Tag Archives: cue ball

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (full table patterns) - Group 12, 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, Medium 3 speed.
  • Cheat: Stun, Soft 3 speed.
  • Cheat: :30, Medium 2 speed.
    (At least this provides an angle.)
  • Cheat: 6:00, Soft 3 speed.
    12:00, Soft 2 speed.

Continue reading →

(S&D) Safety & Defense - Playing Styles, 2 of 3

(About the author)

Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

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

Here are more descriptions about the habitual behavior of players you will face in your lifetime of playing pool. Your opponent's default playing style make it easier to design a strategy and an efficient set of tactical tricks.

Continue reading →

(FAQ) Does Speed kill?

(About the Author)

Is this situation familiar? You set up on a shot, KNOWING this is a 99% certainty -- BUT because you MUST get shape on the next ball (usually somewhere far far away), you put on a lot more strength into the stroke. Continue reading →

(FAQ) What are some bad habits to avoid?

(About the Author)

The vast majority of pool players, both casual and regular, have one or more of their fundamentals out of whack to some degree. The problem mostly arises because the player never took the time to check with someone who could show him/her how and why to do things correctly. The closest most people come to correct fundamentals is a flawed imitation of the friend who introduced them to playing pool. And that example probably had many bad habits. Continue reading →

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (half table patterns) - Group 5, Set 5

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

Continue reading →

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (half table patterns) - Group 4, Set 9

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: 1:30, Medium 1 speed.

Continue reading →

(S&D) Safety & Defense - Amateur League Tips & Tricks

(About the author)

Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

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

Amateur leagues that have national or regional tournaments often use handicap systems to allow better and lesser skilled players to compete on a somewhat level playing field. A lesser player needs fewer points to win. A better player must work harder. Continue reading →

(S&D) Safety & Defense - Up & Down Cycle Tactics

(About the author)

Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

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

Every shooter's abilities follow an up and down cycle throughout any competitive match. These are internal energy cycles. Just as you are sometimes alert and wide awake, there are times when you feel more sluggish. The sine wave below gives you an idea of how these up and down cycles proceed. Continue reading →

(FAQ) Can a guy mix family life with his pool passion?

(About the Author)

When a guy has decided to advance the human race by getting married and starting a family – there is a major lifestyle change. If he was a dedicated player before tying the knot, he may abandon pool passion for love (at least for a few years). Whether you are able to carry your pool nights forward into your new relationship or you wait a few years and decide to get back in the game, a lot depends on the expectations of your spouse. Continue reading →

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (half table patterns) - Group 1, Set 11

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: 2:00, (1/2 ball hit), Soft 3 speed.
    10:30, (1/2 ball hit), Soft 2 speed.
  • Cheat: 4:30, (1/2 ball hit), Soft 3 speed.
  • Cheat: 1:30, (1/2 ball hit), Soft 3 speed.

Continue reading →