In rotation games, players often find themselves with cue ball in hand after the break. Their initial reaction, not surprisingly, is to try to run out. In their haste to do so, however, they miss shots that are far less risky and will likely pay great dividends.
The shot in Diagram One comes up a lot. When I show this layout to my students and tell them they have ball in hand, very few see the best option. A run-out in this instance is difficult because of the 3-8 cluster at the bottom of the table. Most players automatically think of using offense to break up the cluster instead of considering a defensive move that will lead to breaking up the cluster. Instead, they look at pocketing the 1 at an angle that will allow them to break up the 3-8. That is a low-percentage shot.
There is, however, an option that offers three benefits. I would place the cue ball as shown and stop it behind the 9. Secondly, I would send the 1 up table to break up the cluster. My third objective is to use a speed that will at least leave the 1 so close to the cluster that my opponent is likely to break it up for me when he kicks at the 1. Even if they foul, they could break it up for me. Not only is the safety option high percentage, but so are your chances of getting back to the table with the balls in more favorable positions for a run-out.
There are, of course, exceptions. Diagram Two shows an opportunity to be more aggressive because the 2 ball is hanging in the corner pocket. In this case, an offensive approach is worth the risk because you still have a bail-out ball in the event you fail to break up the 3-7.
