Break shot mechanics vs normal shot mechanics

[Cdryden]

A break shot in a game of 9 ball, 10 ball or even 8 ball where the emphasis is usually more on power coupled with accuracy, why do players utilize a different set of mechanics as opposed to their regular shot? Example: their head is usually a little higher, the stance is a little more closed and their bridge arm tends to be more bent than usual.

Is it solely to provide more power? I have started using my normal shot mechanics with a increased bridge length to accommodate a higher powered shot, but still no where near as hard as I can hit them. I have found that I am still getting a strong spread, pocketing a ball or 2 or 3, and have much better control on the CB often parking in the center of the table.

So why the need for so much excess power? 90% of the pros are hitting the break at very high speeds and maybe 50% of them are controlling the cue ball consistently. I'm not talking about using a soft break, mine is still in the neighborhood of 18mph, but it's not a all out effort either.

What would you recommend and why?

 

[BeiberLvr]

Control first, then power.

It doesn't matter if you can make 2-4 balls on the break if you never have a shot at the lowest ball. So focus on getting a shot at the lowest ball, and then gradually build up your speed to the point of being able to make a ball or two, and having a shot after the break. That's how you string racks together.

And I just found this drill today from Patrick Johnson on Dr. Dave's site. I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds like it could be helpful.

http://billiards.colostate.edu/threads/break.html#drill

 

[Scott Lee]

Chris...Neither randyg nor I change our mechanics for the break. I consider the break just a high speed stop shot. I have no more followthrough on my break than on any other shot...even a lag. A break speed of 15-20 mph is plenty of speed to create the kinetic energy needed, to let the cue do the work. Control is a much bigger issue. I tell all students to back off on how hard they're trying to hit the rack, until they get great control of what the CB does. Sounds to me like you've got your break working well. You said it best (and really answered your own question)...most of the pros are breaking too hard, and less than half are controlling the CB. I wouldn't worry about what the pros do...do what works for you! :thumbup:

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

A break shot in a game of 9 ball, 10 ball or even 8 ball where the emphasis is usually more on power coupled with accuracy, why do players utilize a different set of mechanics as opposed to their regular shot? Example: their head is usually a little higher, the stance is a little more closed and their bridge arm tends to be more bent than usual.

Is it solely to provide more power? I have started using my normal shot mechanics with a increased bridge length to accommodate a higher powered shot, but still no where near as hard as I can hit them. I have found that I am still getting a strong spread, pocketing a ball or 2 or 3, and have much better control on the CB often parking in the center of the table.

So why the need for so much excess power? 90% of the pros are hitting the break at very high speeds and maybe 50% of them are controlling the cue ball consistently. I'm not talking about using a soft break, mine is still in the neighborhood of 18mph, but it's not a all out effort either.

What would you recommend and why?

 

[FranCrimi]

A break shot in a game of 9 ball, 10 ball or even 8 ball where the emphasis is usually more on power coupled with accuracy, why do players utilize a different set of mechanics as opposed to their regular shot? Example: their head is usually a little higher, the stance is a little more closed and their bridge arm tends to be more bent than usual.

Is it solely to provide more power? I have started using my normal shot mechanics with a increased bridge length to accommodate a higher powered shot, but still no where near as hard as I can hit them. I have found that I am still getting a strong spread, pocketing a ball or 2 or 3, and have much better control on the CB often parking in the center of the table.

So why the need for so much excess power? 90% of the pros are hitting the break at very high speeds and maybe 50% of them are controlling the cue ball consistently. I'm not talking about using a soft break, mine is still in the neighborhood of 18mph, but it's not a all out effort either.

What would you recommend and why?

To answer your question about the different mechanics: Yes, players stand more sideways to the shot (facing the cue more), they stand slightly taller and will slightly bend their bridge arm. These are all geared towards gaining up to 5mph more by throwing their body into the shot.

As to why they do it, they do it because in general, the odds are better of pocketing a ball and having a shot at the lowest numbered ball with power breaks.

Yes, there are always exceptions, however, if you see pros breaking with a power break, it's because they feel that is the best break for them under those particular playing conditions.

It's easy to switch to a softer break if you have to, but it's not so easy to break harder when you need to. So it's better to practice your power break, so when you need it, you can do it successfully.

 

[Cdryden]

Thanks for the replies guys. Scott, I guess I am going to stick with the break I got. I have always been a big proponent for accuracy over power. But before taking lessons my break shot was a completely different shot for me. Now I shoot it with the same mechanics and have had more success hitting the cue ball exactly where I want. I still end up with a little more follow through than intended but I took some video of my break shot last night and I think I know now what I need to change.