Tag Archives: cue ball

(FAQ) What are different ways to clean pool balls?

(About the Author)

When you own your own set of balls, eventually they will need cleaning to help them maintain their shiny good looks. Pretty bright and shiny balls are much more fun to play with than dull dirty balls. Continue reading →

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (half table patterns) - Group 3, Set 4

Cue Ball Control Cheat Sheets

This is today's set of Cue Ball Cheats. These practice setups (and others in the book and blog) help you learn HOW to apply an exact speed and spin. That precision is how to get perfect shape on the second ball - and how to string a run together. For these layouts here are the Cheats for this post:

  • Cheat: Stun, Soft 3 speed.
  • Cheat: 12:00, Soft 2 speed.
    1:30, Soft 2 speed.
  • Cheat: 6:00, Medium 1 speed.
  • Cheat: 1:30, Soft 3 speed.

Continue reading →

(S&D) Safety & Defense - Intentions

(About the author)

Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

This is today's bit of advice from the book Safety Toolbox.

All defensive shot selections must include a consideration of its effect on your opponent. Observe his reactions immediately after executing a defensive shot. Individually, taken shot by shot, these have little effect, but over time you should see him emotionally respond to your efforts. Continue reading →

(FAQ) When breaking, should you inspect the rack?

(About the Author)

In most games, the winner of the last game breaks. The loser must rack the balls for the next game. Breaking a loose rack (gaps between the balls) causes a lot of lost energy, and the balls will stay bunched up in clusters. This is not something you want to happen. It can throw off your focus and rhythm. Continue reading →

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (half table patterns) - Group 4, Set 1

Cue Ball Control Cheat Sheets

This is today's set of Cue Ball Cheats. These practice setups (and others in the book and blog) help you learn HOW to apply an exact speed and spin. That precision is how to get perfect shape on the second ball - and how to string a run together. For these layouts here are the Cheats for this post:

  • Cheat: 12:00, Soft 1 speed.
  • Cheat: 6:00, Medium 1 speed.

Continue reading →

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (half table patterns) - Group 1, Set 4

Cue Ball Control Cheat Sheets

This is today's set of Cue Ball Cheats. These practice setups (and others in the book and blog) help you learn HOW to apply an exact speed and spin. That precision is how to get perfect shape on the second ball - and how to string a run together. For these layouts here are the Cheats for this post:

  • Cheat: 12:00 (1/2 ball hit), Soft 3 speed.
    (Control the speed or add a touch of left to avoid the side pocket.)
  • Cheat: 1:30, (1/2 ball hit), Soft 3 speed.
  • Cheat: 12:00, (1/2 ball hit), Soft 3 speed.
    (Control the speed or add a touch of left to avoid the side pocket.)

Continue reading →

(S&D) Safety & Defense - Two-Way Shot Tactics

(About the author)

Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

(This is today's bit of advice from the book Safety Toolbox.)

When a shot is at the edges of your comfort/chaos zone, the chances of being successful may be less acceptable. For example, if you can only make the shot 40% of the time and it is a critical situation, that chance of missing may be more than you are willing to allow. Continue reading →

(S&D) Safety & Defense - Temptation Shot Tactics

(About the author)

Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

(This is today's bit of advice from the book Safety Toolbox.)

When your opponent's chaos zone has been defined, you can easily setup traps, known as temptation shots. These are hero shots just beyond your opponent's abilities and control. They look within reach, but are tantalizing ghosts. He might succeed once in a while, but the odds are in your favor. Continue reading →