2 Or A 7 Or A Hustler?
I had a fascinating reader question today regarding handicaps.
Dear Matt:
“What is it about handicap play that causes me to run hot and cold so often at the tables?
I am ranked a 5 for APA play (play? research?) but often play like a 2 handicap [lowest league rank] and on occasion, like a 7 [highest rank in the APA leagues]. How can I build consistency in my game?”
First off, your situation is not all bad. There are two distinct advantages to having a roaming playing ability. To wit:
1. Your new opponents will fear you greatly. You will seem to be a skilled pool hustler.
2. Your league directors will be unable to squeeze you onto another team. In other words, they often enjoy splitting skilled teams into two or more pieces. Each team then provides more league fees and therefore income to the ruling authorities.
Think Twice About Your "Hustling" Ways
There are certainly, however, some ideas I would guide you in to get your game to be far more consistent in nature (with a good, not bad, consistency, of course).
Those ideas are enunciated throughout this pool and billiards About.com website. Thousands of words and insightful photos are included on stance, stroke, pool hustlers and their shady cons, the different billiards shots, aiming and conceptualizing play, and much more.
Have fun at your league, and as your game improves through studying and applying what you are learning at About.com, enjoy the hustle!
