I haven’t been online for several days, so I thought I’d give a quick update. Here’s what I’ve been working on over the last week or so:
One rail kicks – I haven’t practiced kicks in several months and this deficiency is starting to show in my 9 Ball game. I think I committed six or seven ball in hand fouls a couple weeks ago during a league match, and as a result, I almost lost. Frightening.
Super thin cuts – This is a pretty useful skill in 9 Ball, but an absolutely essential skill in 14.1. You can play some devastating safeties in 14.1 with a super thin cut and a frozen rack. Learn how to do it and use this skill to your advantage. Don’t know how to practice this? Stay tuned.
Lag shots – Who practices these? Lag shots have the power to earn you the first break in 8 Ball and 9 Ball and help you avoid the first break in 14.1. Don’t you think it’s a good idea to practice them?
Banks – I stopped working on my banks several months ago and I can tell I’ve lost my touch. Although I do my best to avoid bank shots whenever I’m competing, if I do get out of line (which is often), banks can be a very useful tool to get out of a jam.
Shooting off the rail – I often find myself shooting off the rail in 14.1 matches. It’s a good idea to master this shot so you don’t miscue and choke during a match.
Angle of Reflection 