Billiards 101

Know the shot you are taking before you get down on it. Don't change your mind during the shot execution. Envision yourself making the shot- not missing the shot. Quiet your mind as you are shooting.

Always follow through. Do not move until the shot is complete which is normally right around when the cue ball stops rolling. We have all seen players pop up at the end or even during the final stroke- this is deadly.

Do not move anything except your eyes and your shooting arm during execution.

Play everyone the same regardless of your relationship with them.

Make defense part of your game- it is not always about making the ball. A good defense is better than a poor offense any day. That is to say, do not take a high risk or low payout shot if you can avoid it.

High risk = next position is exceptionally challenged or requires a miracle to get position.

Sometimes, defense is about making your shot and placing the cue ball or your opponents next ball in a place where 1) they are hard pressed to make their next shot or 2) you are placing their balls such that a run out is unlikely due to positional challenges.

Though you need to play for position, sometimes you need to level with yourself and take what the table gives you. Don't force a new position when you already have position. This is to say, sometimes you just take the more difficult shot. Sure, you could follow two rails for pinpoint position but...you don't have to.

Walk around the table and SEE all the angles and the options. Never take a shot without actually eye the contact point and visualizing where you need to be for your next (two) shot(s).  I can't tell you how often I see people just shoot and end up wonky. An easy out can be be ruined by a bad angle.

Never give up in a match. It is never over until the match point ball is pocketed.

Always play the table- I tend to never speak to my opponent or even make eye contact during a match.

Practice and never stop learning. Glenn Atwell is a great example of continued growth and continued learning. Every time I talk to him, he is sharing new things he has learned or is in the process of learning. This is one of the reasons why he is a champion.