Learning to crush a pool break in billiards is simple when you learn how. Here are super tips on breaking with style.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 10 minutes of thoughtful practice
Here's How:
- For a powerful break shot, many players will put aside their personal cuestick and reach for a local house cue instead to keep their personal stick out of harm's way.
- Cue weight is a consideration for this important stroke. You want to hit the break with as much force and speed as you can control. A relatively lightweight cue is simpler to manipulate with the hands and easier to bring up to full speed. Select a cue of 19 ounces or less.
- Chalk the tip carefully for an open break stroke.
- Chalk adds friction and spin to the contact between stick and cue ball. You want the tip to adhere to the ball but also to release the ball so ensure the chalk is lightly and evenly applied but not thick and heavy.
- Beginners should place the cue ball for the break a bit closer to the side of the table then stand alongside than intermediates, to best control the ball without undue stretching.
- Stand more upright than for a classic pool stroke. Standing higher allows for a long, flowing motion with the shooting arm.
- Draw back slowly and deliberately for the break with a relaxed shooting hand. Feel as though you are drawing in a bow, gathering energy to propel forward again.
- Strike the cue ball somewhere just below its equator. Any topspin on the cue ball could cause the ball to leap into the air dispersing valuable break energy. A ball struck with topspin might also leave the table entirely after striking a rail! Shoot low instead for skid or a bit of draw on the ball.
- For most breaks, hit the headmost ball of the rack so the cue ball bounces back toward the center of the table, from where a variety of shots may be made successfully.
- Assess your results. If you are having trouble breaking, clear all balls from the table except the cue ball and shoot it cross corner into a pocket on the other side of the table. Ram the cue ball into the pocket until you can shoot it in with confidence. Apply that same stroke to the break shot.
