About the STL APA

Daniel W. New, born January 16, 1963, at Tindell Airforce Base is a resident of Troy, Illinois, where he lives with his wife since 1982, Liana New. He is actively involved with and employed by The American Poolplayers Association (APA), contributing to the organization’s efforts to promote pool as a community-oriented and competitive sport. 

With a passion for the game, Daniel engages in the APA’s initiatives, which emphasize inclusivity and camaraderie, as seen in the association’s growing women’s leagues and mixed teams. His dedication to pool reflects the APA’s mission to foster lifelong friendships and a sense of community through the sport that brings people together. His involvement with the APA reflects his love for the game and his employment with this great organization. For Dan, life is about connection building bonds with family, friends, and neighbors that radiate the same joy he finds in every game of pool.

Outside of his professional and recreational pursuits, Daniel values his family life.

In pool Dan relishes the strategy and camaraderie, often spending hours perfecting his shots or teaching newcomers the nuances of the game with patience and encouragement. He’s not just a player but a student of the game, spending countless hours honing his skills and sharing his knowledge with newcomers, his patience as steady as his aim. 

Dan's Pool Wisdom

Dan’s mastery of pool is rooted in a blend of technical precision, strategic foresight, and mental focus, honed through years of play with the APA. In games like 8-ball and 9-ball, common in APA leagues, Dan employs several key strategies:

• Planning the Table (Pattern Play): Dan approaches each shot with a map of the table in mind. In 8-ball, he decides early whether to play solids or stripes based on which group offers the easiest path to clear the table, prioritizing clusters that can be broken up with strategic shots. For 9-ball, he focuses on the numerical sequence, always aiming to position the cue ball for the next numbered ball, avoiding shots that leave him “hooked” (blocked by other balls). He visualizes two to three shots ahead, ensuring he maintains control of the table.

• Cue Ball Control (Position Play): Dan’s finesse lies in his ability to manipulate the cue ball’s path. Using spin (English), speed, and angle, he ensures the cue ball lands in an optimal spot for the next shot. For example, he might apply top spin to make the cue ball travel farther after contact or draw (backspin) to pull it back for a better angle. This precision minimizes the need for difficult shots and keeps opponents at a disadvantage.

• Defensive Play (Safeties): When a clear shot isn’t available, Dan excels at defensive strategies, or “safeties.” He might leave the cue ball behind a cluster of balls, making it tough for his opponent to hit their target legally, or place it tight against a rail to limit their options. This forces mistakes, giving Dan a chance to regain control. His knack for reading opponents’ tendencies helps him anticipate and counter their moves.

• Break Shot Strategy: Dan knows the break is critical, especially in 9-ball, where pocketing a ball or spreading the table well can set the tone. He adjusts his break based on the game: a powerful, centered break in 8-ball to scatter balls and increase pocketing chances, or a controlled side break in 9-ball to aim for the 1-ball while keeping the cue ball central. He practices breaks to ensure consistency, often aiming for specific balls to start his run.

• Mental Game and Adaptability: Dan’s calm demeanor under pressure is a strategic asset. He stays focused, never rushing shots, and reads the table methodically, even when behind. He adapts to opponents’ skill levels, playing aggressively against weaker players to run the table or conservatively against stronger ones to force errors. His APA experience has taught him to balance risk and reward, knowing when to go for a tough shot or play safe.

• Bank and Combination Shots: Dan’s repertoire includes advanced techniques like bank shots (bouncing a ball off a rail into a pocket) and combination shots (hitting one ball to pocket another). He uses these sparingly, calculating angles with care, often as a last resort or to break up problem clusters. His practice with these shots gives him an edge in tight situations.

Dan’s strategic approach, paired with his love for teaching others, makes him a standout in the pool scene. Whether he’s sinking the 8-ball with precision or coaching a teammate on cue ball spin, Dan’s pool strategies reflect his thoughtful, community-driven spirit, turning every game into a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the sport he holds dear.