Pros
and Cons
As
you approach the table, the first thing that you have
to decide is what shot you will play. (See
"The
Drill" for more detailed information)
When
I mention this to people who come to me for coaching,
the response in most cases is that "I have no trouble
on that score." Believe me, they could not be more wrong.
The number of times I witness a player taking on the 'wrong
shot', often with disastrous consequences.
A
bad choice of shot when the balls are in a favourable
position means they will they will probably still be so,
when you have left the table. This means that a decent
chance to score may have been presented to your opponent.
Adding to the problems over decision making the player
is often faced with numerous choices and different options.
Do I try and pot, or do I play safe? Do I try that red
and play for the black or the other red and play for the
green? Often decisions are directly related to the state
of the scoreboard at the time.
The
importance of correct decision making, is highlighted
in frames which are 'tight' and things are not as straightforward
as you would like them to be. This is where a good tactical
player will triumph over someone who is regarded as just
a good potter.
This is the time to stand back and weigh up all the 'pros
and cons' for each particular option before finally deciding
what shot to play. Having made up your mind, you must
forget about everything else except the shot in hand,
which is no easy matter.
Usually the decision to be made is whether to go for a
pot or a safety shot. Sometimes it is possible to play
a shot with safety in mind, ' the shot to nothing'. In
this case however, there is still a priority. Are you
going flat out for the pot or do you want to concentrate
on getting the cue ball back to the safety of the baulk
area?.
Although large and small breaks will always be made, the
player with the best snooker brain will normally come
out on top.
Weigh up the "pros and cons" before choosing your shot
.
