Jeff sparks
Verified Member
While waiting for the next interesting WWYD, I thought sharking would be something to discuss or at least read comments on, so.....
The act of distracting an opponent, i.e. interrupting his concentration, rhythm,
timing, delivery, aim, or any other mental or mechanical practice normally considered to be part of his exclusive time at the table.
The subtle delivery of movement or sound at critical times is a powerful weapon in one pocket.
RA was a past master at this, bless his heart, RIP brother, you were the absolute best one pocket player on planet earth for quite a few years, and IMO, one of the best ever at sharking your opponents.
Here are a few of the subtle & not so subtle gems used by the late great Ronnie Allen when we played.
(1). Standing just inside your perrifferal vision line and moving at just the right time, maybe just the arm he's holding his cue with, or a slow lean as if to anticipate the completion of my shot, or sometimes a relaxing slump move was employed. He had several he used, all defly timed according to your release point!
(2). Standing just outside of your perrifferal vision line and moving into it at just the right time, a leg, or an arm, maybe just the butt of his cue.
(3). Explaining his last shot to his backer or anyone near him, just loud enough for you to hear, while you're trying to figure out your next move, or make a tough hit, or pocket a ball where the game was in the balance.
(4). Saying something (anything really) at that crucial moment in your stroke.
These are but a few of the shark tactics used by the greatest of all time.
I would marvel at this man, not that I agreed with his tactics, i was just in awe of how well he used them and it seemed his variety was endless! I couldn't wait to see the next one!!!
Perhaps some of you have been the victim of a person who used similar shark tactics against you. Do tell, I'm all ears, I'd like to hear about some.
Jeff
P.S. Personally I think sharking should be an ethics violation, but it ain't gonna stop those who use it.
The act of distracting an opponent, i.e. interrupting his concentration, rhythm,
timing, delivery, aim, or any other mental or mechanical practice normally considered to be part of his exclusive time at the table.
The subtle delivery of movement or sound at critical times is a powerful weapon in one pocket.
RA was a past master at this, bless his heart, RIP brother, you were the absolute best one pocket player on planet earth for quite a few years, and IMO, one of the best ever at sharking your opponents.
Here are a few of the subtle & not so subtle gems used by the late great Ronnie Allen when we played.
(1). Standing just inside your perrifferal vision line and moving at just the right time, maybe just the arm he's holding his cue with, or a slow lean as if to anticipate the completion of my shot, or sometimes a relaxing slump move was employed. He had several he used, all defly timed according to your release point!
(2). Standing just outside of your perrifferal vision line and moving into it at just the right time, a leg, or an arm, maybe just the butt of his cue.
(3). Explaining his last shot to his backer or anyone near him, just loud enough for you to hear, while you're trying to figure out your next move, or make a tough hit, or pocket a ball where the game was in the balance.
(4). Saying something (anything really) at that crucial moment in your stroke.
These are but a few of the shark tactics used by the greatest of all time.
I would marvel at this man, not that I agreed with his tactics, i was just in awe of how well he used them and it seemed his variety was endless! I couldn't wait to see the next one!!!
Perhaps some of you have been the victim of a person who used similar shark tactics against you. Do tell, I'm all ears, I'd like to hear about some.
Jeff
P.S. Personally I think sharking should be an ethics violation, but it ain't gonna stop those who use it.