Tag Archives: cue ball

(FAQ) How to improve your break shot

(About the Author)

If you are getting inconsistent results, you have an inconsistent stroke. The key to developing a good break shot is to reduce the number of variables. Here are some tips to apply: Continue reading →

(FAQ) How do you analyze a lost pool match?

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Whenever you play competitive pool matches, you will once in a while find yourself on the losing side. When that happens, there are reactions. For some reason (certainly no fault of your own), you experienced this setback. Continue reading →

(FAQ) How can you practice 1 Pocket alone?

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When you want to practice 1 Pocket and there are no opponents available, you can be your own best challenger. Who else can give you the competitive level you deserve? Continue reading →

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (half table patterns) - Group 2, 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, Soft 2 speed.
  • Cheat: 1:30, Soft 3 speed.

Continue reading →

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (half table patterns) - Group 6, Set 3

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 3 speed.
  • Cheat: 1:30, Medium 3 speed.
    (This is actually easy to do.)
  • Cheat: 12:00, Soft 2 speed.
  • Cheat: 12:00, Medium 2 speed.

Continue reading →

(S&D) Safety & Defense - About Cue Ball Control, Off the Object Ball

(About the author)

Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

This is today's bit of advice from the book Safety Toolbox. This is in two parts. The first part is about how to evaluate th

After the cue ball contacts an object ball, controlling it to an intended location is critical to playing effective offensive patterns and defensive plays. Every shot during a turn at the table should be as precise as you are capable of performing. Continue reading →

(S&D) Safety & Defense - How to Use the "Wrist" Stroke

(About the author)

Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

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

Can you make the cue ball only travel an inch (2-3 cm)? When straight rail billiards and balkline billiards were international sports, a carefully mastered nudge shot could rack up thousands of points. The winners of these hours-long matches were determined by who had the best cue ball control within fractions of an inch (<2 cm). Continue reading →

(FAQ) Different types of safety shots

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When you face the need to shoot a safety, there are several choices. The one selected depends on the table layout, your ball control skills, and the level of respect you have for your opponent's abilities. Continue reading →

(FAQ) When should you change cue tips?

(About the Author)

The tip on your shooting shafts gets worn away little by little. Every time you apply chalk (especially if you do so viciously), there is a gradually wearing away of the tip material. This is also the continuous tip reshaping and roughing with various tip tools. When the tip edge wears down to a narrow side band of a millimeter or so above the ferrule, the tip should be replaced. The tip can also be replaced at whim. Continue reading →