What is your goal when you push out?

Aaron_S said:
Really depends on the layout, and I would also say this is a case where I would consider the strengths/weaknesses of my opponent. My main objective when I am forced to push out is to make the most of it - be as productive as possible since I'm already at a disadvantage. I'll examine the layout closely to see where problems are, or what I may be able to accomplish on the push that will improve my odds of winning. I'm always going to try to leave a shot (offensive or defensive) that is borderline, but I want to maximize the productivity of the shot as much as possible. Just a few examples:

* If the rack is wide open and my opponent is capable of running out, I may look to tie up balls on a push out.

* If the money ball is wired up for an easy combo (a dead 3/9 combo, for example), I may use my push out to move those balls.

* If I want to push out to a safety, I may use my pushout to create blockers for me to hide behind if the shot is passed back to me.

* If the 2-ball is hopelessly tied up, I may push to a relatively easy shot on the 1 in the hope that my opponent will pocket the ball but fail to come up with a shot on the 2.

* If the 1-ball is hanging, and I know I will probably leave a shot for my opponent, I may try to move the 2 somewhere tough for position, or perhaps move other balls to force him to play tight position or a combination on the 2.

There are dozens of scenarios I could think of, but the key is to make the most of a bad situation - consider the layout and your opponent, and try to be as productive as possible.

Best of luck,
Aaron
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Since I contributed to derailing this thread, I'd like to bring it back by noting that I appreciated this post, a lot. Good stuff to think about.
 
My first thought is to push out to a place where i know my opponent is going to take it and play safe to a spot where i like my chances at kicking safe back at him. Otherwise, i'm pushing to a corner or a spot where the ball doesn't pocket and the only choice is to play safe.
 
justadub said:
Since I contributed to derailing this thread, I'd like to bring it back by noting that I appreciated this post, a lot. Good stuff to think about.
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Thank you sir.

The game of 9-ball has its flaws, but I think it is underrated by many as a strategy game, so I often try to point out opportunities for players to think a little more deeply and get creative with their strategic play. The push shot, being wide open, is a great opportunity to get creative IMO. If I figure to be a slight dog in a push situation anyway, I'm going to hedge as much as possible by trying to do something productive - even if it means taking on slightly more risk.

Thanks again,
Aaron
 
The key to pushing out is to already know what you are going to do if the shot is passed back to you.

If you don't already know what you are going to do, why did you push there?
 
I try to push to a spot where I've got the advantage in playing the shot (if he passes it back), and he's not the favorite in the event that he takes it.

So, if I'm playing someone much much shorter than me then I might push to a jump-shot that is harder for him to reach than it is for me.

That's just an example but you get the idea.
 
poolplaya1 said:
Is it just to leave yourself the easiest shot that your opponent will pass back?

Or is it to leave your opponent the hardest shot that he will take on?

Are those basically the same thing?

What other factors do you take into account? Leave yourself shots that you are better at than the average player, so he passes back? Leave shots that seem easier than they are so he takes it on?

I am new to 9 ball and I want to think more deeply about the goals of a push out, and the philosophy involved therein.

Thanks for the info
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I think your goal is simple. To get to shoot again at some point in the rack with a better shot than you pushed out from.
 
I'm pushing to a spot & shot I'm comfortable with & does not offer the same comfort to my opponent. For me that's generally a bank.
 
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