Bad Habit #2: Failure to properly read the rack.
Many skills are necessary in nine ball, but none is more important than
possesing the skill to properly and effectively read the rack. When it is our
turn at the table, we need to know exactly what needs to be accomplished. Just
aimlessly shooting from ball to ball won't work here. You might get lucky every
now and then, but you won't be successful consistently.
Planning is essential in any endeavor, but here it pays dividends on your
confidence and hopefully your cashflow. What is "reading the rack"? It is the
art and skill of seeing a pattern (shot for shot) that will eventually lead you
to a game winning shot on the nine ball. Every shot that you make is designed
not only to get position on the next ball, but it must aid you in your efforts
to run the rack. This can be practiced by watching others play, or it can be
practiced while you are playing.
What causes us to improperly read the rack? Lots of things. Jitters,
nervousness, anxiousness, or in some cases our own stupidity (me included). Some
of us just don't pay attention to what we are doing. We take an easy layout for
granted and eventually stand over the table scratching our heads while mumbling,
"oh, sh*t!" Our mind must work like a rack-running computer, analyzing each shot
of the layout, while recognizing the patterns and routes required to get you out
of the rack. Carelessness gets us nowhere but sitting back in the chair. We need
to concentrate on every shot, calculating each and every move with precision.
Later I will give you some ideas to consider when reading the rack.
