8 ball game
- Thread starter andriuxa
- Start date
andriuxa said:
Joe Tucker has a video called racking secrets. It's as much about breaking as it is about racking. You may want to use the 2nd ball hit with draw technique, since you soft break in 9-ball.
http://www.joetucker.net
Good Luck!
I have the JT DVD and it is worth 1000 times it's price. My break is one of my best weapons. Another key to mix with that DVD is the book "The Great Break Shot". The author, I forget his name, works with Joe in his book. Joe discusses to perfection the dynamics of the rack, combine that with the physical hints in the book and you will be on your way. As well there was a post not long ago with a link to a 4 page spread in Billiards Digest that lists the top 28 breaking tips from the pros.
My tip: look for gaps and break into the strong part of the rack. The side rails produce more consistent balls on the break and the closer to center you go the less clusters to deal with. Fit the CB location to the style of break you prefer. Softer breaks work better from the sides IMO.
The second ball break works well but requires a lot of practice to be able to control the CB.
My tip: look for gaps and break into the strong part of the rack. The side rails produce more consistent balls on the break and the closer to center you go the less clusters to deal with. Fit the CB location to the style of break you prefer. Softer breaks work better from the sides IMO.
The second ball break works well but requires a lot of practice to be able to control the CB.
Almost all instructionals I have seen on the break, they show breaking from the side rail. I have seen this more with 9-ball than any other game.
I play more 8-ball than anything else. What I have read, it doesn't really matter where you break from on 8-ball, but from what I have seen mostly, is breaking from the head spot.
I usually break off the head rail and use the rail as a bridge. For me, I just get a better break from this position. Does anybody else break from the head rail? Are there negatives breaking from the head rail?
Thanks
Mattman
I play more 8-ball than anything else. What I have read, it doesn't really matter where you break from on 8-ball, but from what I have seen mostly, is breaking from the head spot.
I usually break off the head rail and use the rail as a bridge. For me, I just get a better break from this position. Does anybody else break from the head rail? Are there negatives breaking from the head rail?
Thanks
Mattman
I too break off the head rail for an 8 Ball rack. Generally I am slightly off to one side or the other of the head ball.
Depending on whom I am playing will determine the type of break I use. Since my breaks are not always consistent in pocketing a ball...if I am playing someone I know will run-out on me given the opportunity, I will soft break and leave a cluster. I have found that those who are used to coming to the table with a large spread and running out are knocked a bit off balance by having to now deal with picking their way through a cluster.....which bothers me not at all...having played enough women's league pool where a cluster after the break is the norm. I have actually found that this tactic is pretty successful, for me, anyways.
Since my break is a weak link in my game, I have decided to use it to my advantage.
If it is someone I may be more closely matched with, then I will use a harder break, for a bit more spread to work with.
Lisa
Depending on whom I am playing will determine the type of break I use. Since my breaks are not always consistent in pocketing a ball...if I am playing someone I know will run-out on me given the opportunity, I will soft break and leave a cluster. I have found that those who are used to coming to the table with a large spread and running out are knocked a bit off balance by having to now deal with picking their way through a cluster.....which bothers me not at all...having played enough women's league pool where a cluster after the break is the norm. I have actually found that this tactic is pretty successful, for me, anyways.
Since my break is a weak link in my game, I have decided to use it to my advantage.
If it is someone I may be more closely matched with, then I will use a harder break, for a bit more spread to work with.
Lisa