How to develop an edge and win close matches

Since I’ve been traveling so much lately, I have asked a guest instructor to write this month’s article. I’ve had requests from players who are having a tough time focusing on the match or tournament, especially when their opponents are playing great pool. My guest columnist advises on how to dig deep and win more matches when you are struggling and your opponent seems to be in dead stroke. (M.F.)
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How to develop an edge and win close matches

There is no doubt that every player who competes in tournaments or a league has lost a match to a player who is a less skilled player. In many situations, there is a fine line between winning and losing a close match. It can severely damage a player’s self esteem to lose such a match when it could have been easily won by getting an edge on your opponent. This column will inspire you to find small ways to flip-flop those circumstances and help you win those close matches.

In present-day player’s offensive mindset, the break shot is a crucial advantage. Many tournaments today are of the “winner breaks” format. Few things are as frustrating as sitting in your player’s chair watching your opponent string together rack after rack, while you get splinters in your fingers from handling the wooden rack so much. One way to take away some of the wind in your opponent’s sails is to change the manner in which you rack in a subtle way.

If a player is making the same ball time after time, it is likely that you are giving the same perfect rack every time. You are not a robot! You are perfectly capable of making a minor error by placing the head ball a little higher or lower than you have been. Many times a slight tilt of the rack will re-randomize the reaction of the balls to the break shot. Often your opponent will think he’s made a breaking mistake with his cue ball placement or contact point on the head ball. Inexperienced players can become rattled if their breaks go to pot. Even good players can stumble when they are forced to change their rhythm and seek out a solution as to why their previously domineering break shot has gone by the wayside. Don’t hesitate to make some small adjustments to the rack if you are racking too good and if your opponent is breaking too well. Remember, the break shot is supposed to be random and making a couple of small changes can gain an edge for you in the breaking battles.

Speaking of rhythm, submitting to another players pace of play can be crippling. If you are put into a coma by your opponent’s snail-like pace of play, have a word with the tournament director. He will more than likely be glad to have a word with the slow-poke who is holding up his entire tournament. Shot clocks are becoming more common. Be ready to play more quickly yourself if you lobby successfully for a shot clock, because you too will have to comply.

On the other hand, if your pace of play is a bit more easygoing and watching your speedy opponent is getting your heart racing too fast, you’ll need to find a way to slow the match down to cool off the firecracker. Bathroom breaks are the most common way to pour water on the fire. Food orders or important phone calls are also effective, but may be frowned upon if you resort to using them too often.

Many people make the mistake of believing that they can only control the outcome of the game when they are at the table, so they spend their time exclusively trying to improve their performance. This is fine if you want to win some and lose some. If you want to become a consistent winner however, you will have to change your attitude and recognize the truth. The way you behave while your opponent is at the table, when executed properly, can also play a pivotal role. It is advisable to make notes in a journal of tactics that have or have not worked on certain opponents. Then you don’t have to rely on your memory or go through the trial and error approach until you rediscover the manner of “gamesmanship” that has proved successful against a certain opponent.

For example, some players I know always become flustered if you call a referee over to watch a hit. It doesn’t need to be a really tough call, just a situation that could be questionable at a key moment of the match. Some players try to make the hit so the call is easy for the referee, but then they have no chance to make the shot. Other players just can’t cope with the stress of having a referee lean over the table to watch the hit. You have done nothing illegal by asking a tournament official to watch a shot but if the player becomes flustered, you may have turned the match from a loss into a victory.

Your mental composure at the table is also a very important tactic in close matches. Players who are very cool and collected can sometimes fluster their opponent by having an uncontrollable outburst after a missed shot. The over-the-top reaction can sometimes confuse and obfuscate the opponent’s judgment and while worrying if you’ll be all right if you lose the match, he may end up sabotaging his own game so he will not feel responsible for your depression or final explosion after the match.

One last tactical strategy might be to try to ignite the embers of anger within your opponent. If he loses his cool and goes on tilt, you will most assuredly be the victor. You may want to call him by the wrong name several times in succession, even after he corrects you. Ask him if he fouled in a warm-up stroke at a key moment of the match. Jingle change in your pocket or get a tickle in your throat that keeps you coughing for a few minutes. All of these techniques will force your opponent to heighten his resolve to stay cool and clear thinking to win the match. If he falters, be ready to pounce. Pounce on a victory! Go for the jugular!

Best billiards.
G.R.
Guest columnist for the Billiard Coach

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Mike Fieldhammer will return next month with a column on developing better focus during matches. Included will be an example from the Playing Ability Test (PAT) system developed in Germany and used throughout Europe to train the next generation of professional pool players.

Mike has been traveling and playing in tournaments for the past month but will be available by appointment in April. Schedule a private lesson or group clinic with Mike. He can be reached via www.billiardcoach.com or by phone at 612.802.0519. Billiard Coach, LLC is a member of the Billiard Congress of America. Mike is a certified PAT examiner, a Billiard Congress of America Certified Instructor, and an ACS Certified Coach/Instructor.