A
plant is when two
balls are not touching - but are played one onto the other
to make a successful pot. The easiest plants are those in
which
the two object balls are very close together and are both
directly in line with a pocket.
The greater the distance between the two balls the harder
the plant is to make, but the general principle remains
the same. Cannon the first ball onto the second as though
the first ball is the cue ball, thereby potting the second
ball with the first.
Clearly this requires a high degree of accuracy as any error
or misjudgement over the contact angle will be highlighted
during the second phase of the shot. Judging the necessary
angle is difficult and will only become easier with practice,
experience and trial and error.
Often it is prudent to play plants as shots
to nothing, as there is a danger of leaving
a ball on should you miss. Balanced against this, is the
fact that you should not be attempting a plant unless you
think there is a better than average chance of making the
shot.
If
the shot goes in, then you need decent position for the
break to continue. It can be very annoying to make a difficult
plant but find that the break ends anyway due to a loss
of position.
In
the first example we see two object balls and the cue ball
are in line with the pocket. Play it full ball to make the
pot.
In
the second example the shot is more difficult to make. Take
care when assessing the contact angle and also ensure that
a good white is obtained. Should the pot be unsuccessful
the white will at least be travelling to the baulk end of
the table and should hopefully provide an element of safety.
