behind the rack breaks

[sausage]

someone here recently posted that they like behind-the-rack break-balls and i concur. i've found that you don't have to hit the cue as hard to achieve a much better scatter on the balls and they don't go to the side rail and then back to the center of the table and coagulate like often happens with a side-break. the balls all move to the center of the table and often i don't need a secondary break-shot. when breaking from the side, you have to pay strict attention to your draw or be left with a long-shot. if you follow the cue (especially true on an 8' table) a corner pocket scratch can leave you cursing the pool gods. so whenever possible, i'm setting up a break-ball from behind the rack.

 

[Vahmurka]

if you follow the cue (especially true on an 8' table) a corner pocket scratch can leave you cursing the pool gods.

true, Capelle describes in his book why scratching in the corner on such type of a break is almost eliminated compared to side break.

 

[mosconiac]

I like them as well, but I much prefer them when I can go (top-inside for) side rail, end rail, side rail & towards the middle of the table. Usually 3-4 great options for opening shots from there. Only downside is you don't usually have a lot of good key ball(s) to get on a BTR break ball like you do with the SOTR break balls.

I seem to get bad kisses when I go (top-outside for) side rail & up table. I usually get stuck around the rack with few options. You are trying to work the CB thru the same OBs you are loosening up.

I like options since my shot-making & CB control is mediocre. I can't rely on myself to make a great shot AND get good position to ensure my continued run.

 

[Ratta]

The Break Ball is the most imporant in straight-pool- and if you know how to break and giving enough attention to it in your drills and done your homework you ll never be afraid again. To know what happens after i sent my best-friend (Cueball and you are alone at the table- so i always call him my best and only friend ) onto his journey keepin me satisfied. No matter where the break-ball is- side of the rack, front or from behind- if you just pay enough attention you ll do your way finally. I m always a bit sad if i watch some really good players (they re real pocket-machines) when they re breakin...it hurts me each time if they hit the cueball with 300 miles an hour -_-
And if i ask em why they don t break with patience to know what happens after their shot...............they re lookin at me that i feel like an alien

And that s the reason why i still keep saying that a very good straight pool player will have always an advantage if his opponent s playin on the same level. Perhaps just want it or just dreamin - but i used to say this for 20 years or so- after seeing Mizerak *operating* live and even so after reading *Mastering Pool* the first time

thx to George Fels again- you gave me so much with *your book*

lg
Ingo

 

[SpiderWebComm]

Every move I learned from behind the rack I learned from Joe Tucker.

I'm STILL getting better off that lesson from years ago. Once again, totally worth the 6 hr drive to see the guy.

 

[sausage]

true, Capelle describes in his book why scratching in the corner on such type of a break is almost eliminated compared to side break.

i totally agree. following the cue on a side break is much more precarious.

I like them as well, but I much prefer them when I can go (top-inside for) side rail, end rail, side rail & towards the middle of the table. Usually 3-4 great options for opening shots from there. Only downside is you don't usually have a lot of good key ball(s) to get on a BTR break ball like you do with the SOTR break balls.

i'm not sure i follow you here. do you mean "top-outside"?

i prefer a steeper angle going into the rack and hit with high inside going one rail and out to the middle of the table. if i have a shallow angle i generally use outside and go three rails.

I seem to get bad kisses when I go (top-outside for) side rail & up table. I usually get stuck around the rack with few options. You are trying to work the CB thru the same OBs you are loosening up.

hit the cue with a little more follow. it should go to the side rail and squirt toward the side pocket. i've almost scratched many times but i get saved by a ball from the rack because there is such a good spread on the balls.

Only downside is you don't usually have a lot of good key ball(s) to get on a BTR break ball like you do with the SOTR break balls.

this is true BUT, if you keep in mind that you want to set up for a behind-the-rack break, opportunities generally arise to easily manufacture a break ball. AND, key balls on the cushion and near the foot corners are common. if you are working off of a behind-the-rack break, you get such a nice spread toward the center of the table that these key balls rarely become a hindrance so you can leave them for last.

I like options since my shot-making & CB control is mediocre. I can't rely on myself to make a great shot AND get good position to ensure my continued run.

dick lane himself told me; "practice your weaknesses".