fcsnooker - Top Quality Snooker Coaching and Instruction in association with Mr Frank Callan - The Mind Game -
"Pros and Cons"

As you approach the table, the first thing that you have to decide is what shot you will play. (See "The Drill" for more detailed information).

When I mention this to people who come to me for coaching, the response in most cases is that "I have no trouble on that score." Believe me, they could not be more wrong. The number of times I witness a player taking on the 'wrong shot', often with disastrous consequences.

A bad choice of shot when the balls are in a favourable position means they will they will probably still be so, when you have left the table. This means that a decent chance to score may have been presented to your opponent.

Adding to the problems over decision making the player is often faced with numerous choices and different options. Do I try and pot, or do I play safe? Do I try that red and play for the black or the other red and play for the pink? Often decisions are directly related to the state of the scoreboard at the time.

The importance of correct decision making, is highlighted in frames which are 'tight' and things are not as straightforward as you would like them to be. This is where a good tactical player will triumph over someone who is regarded as just a good potter.

This is the time to stand back and weigh up all the 'pros and cons' for each particular option before finally deciding what shot to play. Having made up your mind you must forget about everything else except the shot in hand, which is no easy matter.

Usually the decision to be made is whether to go for a pot or a safety shot. Sometimes it is possible to play a shot with safety in mind, ' the shot to nothing'. In this case however, there is still a priority. Are you going flat out for the pot or do you want to concentrate on getting the cue ball back to the safety of the baulk area?

Although large and small breaks will always be made, the player with the best snooker brain will normally come out on top.

Weigh up the "pros and cons" before choosing your shot.

Frank Callan Suite - 282 Ribbleton Lane, Ribbleton, Preston, Lancashire, England - PR1 5EB - tel. + 44 (0) 1772 702211 - info@fcsnooker.co.uk

Visit the links below for further information>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

To order a newly manufactured snooker or pool table a 10% deposit will be required to book into the fcsnooker order book. Deposit payments are non-refundable should any table order be cancelled. Final remittance payments payable after the table is fully installed and all products and services have been completed.