ALL ABOUT ANGLES - Viking Cues Tip of the Week with Mike Roque author of Build Your Game.
Give It Time
"Although his thinking mind had switched...his body was still running the old image."
- Joseph Parent
Playing great position is the first step to playing great pool. You can’t run out with any consistency without good position. The key to moving easily from one ball to another is controlling the cue ball angle on every shot.
In a perfect world, the angle offers natural position where it is not necessary to force the cue ball. Soft to medium speed helps to pocket the ball and makes it much easier to control cue ball movement.
With the right angle, you can move the cue ball almost anywhere. When it looks easy, it’s a sign of exceptional play!
Pick your position patterns carefully. Don’t settle for any shot. Plan to put the cue ball on a specific side of the object ball. Put it on the side of the object ball that offers natural position to the next shot.
Straight–in stop shots are useful when they can deliver perfect position, but most of the shots you face will need an angle. So play for a good one!
Always consider your shot selection with your skill level in mind. Minimize your risk by picking shots and positional routes that you know well. Only choose shots that carry a high percentage success rate!