Top 10 PATTERN PLAY Principles and Techniques

[dr_dave]

FYI, I just posted a new video that demonstrates and explains the Top 10 most important pattern-play principles that deal with strategy for choosing ball run-out order and position-play options:

NV J.46 – Top 10 PATTERN PLAY Principles and Techniques​

Here's the direct YouTube video link.​

The topics covered (with linked time-stamps) include:

- Intro [0:00]
1. Keep It Simple [0:35]
2. Leave Correct Angles [3:21]
3. Plan Three Balls Ahead [5:29]
4. Come into the Line [6:53]
---- 4a. end-game patterns [9:11]
5. Use Cushions as Brakes [10:22]
6. Pocket Balls in Groups [11:30]
7. Solve Problems Early [12:22]
8. Master the Table Center [13:13]
---- 8a. 45˚ rule [13:24]
9. Play Smart Shape [14:59]
---- 9a. play for corners instead of sides [15:08]
---- 9b. play for long-side shape [16:03]
---- 9c. bring the CB back along the line [16:52]
---- 9d. stay off the cushions [17:22]
---- 9e. keep the CB reachable [17:50]
10. Master Position Off Hangers [18:15]
- Wrap-Up [19:17]


Please check it out and let me know what you think. As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy,
Dave

 

[Tin Man]

Wow. I haven't had the chance to watch the video yet and might not for a few days, but just looking that summary over I am blown away. That is more that most players learn about patterns in their life compressed into 20 minutes. That is more impressive than boiling the meaning of life down to 42. Seriously Dave, this has the makings to a high water mark in pool content. What a joy to have you on the forums!!!

 

[Tin Man]

OK, I had to stay up late and watch this. Awesome! Did not disappoint!

One thing that was totally new to me was the principle you discussed at 16:55. I had no idea! This is such a critical shot I cannot believe I have played pool without this understanding.

I jokingly say 9 ball is a game of running balls down rails with low outside connected by a bunch of hangers. That is because balls in this position with the next ball up table are one situation in which you can't use good pattern play and cue ball control to avoid shooting a testy shot. Even with great position they demand an accurate strike on the cue ball. I am a huge fan of practicing these types of shots and believe they are a must to play good pool. I'm hoping I can use this to become even better at them just with my confidence in what's possible. Thank you Dave!

EDIT: I do have a question...does this apply if the ball is frozen? Also, what if the cue ball is a long ways away? Seems like from a distance you need to cue firmer to get the draw to take, changing the speed to spin ratio and reducing your direction range a bit. This is new to me so I'm just mulling it over. Thanks!

 

[evergruven]

excellent video, dave!
this is up there with your best
the knowhow is sparkling
and well-communicated

the only thing I'd like to see changed
is the sound in between segments
every time I heard it
I thought of every scary movie ever
I do like hearing some sound
to separate ideas
just maybe something more..gentle?:grin:

also
how about at the wrap-up
list the items covered?
it might be a lot in this case
but anything to help my brain from exploding
when I get to the table
I like your acronyms, too

I'm being picky
thanks as always for the medicine, good dr.!!

 

[haystj]

This is great, thanks for posting I forwarded to my 9 ball team

 

[Cornerman]

FYI, I just posted a new video that demonstrates and explains the Top 10 most important pattern-play principles that deal with strategy for choosing ball run-out order and position-play options:

NV J.46 – Top 10 PATTERN PLAY Principles and Techniques​

Here's the direct YouTube video link.​

The topics covered (with linked time-stamps) include:

- Intro [0:00]
1. Keep It Simple [0:35]
2. Leave Correct Angles [3:21]
3. Plan Three Balls Ahead [5:29]
4. Come into the Line [6:53]
---- 4a. end-game patterns [9:11]
5. Use Cushions as Brakes [10:22]
6. Pocket Balls in Groups [11:30]
7. Solve Problems Early [12:22]
8. Master the Table Center [13:13]
---- 8a. 45˚ rule [13:24]
9. Play Smart Shape [14:59]
---- 9a. play for corners instead of sides [15:08]
---- 9b. play for long-side shape [16:03]
---- 9c. bring the CB back along the line [16:52]
---- 9d. stay off the cushions [17:22]
---- 9e. keep the CB reachable [17:50]
10. Master Position Off Hangers [18:15]
- Wrap-Up [19:17]


Please check it out and let me know what you think. As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy,
Dave

I think any player will be a ball or two better if they just watch this video. When I work with players, I work with three or four very standard patterns. And it makes them more rounded players immediately just from the simple knowledge that they didn't have previously.

This offering from Dr Dave is way better than what I show students.

 

[Sealegs50]

Great video. Like others, this is one that will be forwarded to my league teammates. League rules do not allow for repeated coaching during a game. Quite often, we have to let our teammates make some questionable strategic decisions. Hopefully, videos like this will help minimize those questionable choices so coaching suggestions can be reserved for really difficult situations.

 

[ChrisinNC]

Dave, just for clarification regarding #3 - plan 3 balls ahead. Don’t you actually mean 2 balls ahead of the ball you are currently shooing at, as I don’t really think of that ball as being a ball ahead?

 

[dr_dave]

Wow. I haven't had the chance to watch the video yet and might not for a few days, but just looking that summary over I am blown away. That is more that most players learn about patterns in their life compressed into 20 minutes. That is more impressive than boiling the meaning of life down to 42. Seriously Dave, this has the makings to a high water mark in pool content. What a joy to have you on the forums!!!

Wow. This is quite high praise given you haven't seen the video yet.

I appreciate the vote of confidence. I hope you still think that after actually watching it.

Regards,
Dave

 

[Welder84]

Wow. I haven't had the chance to watch the video yet and might not for a few days, but just looking that summary over I am blown away. That is more that most players learn about patterns in their life compressed into 20 minutes. That is more impressive than boiling the meaning of life down to 42. Seriously Dave, this has the makings to a high water mark in pool content. What a joy to have you on the forums!!!

Tin man are you participating in Dr. Dave's $10,000 challenge?

 

[dr_dave]

OK, I had to stay up late and watch this. Awesome! Did not disappoint!

I'm glad to hear it.

One thing that was totally new to me was the principle you discussed at 16:55. I had no idea! This is such a critical shot I cannot believe I have played pool without this understanding.

I'm glad you learned something new. I know you already know a lot and are a solid player, so it ain't easy to teach somebody like you something new. Tom Ross taught me this one and we covered it in detail on VEPS-II.

I jokingly say 9 ball is a game of running balls down rails with low outside connected by a bunch of hangers. That is because balls in this position with the next ball up table are one situation in which you can't use good pattern play and cue ball control to avoid shooting a testy shot. Even with great position they demand an accurate strike on the cue ball. I am a huge fan of practicing these types of shots and believe they are a must to play good pool.

Well stated. I like that.

I'm hoping I can use this to become even better at them just with my confidence in what's possible. Thank you Dave!

EDIT: I do have a question...does this apply if the ball is frozen? Also, what if the cue ball is a long ways away? Seems like from a distance you need to cue firmer to get the draw to take, changing the speed to spin ratio and reducing your direction range a bit. This is new to me so I'm just mulling it over. Thanks!

This useful reference applies only when the OB is a little off the cushion (between about 1/2 and 1 1/2 ball). FYI, I have lots of useful info on predicting and controlling CB direction with rail cut shots on the following pages:

rail cut shot CB control

non-frozen-ball rail cut shot CB control

Enjoy,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

excellent video, dave!
this is up there with your best
the knowhow is sparkling
and well-communicated

Thank you. I worked really long and hard on this one. I also think it is one of my best videos ever, but I have learned over the years that what I think is good isn't always what most people do. I'm glad at least you agree. The real test is how many views the video gets on YouTube over the next few months.

the only thing I'd like to see changed
is the sound in between segments
every time I heard it
I thought of every scary movie ever
I do like hearing some sound
to separate ideas
just maybe something more..gentle?:grin:

I like my somewhat-evil electronica transition sound effect. But I have also learned that people don't always like the sounds I choose. For example, the "Tah Dah" used to announce "gems" on the VEPS series was vehemently disliked by many.

also
how about at the wrap-up
list the items covered?

That's a good idea. I have the list in the YouTube video description along with lots of useful links, but I doubt many people ever look at that stuff.

I like your acronyms, too

Thanks. I assume you mean VEPS, VENT, VEEB, etc.

I'm being picky
thanks as always for the medicine, good dr.!!

I really appreciate all feedback and suggestions. I've gotten lots of good input from many people over the years that has helped me continue to improve my presentations.

Thanks and best regards,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

This is great, thanks for posting I forwarded to my 9 ball team

I'm glad to hear it, and I hope it helps.

Regards,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

I think any player will be a ball or two better if they just watch this video.

Thank you Freddie. Obviously, that assumes they actually practice and play with the information in mind.

When I work with players, I work with three or four very standard patterns. And it makes them more rounded players immediately just from the simple knowledge that they didn't have previously.

This offering from Dr Dave is way better than what I show students.

Thanks again Freddie. I really appreciate the positive feedback.

Remember the "old days" when I was very "green" (and maybe a little obnoxious), and you used to really dig into me for my lack of "experience?" :sorry:

I admit that much of that grilling was probably deserved. But I think I've properly and sufficiently done my "homework" over the years since then. :grin-square:

Catch you later,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

Great video. Like others, this is one that will be forwarded to my league teammates.

I'm glad to hear it, and I hope they enjoy and benefit from it.

League rules do not allow for repeated coaching during a game. Quite often, we have to let our teammates make some questionable strategic decisions. Hopefully, videos like this will help minimize those questionable choices so coaching suggestions can be reserved for really difficult situations.

You sound like a good team coach. I hope your team does well when leagues start up again.

Regards,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

Dave, just for clarification regarding #3 - plan 3 balls ahead. Don’t you actually mean 2 balls ahead of the ball you are currently shooing at, as I don’t really think of that ball as being a ball ahead?

I see your point, but I think most people consider the planning on the current shot (e.g., CB control for the 2nd shot) part of the "thinking ahead."

Regards,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

Tin man are you participating in Dr. Dave's $10,000 challenge?

I hope he is ... assuming he wants some of my money.

Demitrius, for convenience, here's the link to the pertinent AZB thread:

$10,000 BU Playing-Ability-Exam Challenge

Show us your stuff,
Dave

 

[tuffstuff07]

Another great video with what I feel is a ton of useful information for someone trying to improve.

Gonna have to take some time and go through these examples in some practice time on the table.

 

[tuffstuff07]

Are there any drills that you would recommend to work on playing into shot lines better?

 

[dr_dave]

Another great video with what I feel is a ton of useful information for someone trying to improve.

Thanks. I agree about the improving part.

Gonna have to take some time and go through these examples in some practice time on the table.

That's smart. Most people just watch the video. The dedicated few actually practice the stuff.

Regards,
Dave