Tag Archives: cue

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (half table patterns) - Group 1, 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: 6:00, (1/2 ball hit), Medium 1 speed.
  • Cheat: 4:30, (1/2 ball hit), Medium 1 speed.
  • Cheat: 2:00, (1/2 ball hit), Soft 3 speed.
    (At a higher speed, the cue ball can not grab the rail for the proper angle.)

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(D&E) Drills & Exercises (precision) - OB Rail & Back: Middle Table sets

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This progressive exercise to improve your shooting skills is in the book Drills & Exercises for Pool & Pocket Billiards.

This setup concentrates on precision cue ball control skills. The purpose is to send the OB to the cushion and return to hit the CB.

Suggestions: Start easy with follow (12:00, 1 tip up). Proceed from slowest possible speed up through Medium 2.
When 12:00 is controlled, use 6:00 (1 tip below center). Proceed with slowest speed through Medium 2 speed. The returning OB must chase down CB.

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(S&D) Safety & Defense - When all else fails - Last Resorts

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Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

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

There are times when, no matter how you struggle, the balls don't roll your way. For some reason, the billiard gods have decided that today is your day to suffer all of the bad luck they can offer to you. Continue reading →

(S&D) Safety & Defense - The Hidden Ball Safety

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Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

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

The hidden ball safety type is considered by many players to be the only real defensive shot. To the intelligent player, it is simply another way to create additional problems for an opponent. Regardless of how simple or difficult the kick or jump might be; it forces an opponent to stop and think. Continue reading →

(FAQ) What can you expect in a handicapped league?

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A handicapped league is a group of teams each with several players that compete on a regular basis (usually weekly). Each team will have players with different skill levels.

Each player is assigned a certain skill level. When individuals with different levels compete, the adjustments are made to their scoring requirements. A new player will start at an initial skill level. As matches are played, the skill level is adjusted as appropriate. Continue reading →

(FAQ) Watching your betters

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If you are serious about improving and anxious to learn as much of pool as possibly, the perfect teaching by example is immediately available to you at local tournaments. Continue reading →

(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.

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(D&E) Drills & Exercises - Pocket Skills (straight): OB 3, 4, 5, 6 D to Pocket

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This progressive exercise to improve your shooting skills is in the book Drills & Exercises for Pool & Pocket Billiards.

This setup concentrates on progressive pocketing skills. There is no concern about where the CB ends up.

This is a multiple cue ball speed and spin drill. See Cue Ball Speed and Spin Variations. Make sure to observe the cue ball action (path from OB, any rail action, etc.) until it stops. You need to remember the results when you are in competition. Continue reading →