Shots
to Nothing
This
'shot to nothing', is often the second shot played in a
frame between two professionals.
Player one breaks off on the yellow side of the 'D' coming
off three cushions to leave the cue ball in or around, area
'X'. This break off often promotes a red into area 'Y' leaving
player two the opportunity of a long pot.
This pot should now be played in such a way that the cue
ball is manoeuvred behind the black, onto the side cushion
and back up to the baulk end of the table.
A pot and safety in one.
The
preferred shot in this example (Figure 2) is to 'clip off'
ball 'Y' back to safety at the baulk end of the table.
A quick glance however, reveals that ball 'Y' is potable
into the top left hand pocket. When playing safe off ball
'Y' an attempt should be made to locate the potting angle
and promote the red into the pocket.
Should the pot be successful a break can begin or a decent
safety be played in behind the green, brown or yellow. If
it doesn't go in the only ball that can be left on is ball
'Y'.
The positive approach to safety pays dividends.
