For shot 4, it feels more productive to play the 10-ball and roll forward, using the 11 and 13 as blocking balls. This opens up the 11 to a pocket and leaves an easy out, even if it leaves a slightly easier kick at the 8
The other benefit of this shot is there is more margin of error for speed control because you’re essentially coming more into the line of the safe zone vs coming across it.
Oh i love it. For me safeties are the "soul of pool" they have big part of the beautifulness of this sport, not all is to pocket balls! A defense game can be as beautiful as a run of pocketing all balls :)
Thank you for making this compilation Dr. Dave! Practising these drills and Niels Feijen's safety drills has really improved my defensive play. Looking forward to more content on safeties in the future!
Thanks Dr. Dave! Is it just me, but anyone else love that little sound effect at the beginning of each video? It’s awesome 😎…It’s got a dramatic, law & order vibe! 😁
DrDave thank you so much for the great material you put out, and for being so generous by giving additional access to it. This will definitely take my game to the next level.
On shot #4, I'd roll into the top stripe (in the three-ball cluster) banking it off the end rail with the intention of leaving it as near the lower left corner pocket as possible. Now, depending on the result of a kick or jump shot by your opponent, you'll create a nice insurance ball or an effective breakout ball option. Really appreciate you sharing this informative video, Dr. Dave!
Check out my follow-up video that covers many alternative options for several of the shots, including Shot 4: ua-cam.com/video/-lwDpRnz2WU/v-deo.html Enjoy!
I don't consider myself a very good player, but I was feeling pretty good about myself until about #15. Definitely need to practice the kick and stick. Can't wait to drill those. Thank you!
Nice lesson as always. I had been playing some of these shots from the past 2 years, for instance, I was playing shot 8 perfectly while playing snooker, but I didn't know I was aiming a hair thinner. Now I will aim a hair thinner everytime :)
Shot 1 - with CB and object ball so close I would actually aim to marry the CB to the blocker by aiming just off of straight to have the CB slide just a hair into the 9 ball. Same concept as a stop shot but now you make the safety that much more difficult with frozen balls.
At 5:30, I would bank across to the long corner. The cue would naturally tend to line up on the 8 if you made it and leave no shot if your ball is near the pocket.
That would be a good choice only if the aim and speed are both very good. If either is off even a little, there is a good chance to sell out to your opponent.
@@DrDaveBilliards Just be careful to err on the long side for two reasons: 1) rebound from the end rail will be far more likely to block the hole and 2) the cue ball will be more in line with the 8. If you are weak at banking, then avoid this strategy.
I’m not always the best at seeing safety shots, but I’m pretty good at playing them when I do see them. I’ve found that a lot of players in my league are pretty aggressive even when playing out of a safety. So if I have to play several safeties in a row they will tend to get increasingly frustrated and aggressive, leading to bigger mistakes each time. A lot of times this leads to them opening up tied-up balls for me and eventually leaving me with a pretty open table. It’s a good strategy to keep in mind, to allow the opponent to do some of the hard work for you.
You can separate the CB and 7 with the 8 in between with follow, but you can lock the CB up against the 8 with follow. There is no room to avoid the double kiss and get the correct angle off the cushion.
Awesome compilation. You got me on 17 and 19. I don't know if I can do 17 without a bridge because of my back issues. Those were new ones for me. Thanks!
On shot #11 at the 6:01 mark I think I would choose to hit the 7 a little more full with some top and put the cue ball under the 8 and 9 and try to tuck on the 9 instead of sending it up table. I’m a lefty so it’s maybe a little easier for me to shoot comfortably but it seems more safe than just having the blocker balls separating them.
Very insightful and well demonstrated!! I think it would be interesting to show a few possible follow-up shots from the opponent's perspective to really demonstrate why the safety is effective.
I wish I could have a table just like you Dr.Dave.it really depends on a table that you're playing.the speed of the ball can change.I guess the felt too can affect your game.
shot 4: you could also hit the closest stripe in the cluster (the 10) with a full-hit follow shot to send the cueball toward the cushion behind the blockers, and sending the 10 two rails-even if he can see the 8 it's a tough shot to make this would also open up the cluster
Looking at the drawing, I would shoot the 10 into the end rail, sending it towards the side pocket. The cue would settle in behind the 11 & 13. BUT...on your actual shot, the cue ball is much closer to the center spot, making your choice more practical.
On shot 4 your cue ball position on the illustration was in a very different position than the actual shot video clip. Didn’t change much on your suggested safety but it did change how a couple of others suggested shooting the 10 using the 11 and 13 as blockers. Also, your safety, while blocking your opponent still left you with tricky little shots on the 10, 11 and 13 ball cluster assuming you ended up with ball in hand. My first choice would have been shooting 10 using the 11 and 13 as blockers. Another decent option would be playing a little 11-13 combo pushing the 13 ball in front of the corner pocket. That breaks up the 10, 11, 13 ball cluster and leaves an insurance ball, 13, sitting in front of the corner pocket that you can make from anywhere on the table. Your opponent is forced to play some silly shot on the 8 with a next to zero chance of making it any called pocket or snookering you when he misses. You then have an easy out.
Great stuff as always. I would suggest that shot 16 is better off for a left-handed player (which I am), unless you are tall (like you and I), and shot 17 is a right-handed shot. (Especially since it requires finesse and touch, and would be difficult at best with a bridge). Thanks for sharing!
At 3:15 I would rather hit the ball at the top of the 3-ball cluster into the rail and leave the cue ball behind the other two. It still leaves the 8 ball blocked, gets a ball out of the cluster and leaves another ball to use to break the other 2 up if need be. Maybe even try for the bank and for the leave behind the cluster just in case, like an offensive defense shot, but I my ball speed control is certainly not as good as his!
6:49 Could the shot 13 also be used the separation safety with the closest ball? It seems easier, and those other balls even makes it tougher for a rail shot. I knew you should probably let the cue ball there, for the nature of the puzzle, but I thought that the simple solution was more reliable (maybe your opponent could hit the eight by having a ton of spin off the rail, but it would be their merit to hit the ball with that difficult shot, let alone make the ball into the pocket)
While I don’t totally hate the choice on #13, I think the easier and more practical shot would’ve been to half-ball hit the OB and leave all three balls on the bottom rail. 8 ball is nowhere near hanging and leaves you another safety down table even if they make a good hit
At 3:20 wouldn't it be better to play the top ball from the bunch with some top spin and leave the white behind the two balls while also unlocking the blocked balls?
Nice video, most of my choices matched yours or I preferred yours. Only ones I'd prefer something different are #4 where I'd open the three together by playing a follow on the closest ball. Also on #13 I would prefer to play off the other side of the stripe with a little left spin to go round the angles behind the blockers - takes the middle pocket bump out of the equation, yours went a bit close and if you hit it then you probably sell out the game.
Hi Dr. Dave, another great video like always! Do you know any resources that can help me learn basic spin? The videos I’ve seen on UA-cam all seem a little complicated and I’m having trouble finding replicable results with my table. I’m confident in my basic backspin and frontspin shots, but get confused when using “bottom-left” style spin, especially from angles other than straight shots. Any help would be appreciated!
I feel like on #4, I might accomplish the dual goal of breaking that ball grouping up and creating a very difficult shot on the 8 by hitting the top ball perpendicular into the short rail. If I get lucky I might hide the 8 with it but it would also carom into the middle ball and stick there pretty close. If you can pot the 8 from there, I couldn't have beaten you anyway.
While this is an excellent video, and I *do* intend to do drills based on all 20 of these shots, I'd like to add a note based on experience. The problem with safeties is that if you don't succeed, it's easy to sell out. Whenever you're playing safety, think percentages. Actually, do that on all shots but especially on safeties. A lot of these shots are high finesse and even an inch or two of extra (or less) movement might end up with you selling out! Good luck and keep practicing!
On shot 4, I would've hit the 10 with a little follow, because I think speed control on the CB is easier to manage, plus you move the 10 towards the corner pocket. On shot 8, it's very easy to hit the CB too hard, so it leaks out, leaving a pretty easy shot on the 8. An alternative might be to hit the stripe on its left side (the side further from the long rail) and send the CB down towards the left short rail. You won't block the CB from the 8, but you'll leave a weird angle. Just a matter of personal preference; the suggested safeties are all good, if the shooter can execute them (it's good to practice safeties!).
How to find the dead center of the cue ball and ensure there is no top or backspin? I have observed that i probably hit a bit above center while thinking it's center. Thanks.
Hi Dr.Dave I have a question about a safety shot in 8-ball and I was wondering if you could answer whether the following example is a legal safety shot or not?. Say you are shooting stripes in a game of 8-ball, and go for the 10 which is hanging over the pocket but call 'safety' prior pocketing it. Does that count as a legal shot by the shooter if pocketing the ball was intentional despite 'safety' being called. Or is there some kinda 'unsportsmanlike conduct' rule which prohibits a player doing this?. This very scenario happened between 2 players down our local pool hall the other evening. The shooter called 'safety' and made legal contact with a ball from his group intending to pocket it and tie the cue ball up. Most seemed to think this was ok, but his opponent wasn't best pleased as it left him in a really bad snooker, so he argued that his opponent should shoot again regardless of him calling 'safety' as it was obvious what he was trying. It would be nice if you could clarify the rule on this for future reference please as it would be extremely helpful. Thanks
Under the WPA official rules of pool, you are allowed to call a safety in 8-ball, where your opponent shoots next regardless of the outcome of the shot. For more info about this or any other question about the rules, see: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
On the third shot in 9-12, wouldn't it be better if the 7 and the CB were to switch sides? So that it is the cue ball hidden near the blockers, in order to prevent a kick that may somehow cheese the 9 ball in, or any other attempts that may yield more reward than necessary?
What are you going to do if you get ball in hand after shot 6? The way you shot it doesn't leave much. Separate the 8 and 9 a little more and sure. But don't leave the 8 in front of the side
Couldn’t #13 (8 in the montage) be performed the other direction to go short rail, long rail, across to other long rail, and behind the blockers? Going the route shown comes rather close to scratching in the side pocket.
Cutting a ball with slow-ish speed and close to stun like this creates throw and spin transfer which changes the rebound angle off the rail. See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/spin-transfer/
For shot 19 I like the one rail kick bank to the side pocket. I make that shot way more often than I should lol. Plus everyone gets all excited so why not. Edit* I meant to say everyone gets all excited IF you make it. Otherwise everyone just laughs at you
Your 1st safety there was fine and 101% defense, but I'd have tried to bank the 7 cross-side and drawn into the 9, kissing it just a little towards the same hole just as a two-way in case of a miss.. depending on how the cushions and felt play on that table.
I'm not a fan of shot 6. Assuming the next player scratches, what next? It seems fiddly to follow up by placing the cue ball in hand between the 8 and 9 and then play the 8 to the bottom right corner.
Shot 4 you play safe by hitting (in your demo) the 10 ball and banking it to the middle of the table leaving the cue ball behind the two balls that are left. This way you get more shot options should he hit the eight ball. Shot 13 most people hit the ball too fat and will leave a cut shot. You can play an easy safe with any of the three balls, I would rather hit the other side of that ball and three or four rail it to the same spot. I think you'll have a less chance of sell out.
Shot 17. The chance someone can consistently slide the cue ball over 6 inches is not a high percentage shot. Roll the cue off the rail towards the eight with inside English and leave the Seven short of the side pocket on the rail.
@@DrDaveBilliards Your channel was hacked by a fraudulent bitcoin UA-cam channel for a few hours earlier today. Everything now seems to be back to normal.
It didn't feel quick. I had to work very hard for 4 hours straight to break the hack and attempt to return everything back to normal. The only bad outcome is I lost quite a few subscribers. I don't blame them after seeing what they saw. I have much better security set up now, so hopefully it will never happen again.
Definitely hacked. Many UA-cam accounts have been hacked and used in the same way. I hope no one falls for that and the criminals doesn't affect the content of this channel.
I love your humility and patience Dr Dave! Sam Morris, your reply got a much more respectful response than it deserved. Dr Dave is far from a weak player, I believe he has a couple of tables and has mentioned previously that this table plays easy. He is demonstrating shots, yes clearly he hit a bit thick but his accuracy of shot wasn’t the point of the video!
I would like to give my DVDs away for free to everybody in the whole world, but it probably wouldn't be a very good business move given how much time, effort, and expense I put into them. I appreciate your enthusiasm though! :)
I'm curious to see how others did. Obviously, some of my answers won't be best for all people. Also, some people might have better ideas on some shots.
@@DrDaveBilliards very true. I play in a few smokey bar rooms where they don't like it when you play a legitimate safety... so you have to call a pocket, take a believable stroke and still try to hide the cue ball without being called out for not taking an intentional offensive shot.
*Check out my follow-up video that covers many alternative options for several of the shots:*
ua-cam.com/video/-lwDpRnz2WU/v-deo.html
*Content:*
0:00 - Intro
0:42 - Shots 1-4
Shot 1 - Stop and hide (9-ball)
Shot 2 - Two-way, three-rail bank and hide (9-ball)
Shot 3 - Roll up and snuggle (9-ball)
Shot 4 - Equal-separation hide behind blockers (8-ball)
3:37 - Shots 5-8
Shot 5 - Equal-separation to opposite rails (9-ball)
Shot 6 - Equal-separation straddle hide (9-ball)
Shot 7 - Equal-separation self-hide (8-ball)
Shot 8 - Short-bridge half-ball-hit hide (8-ball)
5:18 - Shots 9-12
Shot 9 - Short-bridge full-ball-hit hide (8-ball)
Shot 10 - Short-bridge thin-hit lock-up hide (8-ball)
Shot 11 - Separate and hide close to long rail (9-ball)
Shot 12 - Come into the line of blockers (8-ball)
6:49 - Shots 13-16
Shot 13 - Thin-hit hide (8-ball)
Shot 14 - Send ball straight down table with natural-angle hide (9-ball)
Shot 15 - Send ball straight down table with inside-spin hold and hide (9-ball)
Shot 16 - Kick-and-stick hide (9-ball)
8:56 - Shots 17-20
Shot 17 - Draw to hide (9-ball)
Shot 18 - Stun hide off two rails (9-ball)
Shot 19 - Rail-first thin hide (9-ball)
Shot 20 - Tickie hide (9-ball)
11:07 - Wrap Up
---- 11:51 - shot montage
*Supporting Resources:*
- 20 Safety Examples shot diagrams document: billiards.colostate.edu/resource_files/BU_Safety_Examples.pdf
- safety learning resources page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/safety
- safety examples resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/safety/examples
- “Top 10 Safeties Every Pool Player Must Master” video: ua-cam.com/video/Ji_jFE6QVmQ/v-deo.html
*Subscribe to Dr. Dave's UA-cam Channel:*
ua-cam.com/users/DrDaveBilliards
For shot 4, it feels more productive to play the 10-ball and roll forward, using the 11 and 13 as blocking balls. This opens up the 11 to a pocket and leaves an easy out, even if it leaves a slightly easier kick at the 8
Just what I thought
I agree with this. Let's see what Dr. Dave thinks about this
Excellent idea. I agree 100%. That is a better shot, especially if you come off the end rail and try to freeze on the 13.
Agreed, and staying close to a rail takes away a set of kick options.
The other benefit of this shot is there is more margin of error for speed control because you’re essentially coming more into the line of the safe zone vs coming across it.
Oh i love it. For me safeties are the "soul of pool" they have big part of the beautifulness of this sport, not all is to pocket balls! A defense game can be as beautiful as a run of pocketing all balls :)
Well stated.
Thank you for making this compilation Dr. Dave! Practising these drills and Niels Feijen's safety drills has really improved my defensive play. Looking forward to more content on safeties in the future!
This drill now has 20 shots. I added 6 recently, so check out the new video and document.
More great free lessons from Dr.Dave, if you think before you act. The time spent could teals great solution to not loosing.
Thanks again for your frequent supportive comments.
Thanks Dr. Dave! Is it just me, but anyone else love that little sound effect at the beginning of each video? It’s awesome 😎…It’s got a dramatic, law & order vibe! 😁
I'm glad you like it. I do too. I listened to at least 100 options before I settled on that one.
@@DrDaveBilliards Good choice! ❤️🎶
Thanks Dr. Dave! I've been practicing these safeties and they have won me games! Great tips as always
I'm glad to hear it. You're welcome.
Thanks!
You’re welcome!
DrDave thank you so much for the great material you put out, and for being so generous by giving additional access to it. This will definitely take my game to the next level.
You're welcome. I hope it does.
On shot #4, I'd roll into the top stripe (in the three-ball cluster) banking it off the end rail with the intention of leaving it as near the lower left corner pocket as possible. Now, depending on the result of a kick or jump shot by your opponent, you'll create a nice insurance ball or an effective breakout ball option. Really appreciate you sharing this informative video, Dr. Dave!
Check out my follow-up video that covers many alternative options for several of the shots, including Shot 4:
ua-cam.com/video/-lwDpRnz2WU/v-deo.html
Enjoy!
@@DrDaveBilliards Much appreciated!
Tremendous. Thanks Dr. Dave!
Thank you, and you're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)
I don't consider myself a very good player, but I was feeling pretty good about myself until about #15. Definitely need to practice the kick and stick. Can't wait to drill those. Thank you!
Have fun and good luck!
Nice lesson as always. I had been playing some of these shots from the past 2 years, for instance, I was playing shot 8 perfectly while playing snooker, but I didn't know I was aiming a hair thinner. Now I will aim a hair thinner everytime :)
A hair thinner makes you a winner. 🤓
Nice video. I was able to get most, and your solutions made a lot of sense. Now I need to work on execution.
These types of shots definitely require frequent practice.
Shot 1 - with CB and object ball so close I would actually aim to marry the CB to the blocker by aiming just off of straight to have the CB slide just a hair into the 9 ball. Same concept as a stop shot but now you make the safety that much more difficult with frozen balls.
That's what I was trying to do in the video.
I agree that's the best way to play this.
Great vid Doc, more of these please, better safe than sorry.
Thanks. :)
I have always struggled with safeties so thank you for this one!
You're welcome. FYI, you can find a lot more help with safeties here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/safety/
Enjoy!
@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you! I sincerely mean it with every fiber of my being when I say that you are a true ambassador of the sport!
@@JohnDoe-ur3tr That is very kind of you. Thank you.
At 5:30, I would bank across to the long corner. The cue would naturally tend to line up on the 8 if you made it and leave no shot if your ball is near the pocket.
That would be a good choice only if the aim and speed are both very good. If either is off even a little, there is a good chance to sell out to your opponent.
@@DrDaveBilliards Just be careful to err on the long side for two reasons: 1) rebound from the end rail will be far more likely to block the hole and 2) the cue ball will be more in line with the 8. If you are weak at banking, then avoid this strategy.
@@byronwatkins2565 Excellent points.
Shot 17 was lovely
Thanks; although, it is easy to mess that one up.
I’m not always the best at seeing safety shots, but I’m pretty good at playing them when I do see them. I’ve found that a lot of players in my league are pretty aggressive even when playing out of a safety. So if I have to play several safeties in a row they will tend to get increasingly frustrated and aggressive, leading to bigger mistakes each time. A lot of times this leads to them opening up tied-up balls for me and eventually leaving me with a pretty open table. It’s a good strategy to keep in mind, to allow the opponent to do some of the hard work for you.
Agreed. If you don’t expect to runout, you should not pocket balls.
Shot 18 is better to use top spin off the short rail placing behind 8.
You can separate the CB and 7 with the 8 in between with follow, but you can lock the CB up against the 8 with follow. There is no room to avoid the double kiss and get the correct angle off the cushion.
Awesome compilation. You got me on 17 and 19. I don't know if I can do 17 without a bridge because of my back issues. Those were new ones for me. Thanks!
I'm glad you like it. Obviously, the best shot choice depends a lot on the individual.
On shot #11 at the 6:01 mark I think I would choose to hit the 7 a little more full with some top and put the cue ball under the 8 and 9 and try to tuck on the 9 instead of sending it up table. I’m a lefty so it’s maybe a little easier for me to shoot comfortably but it seems more safe than just having the blocker balls separating them.
Top, slight left, sorry.
I like it.
Very insightful and well demonstrated!! I think it would be interesting to show a few possible follow-up shots from the opponent's perspective to really demonstrate why the safety is effective.
Thanks. I thought about showing safety replies, but the video was long enough already. Good idea though.
I wish I could have a table just like you Dr.Dave.it really depends on a table that you're playing.the speed of the ball can change.I guess the felt too can affect your game.
The cloth definitely affects play:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/table/cloth-effects/
but it is important to be able to adjust to conditions.
Now that was fun. Off to the table I go !!!
That's the right attitude! Good luck and have fun!
Dave you are the best
Thanks.
I love the Jeopardy music! It’s hilarious! 🤣
Me too. I never get tired of it. And I see it is a tribute to the late, great Alex Trebek.
shot 4: you could also hit the closest stripe in the cluster (the 10) with a full-hit follow shot to send the cueball toward the cushion behind the blockers, and sending the 10 two rails-even if he can see the 8 it's a tough shot to make
this would also open up the cluster
Good idea. That is definitely a better shot.
Looking at the drawing, I would shoot the 10 into the end rail, sending it towards the side pocket. The cue would settle in behind the 11 & 13. BUT...on your actual shot, the cue ball is much closer to the center spot, making your choice more practical.
Agreed. See also my follow-up video:
ua-cam.com/video/-lwDpRnz2WU/v-deo.html
On shot 4 your cue ball position on the illustration was in a very different position than the actual shot video clip. Didn’t change much on your suggested safety but it did change how a couple of others suggested shooting the 10 using the 11 and 13 as blockers. Also, your safety, while blocking your opponent still left you with tricky little shots on the 10, 11 and 13 ball cluster assuming you ended up with ball in hand. My first choice would have been shooting 10 using the 11 and 13 as blockers. Another decent option would be playing a little 11-13 combo pushing the 13 ball in front of the corner pocket. That breaks up the 10, 11, 13 ball cluster and leaves an insurance ball, 13, sitting in front of the corner pocket that you can make from anywhere on the table. Your opponent is forced to play some silly shot on the 8 with a next to zero chance of making it any called pocket or snookering you when he misses. You then have an easy out.
Excellent points. Thanks for the input.
Great stuff as always. I would suggest that shot 16 is better off for a left-handed player (which I am), unless you are tall (like you and I), and shot 17 is a right-handed shot. (Especially since it requires finesse and touch, and would be difficult at best with a bridge). Thanks for sharing!
Good points. Shot 16 is tough to reach for a short right hander, and Shot 17 is impossible to reach for pretty much any left hander.
At 3:15 I would rather hit the ball at the top of the 3-ball cluster into the rail and leave the cue ball behind the other two. It still leaves the 8 ball blocked, gets a ball out of the cluster and leaves another ball to use to break the other 2 up if need be. Maybe even try for the bank and for the leave behind the cluster just in case, like an offensive defense shot, but I my ball speed control is certainly not as good as his!
Good idea. That is a better shot.
6:49
Could the shot 13 also be used the separation safety with the closest ball? It seems easier, and those other balls even makes it tougher for a rail shot.
I knew you should probably let the cue ball there, for the nature of the puzzle, but I thought that the simple solution was more reliable (maybe your opponent could hit the eight by having a ton of spin off the rail, but it would be their merit to hit the ball with that difficult shot, let alone make the ball into the pocket)
Excellent point. I agree.
While I don’t totally hate the choice on #13, I think the easier and more practical shot would’ve been to half-ball hit the OB and leave all three balls on the bottom rail. 8 ball is nowhere near hanging and leaves you another safety down table even if they make a good hit
Good idea.
Easier to learn Safty Strategies than Tor Lowry's Defensive Strategies, thank you, Dr Dave!
You're welcome. FYI, I have a lot more videos and info for learning safety strategy here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/safety/strategy/
Enjoy!
@@DrDaveBilliards Can't appreciate more! Good day!
At 3:20 wouldn't it be better to play the top ball from the bunch with some top spin and leave the white behind the two balls while also unlocking the blocked balls?
Yes. Good eye.
Nice video, most of my choices matched yours or I preferred yours. Only ones I'd prefer something different are #4 where I'd open the three together by playing a follow on the closest ball. Also on #13 I would prefer to play off the other side of the stripe with a little left spin to go round the angles behind the blockers - takes the middle pocket bump out of the equation, yours went a bit close and if you hit it then you probably sell out the game.
Many people have commented on 4 and 13. I agree with the suggestions.
Hi Dr. Dave, another great video like always!
Do you know any resources that can help me learn basic spin? The videos I’ve seen on UA-cam all seem a little complicated and I’m having trouble finding replicable results with my table.
I’m confident in my basic backspin and frontspin shots, but get confused when using “bottom-left” style spin, especially from angles other than straight shots.
Any help would be appreciated!
Here's a good place to start:
billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/sidespin/
I feel like on #4, I might accomplish the dual goal of breaking that ball grouping up and creating a very difficult shot on the 8 by hitting the top ball perpendicular into the short rail. If I get lucky I might hide the 8 with it but it would also carom into the middle ball and stick there pretty close. If you can pot the 8 from there, I couldn't have beaten you anyway.
Good idea. I agree that is a better shot.
While this is an excellent video, and I *do* intend to do drills based on all 20 of these shots, I'd like to add a note based on experience.
The problem with safeties is that if you don't succeed, it's easy to sell out. Whenever you're playing safety, think percentages. Actually, do that on all shots but especially on safeties. A lot of these shots are high finesse and even an inch or two of extra (or less) movement might end up with you selling out!
Good luck and keep practicing!
Good point. The “right shot” always depends on the person.
What about a video demonstrating what you would do to escape these safeties? Whether it be another safety or going for the pocket.
That's a good idea, but these were really good safeties with very difficult replies. I'll still consider it.
Great practice! I feel the last shot is quite risky if you're not good at kicking plus if you're in a game haha
Agreed, especially if you haven't practiced tickie shots before.
On shot 4, I would've hit the 10 with a little follow, because I think speed control on the CB is easier to manage, plus you move the 10 towards the corner pocket. On shot 8, it's very easy to hit the CB too hard, so it leaks out, leaving a pretty easy shot on the 8. An alternative might be to hit the stripe on its left side (the side further from the long rail) and send the CB down towards the left short rail. You won't block the CB from the 8, but you'll leave a weird angle. Just a matter of personal preference; the suggested safeties are all good, if the shooter can execute them (it's good to practice safeties!).
Excellent points. I agree 100% on Shot 4. Concerning Shot 8, finesses shots like this are important to practice so you won't over-hit them.
How to find the dead center of the cue ball and ensure there is no top or backspin? I have observed that i probably hit a bit above center while thinking it's center. Thanks.
Position your tip as close as possible to the CB in the “set” position and get your head as low as possible in your stance.
Hi Dr.Dave
I have a question about a safety shot in 8-ball and I was wondering if you could answer whether the following example is a legal safety shot or not?.
Say you are shooting stripes in a game of 8-ball, and go for the 10 which is hanging over the pocket but call 'safety' prior pocketing it. Does that count as a legal shot by the shooter if pocketing the ball was intentional despite 'safety' being called. Or is there some kinda 'unsportsmanlike conduct' rule which prohibits a player doing this?. This very scenario happened between 2 players down our local pool hall the other evening. The shooter called 'safety' and made legal contact with a ball from his group intending to pocket it and tie the cue ball up. Most seemed to think this was ok, but his opponent wasn't best pleased as it left him in a really bad snooker, so he argued that his opponent should shoot again regardless of him calling 'safety' as it was obvious what he was trying. It would be nice if you could clarify the rule on this for future reference please as it would be extremely helpful.
Thanks
Under the WPA official rules of pool, you are allowed to call a safety in 8-ball, where your opponent shoots next regardless of the outcome of the shot. For more info about this or any other question about the rules, see:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
@@DrDaveBilliards
Thanks for confirming Dr.Dave. much appreciated 👍
Shot 17 just thin the left side of the 7 and send the cue ball 2 rails to the other end. Probably easier especially for a lefty.
Agreed. Good call.
For shot 7 if your on the 8 ball you could easily jump for the win
Agreed, so you wouldn't play this against an opponent who can jump well.
Shot 1- instead of stop shot, do a stop with one tip of left to have the cueball touch the 9 ball, making an exit harder.
… or just aim a hair to the left. With no sidespin. Either way, freezing on the 9 is certainly a good thing.
On the third shot in 9-12, wouldn't it be better if the 7 and the CB were to switch sides? So that it is the cue ball hidden near the blockers, in order to prevent a kick that may somehow cheese the 9 ball in, or any other attempts that may yield more reward than necessary?
Good point, but I'm not sure the angle is right to do that well while getting the 7 high enough up table.
Fair! @@DrDaveBilliards
Shot 7: You could also thin the stripe to park it adjacent to the 8 ball for extra trollage.
That would be a really thin hit with the CB really flying; but I guess if you really want to troll, it is an option.
What are you going to do if you get ball in hand after shot 6? The way you shot it doesn't leave much. Separate the 8 and 9 a little more and sure. But don't leave the 8 in front of the side
Good point.
Couldn’t #13 (8 in the montage) be performed the other direction to go short rail, long rail, across to other long rail, and behind the blockers? Going the route shown comes rather close to scratching in the side pocket.
Yes. I agree that is a better play. Good eye.
Did the shot at 2:32 _really_ give you that position for the shot at 2:35? 😁
Yes. I edit out as much time as I can between shots to speed the video along.
7:37 What happened there. Look at the 7 rolling path. Looks like it went to the left and returned pointing to the right.
Cutting a ball with slow-ish speed and close to stun like this creates throw and spin transfer which changes the rebound angle off the rail. See:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/spin-transfer/
For shot 19 I like the one rail kick bank to the side pocket. I make that shot way more often than I should lol. Plus everyone gets all excited so why not.
Edit* I meant to say everyone gets all excited IF you make it. Otherwise everyone just laughs at you
That is certainly a "bold" choice.
At what point is it called a push?- regarding 5:55
It is never a push if you smoothly accelerate into the ball with a short stroke (like a miniature version of a normal stroke).
Hey doc...can u make different versions of pool from every country.....some are very unusual....i.e ethiopia
That's a good idea. I'll add it to my "list." Unfortunately, my current "list" is very long!
@@DrDaveBilliards alright.... thanks
Your 1st safety there was fine and 101% defense, but I'd have tried to bank the 7 cross-side and drawn into the 9, kissing it just a little towards the same hole just as a two-way in case of a miss.. depending on how the cushions and felt play on that table.
Good idea, especially if you can hide behind the 9 (with a shot at the 9), with no look at a missed 7.
Maybe too, on a dare (aka side-bet) one could billiard the 9 into the left head corner pocket and not even care about where the 7 winds up.
Shot 17 is quite risky Doc. I would just thin hit the 7 and put the cue ball all the way up on the rail and try to use 8 and 9 as blockers.
Excellent point. Good eye.
I'm not a fan of shot 6. Assuming the next player scratches, what next? It seems fiddly to follow up by placing the cue ball in hand between the 8 and 9 and then play the 8 to the bottom right corner.
Good point.
Shot 1: Why not just put the 7 in the corner?
… because it is a thin cut and long shot … very mis-able.
I need to build my safety game. Gotta stop selling out to them opponents....
A well executed safety can be a powerful offensive weapon!
@@DrDaveBilliards Oh yes. Who says you only have to pot balls to win? You gotta make good shots.
Shot 7 @ 4:56: I'd feel very uncomfortable leaving my opponent that kind of jump shot on the 8. Depends on the skill level.
Agreed. That is not a good choice against a good jumper.
Shot 4 you play safe by hitting (in your demo) the 10 ball and banking it to the middle of the table leaving the cue ball behind the two balls that are left. This way you get more shot options should he hit the eight ball. Shot 13 most people hit the ball too fat and will leave a cut shot. You can play an easy safe with any of the three balls, I would rather hit the other side of that ball and three or four rail it to the same spot. I think you'll have a less chance of sell out.
Other people have pointed these out also. I agree with both. Maybe I'll do a follow-up video showing these and other good ideas people have posted.
Shot 17. The chance someone can consistently slide the cue ball over 6 inches is not a high percentage shot. Roll the cue off the rail towards the eight with inside English and leave the Seven
short of the side pocket on the rail.
I think you are right. That would probably be more effective and consistent for most people.
all the cue are very closely to the object ball.. what if the cue ball are far away from any ball..
🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
… then the finesse options are no longer practical, especially on a bar box.
Pay attention to the path your opponent used creating the safety, you may travel the same path to get a hit.
Good idea. I like the way you think!
I'm not good at pool but I got pretty good at safeties , my buddy was getting frustrated at me, probably never play pool with me again
Maybe your buddy should learn to play smart also. :)
Ever played snooker?
... only a few times, but I love watching the game at the world-class level.
I played a safety into a runout hill/hill Saturday
FML
I assume the run-out was your opponent's after a good safety reply. Bummer! Lesson learned. Play a better safety next time. :)
@@DrDaveBilliards correct assumption
That was quick…
What was?
@@DrDaveBilliards Your channel was hacked by a fraudulent bitcoin UA-cam channel for a few hours earlier today. Everything now seems to be back to normal.
It didn't feel quick. I had to work very hard for 4 hours straight to break the hack and attempt to return everything back to normal. The only bad outcome is I lost quite a few subscribers. I don't blame them after seeing what they saw. I have much better security set up now, so hopefully it will never happen again.
5:47 isnt a foul?
my bad, ;p, keep good work :)
I’m glad you figured it out on your own. That’s always better.
Hold on I thought the CB need to hit the rail after contacting a legal OB? If so ain't number 1 a foul thus a ball in hand?
After contact, something (CB or OB) needs to get to a cushion. For more info, see:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
I don’t know if someone hacked your account, but there’s some bitcoin videos being shown on it right now.
Definitely hacked. Many UA-cam accounts have been hacked and used in the same way. I hope no one falls for that and the criminals doesn't affect the content of this channel.
Thanks for letting me know. Somebody hacked my account. I just spent the last 3 hours reversing all the damage (I hope so, anyway).
Although I agree with most shots. But if a person can jump good you're selling out. Especially on shots 7, 8, 9.
Good point. Against a good jumper, one must play better safeties.
9-Ball shot 2 - HUGE pockets! The tables I grew up on were double shimmed! The 9-ball wouldn't have gone in. This table is for weak players!
Agreed. That was a sloppy shot.
I love your humility and patience Dr Dave!
Sam Morris, your reply got a much more respectful response than it deserved. Dr Dave is far from a weak player, I believe he has a couple of tables and has mentioned previously that this table plays easy. He is demonstrating shots, yes clearly he hit a bit thick but his accuracy of shot wasn’t the point of the video!
NOOOO I MISSED THE FIRST COMMENT
... by an eternity! :)
Call a plumber cause I see a lot of leaks in your future : )
Dr dave I really appreciate u actually a lot could you please send me the DVDs that I can't really afford to pay I really need them to win
I would like to give my DVDs away for free to everybody in the whole world, but it probably wouldn't be a very good business move given how much time, effort, and expense I put into them. I appreciate your enthusiasm though! :)
@@DrDaveBilliards love you Dr dave no problems
I was maybe 11 or 12 out of 20...
I'm curious to see how others did. Obviously, some of my answers won't be best for all people. Also, some people might have better ideas on some shots.
@@DrDaveBilliards very true. I play in a few smokey bar rooms where they don't like it when you play a legitimate safety... so you have to call a pocket, take a believable stroke and still try to hide the cue ball without being called out for not taking an intentional offensive shot.
... that takes even more skill than a normal safety. Sounds like a good challenge; although, I prefer playing people who actually know pool rules. :)
For the algo
Awful waiting sound
... not if you like the game show "Jeorpardy!" as much as I do.