Table Time is Paramount

Table time is more than simply practicing your shots and passes. Understanding how that tiny orange sphere reacts to your influences makes your overall game better. What exactly happens when you strike the ball onto the wall? Where does it bounce? How does it reflect? Does the player-figures (man) position make a difference? How does striking the ball in a slicing action create angles of movement?

Using your time on the table to learn ball reaction to the man position: behind, beneath, or before the rod and squared-up or off-center allows you to have a better impromptu game. The "see the hole, hit the hole" philosophy is one example of being able to strike the perfect angle to surprise your opponent. The bank shots from the 2 is another. Using brushes from the 5, from the 2 from the 3 shows depth of understanding. Slingshot? They incorporate lateral control, timing, and the brush.

Watching players make these perfectly timed moves is quite exciting. Understanding the methods they use makes fascinating spectating. Spectating with fascination helps you learn. Learning creates better practice. Better practice creates opportunities.

Go get yourself some table time.