremely unlikely. In spite of the fact that he missed it, the combo was a hanger. People has described it as a 90% shot for him. I'd say that's an understatement.
I'd challenge all intermediate and even fairly advanced players to examine the way in which they observe videos of pros (elite players) as a means of learning. If they did something different than you expected then rest assured there's a good reason for it. Once you look at it in detail I think you'll find that increased MOE is intimately involved in their decisions. Note: The trickier the situation--the more important it becomes.
For a lot of players, a subtle shift in their perceptions and thought processes can result in large improvements on the table.
Sure, they execute better than amateurs but they also think better, whether knowingly or just by instinct.
There are 3 ways to play this shot as been pointed out already. Let's examine each, taking into consideration not just position but the difficulty of the 5 ball.
Not that it's a difficult shot but (like many other shots) make percentage increases with different strokes.
Just to make everything clear as far as the side pocket goes, the part of the long rail closest to the 5 ball would be (to me) "above the side pocket".
Sending the CB above the side pocket with the intention of playing short side of the 7 may be the best (natural ball, a little running english) for make percentage. I'd guess however, that Filler (and the majority of pros) would reject that choice immediately.
Why? Because you're playing difficult (small MOE) position speedwise which unless you get (real good) you'll be faced with a difficult shot up in the corner. When you have one marginal play leading to possibly another, pros are going to avoid that unless absolutely necessary.
What about below the side pocket? For position on the combo. This may be the worst of the 3 options.
Why? Two reasons. The side pocket near the 7 is in play but the more important reason is that it requires an "in between stroke". Not follow, not punch, not draw.
To hit the 1st rail correctly the stroke would be in between follow and punch. Depending on right side english the side pocket IMO becomes larger.
Again, 2 variables and pros will avoid unless forced. Another consideration is the position of the CB. While able to hit wherever you want on the ball, you can't bridge comfortably which compromises accuracy.
Top players, while very good at these "in between" strokes, are also acutely aware that these strokes are the most prone to error.
What about the way he did shoot it? His choice allowed for the most favorable MOE for both speed and direction. Some people may be worried about hitting the 8.
Don't be. If you watch the video in slow motion you'll see that the 8 is basically not a factor at all. You would have to completely butcher this shot to hit the 8.
On the video, as the CB is slowing to a stop, Earl remarks that he comes close to scratching. While possible, the combination of speed, angle and english makes it extremely unlikely. In spite of the fact that he missed it, the combo was a hanger. People has described it as a 90% shot for him. I'd say that's an understatement.
I'd challenge all intermediate and even fairly advanced players to examine the way in which they observe videos of pros (elite players) as a means of learning. If they did something different than you expected then rest assured there's a good reason for it. Once you look at it in detail I think you'll find that increased MOE is intimately involved in their decisions. Note: The trickier the situation--the more important it becomes.
For a lot of players, a subtle shift in their perceptions and thought processes can result in large improvements on the table.
That's a lotta words.
Look at the video to see the 8 wasn't in play?
No shit. A little unintented draw or hi and the end result is much different.
Running that lane will get you in trouble sooner or later- especially if you are playing on tournament tables, as opposed to a home box- and like any shot, has its unique +/- choices
Look at the video to see the 8 wasn't in play?
No shit. A little unintented draw or hi and the end result is much different.
Running that lane will get you in trouble sooner or later- especially if you are playing on tournament tables, as opposed to a home box- and like any shot, has its unique +/- choices
I like the idea of playing postion for the 7 downtable in the corner pocket with follow (maybe hitting slightly elevated or possibly using right english). The combo is laying easy but I think I would just try to run out.
Way too much work. Looked like he was showing off. I bet he couldve made it though. (I mean he probably didn't try hard enough)
Way too much work. Looked like he was showing off. I bet he couldve made it though. (I mean he probably didn't try hard enough)
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You're absolutely right, way too many words. I was actually going to explain to you why the 8 is not a factor but it would take a lot of words.
Apparently there's no value in paying attention to detail the way the pros do. Shouldn't have brought it up, sorry.
Perhaps you should lobby AZB management to put a word limit on posts.