These are general guidelines. Generally, the greater the speed that you can hit the cue ball, the more the balls will spread out and increase the chances that one of the balls will fall into a pocket. This will allow the breaker to continue shooting.
Almost everyone has a favorite location to put the cue ball for breaking. They might not have a logical reason, but it is satisfactory for them. Some place the cue ball closer to the short rail so that they can bridge off the rail. Others place the cue ball closer to the head string.
Some individuals micro-manage the location an inch this way or that way. They are trying to figure out what location gives the best results. Others have general areas that they use time after time. These are three locations along the head string that are most commonly used:
- Near the long rail
- About one diamond from the rail
- A few inches to the side of the head spot
Do not break from the head spot straight down into the apex ball of the rack. The energy of the cue ball spreads equally throughout the rack and the balls don’t move very far.
Speed is important, but blinding speed is not the complete breaking solution. There are those who break with slower speeds and get results that are just as effective. Do a lot of experimentation. Eventually, you will find a cue ball position that gives satisfactory results. That sweet spot will vary slightly from table to table. To find it on a new table, set up a break a few racks.
Get the Book!
 | Get the Book!!  PDF book (good for smart devices)(Includes my Money-back Guarantee)  Printed book |
(FAQ) How can you play a better bar table game?
(About the Author) In the process of becoming a better shooter over your lifetime, you will find yourself exposed to the ...
(BSC) Billiard Skills Challenge - Stun Cue Ball (Intermediate) Test Group
(About the Author) Here is Today's Test Group Challenge from the book. This progressive set develops personal confidence when similar shots ...
(AWAP) Art of War v. Art of Pool - Chapter 9 - troops march
(About the author) At it's most basic, the pool table is a small battlefield. An excerpt from "The Art of War" ...(AWAP) Art of War v. Art of Pool - Chapter 3 - five essentials for victory
(About the author) At it's most basic, the pool table is a small battlefield. An excerpt from "The Art of War" ...
(CBC) Cue Ball Control (half table patterns) - Group 4, Set 2
This is today's set of Cue Ball Cheats. These practice setups (and others in the book and blog) help you ...