dr. dave said keep the cue level during the break shot
concur? are there any exceptions?
concur? are there any exceptions?
is it advantageous for the cb to leave the slate during the break shot?
- Thread starter evergruven
- Start date
All a hopping cue ball does is make it more likely that it will hit the rack while airborne, popping the cue ball up and wasting that energy (not to mention being less accurate).
Realistically it's almost impossible to hit a break shot without hopping the cue ball at least a little - it's just not something to strive for.
pj
chgo
Realistically it's almost impossible to hit a break shot without hopping the cue ball at least a little - it's just not something to strive for.
pj
chgo
The flatter you hit the cue ball the more power you are going to transfer to the head ball. In theory if you can time the hops you get less friction, possibly a plus. Someone like Shane who practices the break more than anyone else I know of may have the hops timed. For mortals that don't have his dedication I would say just hit the cueball level and straight. Amazing how much power is put into a rack if it is tight and you just hit the head ball squarely. My best power break gains a little over my best controlled break but also insures I will blow a break here and there, not hitting the one exactly where intended.
Hu
Hu
I think the cue ball is back on the table before the first OB comes near. There's probably a good place to squat the cue ball to avoid kisses that has the least amount of traffic, but that's a whole 'nother level of perfection.
Is Dave an expert in breaking?
Depends what you mean by expert.
He’s certainly one of very few with his expert knowledge of the physical dynamics of breaking, and a very competent (maybe not pro-level) breaker.
pj
chgo
Well, either Dave is generalizing about all breaks or evergruven is leaving out some context. Being able to read a table and the rack is key to deciding which technique to use.
hi fran, here's the part about the level cue I referred to from dr. dave's book.
if you think there could be some advantage to *not* using a level cue, please share!
thanks all for the replies-
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hu, I was thinking exactly about that- timing the hops.
I've played around with it a little, have gotten some good results, and have also blown a break or three and possibly some sheetrock integrity..
omelettes, anyone? ^_^
He's referring to a power break. That's an important distinction, because today's players have evolved in breaking and have developed different break options that depend on how the table and balls are responding. I don't disagree that it's a bad idea to shoot angled down on the cb during a power break. That's the easiest way to jump the cb off the table. However, I'm a little confused about his line about using "a slight follow stroke" in order to achieve the cb stopping near the center of the table. Is he counting on the cb to hit the head ball twice?
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Seen a LOT of great breakers in last 40yrs. ALL of them had breaks where ball hopped in the air, some a little some a LOT. I don't think you can break hard and not get it airborne to some degree. I've seen more than a few table lights broken too. That's a tad extreme.
If your goal is to transmit the greatest amount of energy into the rack then yes ideally you would want to minimize CB hop and that's a byproduct of a level cue.
Personally I find the best/easiest way to park the CB in the middle of the table is to have it hop after contacting the head ball. Why...?..., because the spin I undoubtly apply to the CB during the break shot motion doesn't have the opprotunity to grab the cloth when it's in the air. As the CB bounces it loses the applied spin, but isn't in contact long enough to alter it's position any great deal. That's a wishy washy explanation of the variables and outcomes, but that's the jist of it.
In fact I've been practicing my 9 ball long rail break the last few days in an effort to recreate the hop I can produce with a tall bridge from the center of the table. I'm ok with losing power to gain control.
He's talking about the CB's tendency to rebound back toward the breaker (because the rack of balls it hits is so much heavier) - a touch of follow "brakes" the CB so it doesn't continue rolling back toward the kitchen.
pj
chgo
Jumping the cue ball in the air on the break just looks really cool.
Danny Medina was the best I've ever seen at this.
He broke a couple lights.
Danny Medina was the best I've ever seen at this.
He broke a couple lights.
Huh? Then why not shoot a stun shot?
I break with a half tip below center ball and a slightly elevated cue.
I try to park the rock about center table.
Sometimes it does just that.
And sometimes not.
I assume he means a little forward rotation is usually needed to stop the CB from rolling too far back toward the head of the table.
pj
chgo
Safe assumption. No different than a 14.1 break shot that has the CB going into one of the top two balls of the rack. A little follow (more like a high stun <1 tip follow) puts the brakes on the rebound after contact.
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There is an intimidation factor too. A crack that will make your ears ring, the cue ball hitting the light or getting very close, It certainly seems like you have a lot more power than the other person.
Most of the time pool is very much a mental game. A big break, taking ridiculously tough shots early in the session and not batting an eye when they fall, these things can inspire doubt in the other player's mind. Once doubt sets in, the writing is on the wall!
Hu