The Importance of Billiards Safety Play

• Billiard players.
  
  The main reason for a safety in pool is to "live to fight another day." In other words, the player has no offensive shot, so his best play is to leave no offensive shot for his opponent. Instead of trying to pull of an impossible offense, a seasoned player will try to leave an impossible shot for his opponent. This defensive billiard shot will hopefully leave the shooter "safe" against the opponent. A properly played safety is just as good or better than an offensive shot.
  
  

Learning the Art of the Billiard Safety

• Hiding the cue ball.
  
  Rules for safety play are the same as for offensive play: The cue ball must strike one of the shooter's balls first, then a ball must hit a rail after contact.
  
  After determining that there is no good offensive billiard shot, look for the best place to leave the cue ball so the opponent will have little or no chance of an offensive shot either. A player should also try to better the tables for herself on this shot. If possible, try to push an object ball close to or blocking a pocket for a later shot. Or break out a hidden object ball without disturbing problem balls for the opponent.
  
  

Adjusting to Slow Playing in Billiards

• Safety play in billiards is often referred to as "slow play" as it slows down the game considerably. This in itself can act as a defense against a fast-playing, all-offense opponent. Taking a player out of his stride will change the dynamics of the game and give a lesser player an advantage.
  
  Practice moving from fast offensive play to slow safety play to ensure you can adjust your game in a real match. The player who can adjust fast is usually the winner. This keeps the opponent off balance and out of the natural rhythm of his game, allowing for just enough of an opening for a lesser player to take over the match and win.