In
years gone by, many people would have played billiards before
moving on to snooker.
This would have provided them with skill and knowledge which
could be utilised to good effect on the snooker table. In
the modern era many of today's snooker players have never
experienced the benefits of playing and learning the game
of billiards.
This
can sometimes affect shot selection due to a lack of awareness.
One
of the core skills of billiards is the half-ball in-off.
This is a shot frequently played in billiards to continue
a break, sending the white ball into the pocket off balls
positioned centrally in the middle and towards the bottom
of the table.
Practice
the examples shown in the picture opposite and then seek
to use your increased knowledge of angles if the opportunity
arises during a frame.
If
a red is situated over a pocket and there is no clear path
to it from the white, then consider attacking the red by
playing the white off another red and cannoning the white
onto the ball over the pocket.
The natural instinct is to try and pot one red onto another
in this situation, but you will discover that it is easier
to cannon the cue ball off the first red to pot the second.
Practice
from both sides of the table to familiarise yourself with
the reaction of the cue ball. The shots shown are played
half-ball, without side, to achieve the p the ball over
the pocket..
Practice
with side and also with different strength of shots.
Furthering
your knowledge in abstract areas of the game will enhance
your overall understanding of snooker and greatly enhance
your learning curve.
