The Combination - Viking Cues Tip of the Week with Mike Roque author of Build Your Game.
Posted by Mike Roque | Viking Cues on 21st Nov 2018
The Combination
“Ideally…you would like to fall where you can hit the first ball in the center.”
-Nick Varner
MAKING COMBOS is an art. They are easy to miss because they need such precise aiming and even a touch of unwanted english can throw the shot off.
Often with combos, you need to control two or three balls, so excellent cue ball speed is par for the course. Yet in spite of their difficulty, they are worth taking in certain situations. That is especially true in nine ball where you can steal a quick game early in the rack.
To make combos easier, always try to play position to hit the first ball straight on. Cutting the first ball introduces english and that complicates the shot before you even shoot it. If you have to cut it, try extending a line from the contact point on the second ball to a point on the rail. Focus on shooting the first ball toward that rail point. Some players find this system easier to visualize.
When the combo balls are within a half of an inch of each other, use english (instead of cutting the ball) to throw the second ball into the pocket. Right spin throws the second ball to the right and left English throws it to the left.
Visualize the speed and where all the balls are going to end up. Learn to shoot combos!
Combos are a short cut to the finish line. Learn them and use them to your advantage.
Love our Tuesday 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/