Pattern Play — Planning the Clearance

Objective: Choose a first ball and full running order based on planning backwards from the final (black/8) ball.

Why it matters: Random shot selection leaves players stuck mid-clearance — planning avoids self-inflicted snookers and dead ends.

Watch: Video walking through planning a real clearance layout.

Learn: Guide on identifying key balls (position-critical), problem balls (awkward, plan around early) and linking balls.

See it: Diagram of an annotated layout showing key/problem/linking balls.

Practise: Graded clearance drills: 2-ball, then 3, 5 and 7-ball layouts, planning route before striking.

Test yourself: n/a

Challenge: Successfully clear a 5-ball layout planned in advance without re-planning mid-run.

Common mistakes: Shooting the easiest ball first without considering the knock-on effect on the rest of the layout.

Coaching cue: Plan the frame before you play the ball.

Completion criteria: Completes the 5-ball clearance drill successfully at least twice out of 3 attempts.