WHEN TO KNOW YOU’RE ON OFFENSE OR DEFENSE

The overwhelming majority of pool players think about shooting Defensive shots when they don’t see any openmakeable shots right in front of them. If that’s what happens to you, it’s high time you consider learning The Drill Instructor Way.

The Three Ball Rule is the most intelligent and effective way to know from shot to shot if you should be on Offense or Defense.

We’ll look at two table layouts that can teach you to see this. First, let’s understand how the Three Ball Rule works.

Before you take the next shot, ask yourself, “Can I see three makable shots and how to control cue ball for position to pocket each of the three shots?”

When you can see Three Open and Makable Shots, you’re on

Offense. When you Cannot see three open-makeable shots with a controlled cue ball, you’re on Defense.

The critical thinking skill to have when you don’t see three open shots is to decide which of the next three balls would work best to execute your Defensive play, viz., when you’re on the first, second, or the final third ball that you could use.

The Three Ball Rule works for any game you’re playing, even on a competitive level. Before every shot, you should always know in advance if you’re on Offense or Defense. Unfortunately, most players are too late to come to this conclusion. This is one of the major reasons why players lose control of both the table and their opponents. The worst part is you end up getting out of rhythm.

The following examples are best utilized by any level players.

Scenario No. 1. The game is 8 Ball. Your opponent missed their shot. You have Striped Balls.

Q1a. Are you on Offense or Defense?

Q1b. What is your strategy of play?

The Drill Instructor Way suggests: Answer 1a: You’re on Defense because you don’t have 3 clear, open, and makable shots. Answer 1b: Because you don’t have 3 clear, open, and makable shots: a. Pocket the 12 ball into the corner pocket with 2 Tips of bottom, a 4 Speed Shot Stroke, and a level cue. b. Draw the cue ball within three inches from the bottom rail, 1 1/2 Diamonds from the corner pocket, close to the 13 ball. c. Shoot into the 13 ball first using a ¼ Shot Speed Stroke. After hitting the 13 ball, the cue ball will touch the rail, then roll back up and rest frozen on to the 13 ball. You should leave your opponent with your 10 and 15 Ball blocking their 4 and 6 ball. The 1 and 7 Ball are blocked by the 8, 9, and 14 Ball. If the player jumps or kicks, the Cue Ball to run wild. You could force getting Ball-In-Hand with this strategy.

Scenario No. 2. The game is 9 Ball. Your opponent made the 5 Ball on the brake then missed the 1 Ball.

Q 2a. Are you on Offense or Defense?

Q 2b. What is your strategy of play?

The Drill Instructor Way suggests:

Answer 2a: You’re on Defense. You only have 2 open and makable shots out of 3.

Answer 2b: Because you don’t have 3 clear, open, and makable shots: a. Use a 2 Speed Shot Stroke with 1/2 Tip of Top. b. Pocket the 1 Ball in the corner pocket. The Cue Ball should roll out 1 Diamond from the bottom cushion at center table. c. Pocket the 2 Ball into the corner pocket using a 3 Speed Shot Stroke with 2 Tips of Bottom and 1 Tip Right-Side English. The cue ball should land above Center Table, almost perpendicular to the 4 Ball (basically where your shot on the 1 Ball started from). d. There are TWO WAYS to execute your Defensive Shot using the 3 Ball. Shot Option 1, Freeze the Cue Ball to the 7 Ball and land in any position on the opposite side of the 7 Ball.

Shot Option 2, Stun-roll the Cue Ball 1 inch past the 7 Ball. Run the 3 Ball into the top cushion and land it past the 9 Ball.

Whenever you use the Three Ball Rule, you’ll know before every shot if you should be on Defense or Offense. It all starts by first clearly seeing Three Open and Makable Shots.

I strongly endorse never passing up the chance to force your opponent to give you Ball-In-Hand.

That’s The Drill Instructor Way — always controlling both the table and your opponent.

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