8 ball break

[Koop]

If you use a little draw when hitting the pack, the cue ball comes zipping back, the pack has a larger mass to it. Likewise, middle ball will also come off the pack. Much of the problem in breaking is to transfer the energy through the pack and still have control. Experiment a little. Hit the cue ball slightly above center until you see the cue ball come back a bit and stop.

Also, try to aim for a solid hit on the head ball. Hitting to the right or left of the head ball, even a little, will cause loss in energy transfer. Do not over hit or hit too hard because you will loose control and miss your target.

Also, depending on how dirty the balls are, how humid it might and even how the balls are racking you will want to change your power to find the best break. Cloth also has an effect.

Thank you Pete.
You guys are providing just the type of info I am looking for.

Kind regards,
Koop

 

[alstl]

As always thanks for the good ideas from everyone. When I'm practicing I normally break from near the headspot and hit the cueball slightly below center to spread the balls out and hopefully keep the cueball in the center of the table. My main goal is just to spread the balls out so I can have space to practice moving the cue ball around (which I'm getting better at).

I'm going to be in my first tournament soon so I figured maybe there was a break which had a better chance to sink a ball. Ill practice blackjack's idea to see if it works for me. Also, I usually torque and hammer on the break, I'll try changing speed to see how that works. Until recently when I got my own table I was playing on dead tables and the balls were stubborn as a Missouri mule, had to whack 'em hard to get them moving.

 

[JLW]

I break on the first diamond on the right side of the table, one diamond up. I go for a solid hit on the apex ball with a center ball hit. I've been getting my best results with that break. Only once or twice i've scratched with that break, because I didnt hit the apex ball solid. It doesn't work on all tables for me though, so I usually use my warm-up time to try out a few breaks.

It's funny how some break shots work better or worse depending on the table you're playing on. I've found that hitting the 2nd ball (next to the apex) from off the rail works pretty good for me on bar tables because it really tends to spread balls all over the table. I hate playing on a bar table with someone who can't break. Everything always ends up clustered together, and you spend the whole game trying to break balls out where you can make them.

 

[pete lafond]

.. Everything always ends up clustered together, and you spend the whole game trying to break balls out where you can make them.

Yes, but you get to draw on your 14.1 expertise with clusters.

 

[JLW]

Yes, but you get to draw on your 14.1 expertise with clusters.

Yeah, that's true. When the balls are clustered, more knowledgeable players (especially those who've played 14.1) should have a definite advantage. But it's frustrating. When I play 8 ball, I want to run out. That's just me. I've always been a very offensive minded player. That's what hurts me at snooker sometimes, trying to make shots that are too difficult and leaving a run for my opponent when I should play leave instead.

 

[pete lafond]

Yeah, that's true. When the balls are clustered, more knowledgeable players (especially those who've played 14.1) should have a definite advantage. But it's frustrating. When I play 8 ball, I want to run out. That's just me. I've always been a very offensive minded player. That's what hurts me at snooker sometimes, trying to make shots that are too difficult and leaving a run for my opponent when I should play leave instead.

You are right for 8 ball because it is an offensive game. I read the stats on 500 games played by pros. 43% were run out when a ball is made on the break, as opposed to 9 ball which ws recorded at 23%. (Might be off by a percent or two as I'm going from memory)

 

[dogginda9]

I haven't read all of the posts so I may repeat someone else's opinion. I break however I feel the conditions will allow the most success.
Head ball when very humid, centerball and not super hard. I usually use the right rail for support. On new equipment or in dry conditions, I usually second ball with center ball. A champion from the midwest recently told me I should break 2nd ball with follow. I haven't been able to work out the kinks with that just yet.
The biggest piece of advice I give people about the break is to stay flexible with your options. If you're not having success and other people are, mimic their break as much as you can. Also, I firmly believe that sometimes, you can overbreak a table where the balls end up fighting each other. Sometimes, it is as simple as taking a little off of the break.
On second thought, you probably should disregard this entire post as I am someone who is widely regarded for having a piss poor break.