The popularity of nine ball increased quickly.  Players liked how quickly the money could trade hands while spectators would always see good shot making.  Players did not like how the luck of the break could dictate who won and lost each game.  The push out was added into the rules of the game to diminish the luck while adding strategy and skill.  We will start by giving the written rule, then talk about different strategies that can determine the type of push out we attempt.  It has been suggested to me that many players would like a better understanding of the Push Out shot. 

                The rule reads as follows; ìThe player who shoots the shot immediately after a legal break may play a push out in an attempt to move the cue ball into a better position for the option that follows.  On a push out, the cue ball is not required to contact any object ball, nor any rail, but all other foul rules still apply.  The player must announce the intention of playing a push out before the shot, or the shot is considered to be a normal shot.  Any ball pocketed on a push out does not count and remains pocketed except the nine ball.  Following a legal push out, the incoming player is permitted to shoot from that position or pass the shot back to the player who pushed out.  The push out is not considered to be a foul as long as no rule (Except Bad Hit and No Rail) is violated.  An illegal push out is penalized according to the type of foul committed.  After the a player scratches on the break shot the incoming player cannot play a push out.î

When after the break you are forced to push out there are three (3) types that may be accomplished.  1) Leave a shot you can make and your opponent wonít attempt, 2) Leave a position which a safety can be played in an effort to gain ball in hand and 3) Leave a position which your opponent will shoot but will result in him repositioning the table to your benefit.

For the strategy in 1) the player pushing out is usually the most skilled of the players or they are exploiting a weakness in their opponent.  The opponent is left with the low percentage shot and will usually pass it back.

The strategy described in 2) is employed when running the table is not likely.  In this situation not leaving an obvious shot could have them pass it back.  The safety can then be executed making your intentions obvious.

The last strategy 3) is the most difficult and does not occur very often.  In this situation the one ball is usually tied up and no balls can be pocketed.  Leaving the cue ball in a position where your opponent is enticed to take the shot, resulting in opening up the table.  In the event that they decide to pass the shot back then the opportunity to open up the balls while playing a safety will be yours.

If your opponent is a skilled player, then you will need to interchange the different strategies to keep them off guard.  Knowing your opponentís weaknesses as well as your strengths will become especially important.  Earl Strickland used the push out to suit his strength of jumping balls.  He would push out to a position where his opponent would have to either kick at the object ball or jump over the ball in the way.  Since the opponent was less skilled they would pass the shot back.  Earl would then jump over the ball, make the shot, and run out the table.

You should always want the first shot as a goal. It will give you the opportunity to take control of the game.  Let this be a challenge for you to see how often you can succeed in taking the first shot on a push out you initiate.  Good luck with practicing your push out and donít forget to visit www.ThePlayersLeague.com. Do you have something for Mr. Billiards to write about? Send your question or idea to MrBilliards@ThePlayersLeague.com. 

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