Ok let's say you are a beginner or intermediate player and you are playing against someone who is better than yourself. First of all refer to the previous article which talks about the pocket holding technique.

As before, do a medium paced break so that you can pocket the wing balls. Now here is the big secret... "Take your time". Always make sure that your stance and grip is alright. Then go for 'say' solids as it is in most cases has the upper hand in a medium paced break and devote yourself in making the shot. Always remember, take your time. This actually gives you confidence and also get's on the nerves of your opponent. Always make yourself think that if you miss a shot that there is no "next time" and that your opponent is going to clear the table. Take your time and think where your cueball is going to end up after your shot and if you are going to have a shot at your group ball or not.

Note: Think first and then play your shot. Don't just play your shot without thinking where your cueball is going to end up.

Always try to hit softly so that the ball you are hitting ends up in or around the pocket as mentioned in the previous article. Remember to take time and point out where you want to hit the object ball so that it goes into the pocket (say this point is X) then forget about the pocket and point out to yourself where exactly you want to hit the cueball so that it goes on to hit the object ball at X. Now put all your concentration on hitting the cueball at that exact point with a soft to medium stroke. Note: Do not look at the pocket. Just look at the point X and the point on the cueball and shoot. Doing all this will take time and this will obviously get on the nerves of your opponent.

Just think of the look on his face when you go on and pocket all the balls with this technique after taking all that time. This is really gonna break your opponent down. Just combine this with "The Pocket Holding Technique" and even if you miss a shot he is going to have nowhere to shoot. Furthermore, even if he does after all that time you took he is goint to lack concentration and you will win the rack easily.

If you have further questions or need help on specific areas of the game, email me at theguy_in_blue@yahoo.com