Bar Break Precision ... just something I do.

[BarTableMan]

Practicing with a friend of mine...these are the break rules if you want to continue your turn after the break:

1) At least 7 balls must be at the head of the table passed the center line.
2) The cue ball must land within two diamonds of the center line.
3) Make a ball.

If any of these rules don't apply... you don't shoot after you just broke. Loss of turn.

It only took about 3 months, but our break and runs sure went up! Control. Control. Control.

 

[fastone371]

The only hard part is the 7 balls up table, with balls getting kicked and being pocketed I am guessing this is the hardest of the 3 to control.

 

[BarTableMan]

Actually...keeping the cue ball in the middle of the table is a killer. (Watch all the Youtubes...it's rare for anyone.)

 

[hang-the-9]

I'd get rid of the first rule and stick with the other two for practice. How many balls go where is totally irrelevant to the control, making a ball and having a good layout or a shot on the next ball. It's not even a good measure of how hard you hit the balls as we have seen with the 3 point rule used in some tournaments where a hard break can still end up not being a "legal" one.

Plus the cueball in middle of the table, I would say it still count if it lands and sticks but something knocks it away, especially on a bar table with the contention there. We all have had good breaks, up to some ball kissing the cueball into a pocket for a scratch LOL

 

[David in FL]

Why would it be easier to run a table with seven balls congregated towards the head of the table rather than down at the foot?

I’d much rather have a more equal split to give more room to maneuver the cue ball around. But then, maybe that’s just me…

 

[easy-e]

Why would it be easier to run a table with seven balls congregated towards the head of the table rather than down at the foot?

I’d much rather have a more equal split to give more room to maneuver the cue ball around. But then, maybe that’s just me…

Wouldn’t 7 balls past the center mean the table is more spread out? That’s how I read it.

 

[David in FL]

Wouldn’t 7 balls past the center mean the table is more spread out? That’s how I read it.

Why?

It just means that 7 balls are congregated on one side of the table rather than the other

 

[Tin Man]

Great post. Thank you for sharing.

Anyone can suggest variations but the idea is really sound. I’ve practiced this way before and love building in cue ball requirements. You can get away with a bad break once and shrug it off, but these requirements force you to prioritize positive long term habits and skills.

My one additional rule suggestion would be that the cue ball cannot hit a rail. If it arcs into the side rail and stops into the center I count that a loss. In play that can be within tolerance and can work, but in practice I try to avoid those side rails.

Thanks again!

 

[easy-e]

Why?

It just means that 7 balls are congregated on one side of the table rather than the other

It means seven are on one side, so 8 would be on the other. Would you rather have them all on the same side?
I guess you’re thinking 9 ball, I’m thinking 8 ball.

 

[Fore Rail]

I would now suggest doing the opposite if you haven't already. Dial the speed down till you just satisfy the requirements for a legal break. Practice working out difficult racks.

 

[Bob Jewett]

Why?

It just means that 7 balls are congregated on one side of the table rather than the other

I think he's playing eight ball.

 

[alphadog]

I have broken many a 8ball rack and 7 balls past the center is a tough gig.

 

[David in FL]

It means seven are on one side, so 8 would be on the other. Would you rather have them all on the same side?
I guess you’re thinking 9 ball, I’m thinking 8 ball.

Yep. I assumed 9-ball.

Pretty damn tough, if it’s an eight ball requirement!

I have to admit, I’ve seen intentional soft breaks in nine ball, but never in 8-ball…

 

[BarTableMan]

I'm talking 8-ball only. Minimum 7 balls passed the center line.

 

[Black-Balled]

Why?

It just means that 7 balls are congregated on one side of the table rather than the other

'past' also refers to balls that cross the line twice.

Just because seven balls crossed the headstrong, that doesn't mean all seven remain there.

Ive played and watched a lot of pool and I seriously doubt 7 balls cross the headstring on the break very often at all.

 

[fastone371]

'past' also refers to balls that cross the line twice.

Just because seven balls crossed the headstrong, that doesn't mean all seven remain there.

Ive played and watched a lot of pool and I seriously doubt 7 balls cross the headstring on the break very often at all.

I wonder if he meant center table instead of head string??

 

[Black-Balled]

I wonder if he meant center table instead of head string??

I see little difference, honestly...when considered in the context of 7/9 or 7/10 balls crossing either.