Analogies: Set 5

Sparring versus Playing Pool

Sparring is similar to playing the game of pool. In pool, you try to shoot the most balls into the table pockets. If you only concentrate on shooting at one ball at a time, you will probably lose the game. To become a proficient pool player, you must think ahead to your second, third, etc. shots. You must sink the ball you are aiming at, but, you also must consider where the cue ball, and other ball your shot puts in motion, will come to rest after the shot. You want the cue ball to stop at a position that will permit you an easy shoot at the next ball you want to shoot at. When considering the first shot and where the cue ball will stop for the second shot, you should also consider the availability of a third shot.

To become proficient in sparring, you must consider your opponent's reaction to your attack and where your body will come to rest after the attack. You must think ahead two, three, or more movements before making your initial attack. Consider how your opponent may block or avoid your attack, and where your body position should be after you initial technique to take advantage of your opponent's reactions. Your body position after an attack should be in an advantageous position to you while either setting your opponent up for another attack or hindering your opponent from counterattacking.