THE VIEW FROM ABOVE

“Aim while standing, because the view is always better from the top floor.”

-Allison Fisher

Then you are cutting a ball that is very close, it's hard to see the correct angle if you are too low in your stance. These types of shots are easier to make with a more upright stance. With your head a little higher, you're in a better position to see the relationship between the cue ball and the object ball.

If you play with your chin on the cue stick for close shots, the cue ball blocks a clear view of the object ball.

This can make it difficult to see the line of the shot and clearly envision where the spherical surfaces of the balls will meet at contact. This, in turn, can seriously compromise your ability to hit the object ball where you intended and to successfully execute the shot.

In the quote, Allison Fisher is not referring specifically to close the shots, as the preliminary sighting, aiming and set-up on all shots should take place from the standing position. That's one of the great secrets of pocket billiards.

But with close shots, it's even more important to get a good look from above before you get down. That's how to make those tricky shots—a little higher—a better view!

Love our Tip of the Week with Mike Roque, you can purchase your own copy of his book "Build Your Game" at the BEBOB Publishing Website at http://bebobpublishing.com/