Best way to practice 8 ball

Great advice about playing shape after the 8. It's helped me too. On a routine 8b shot that's you're a little worried about I just think "what if this were the middle of the run and I was just going to roll forward for that ball on the rail?" Then it'd be automatic.

I also like playing for a safe leave, it's a load off your mind and kind of 'dog-proofs' the shot knowing you're gonna get back to the table if you miss. So I might move the cue ball across the table leaving nothing but a long bank, as long as I can't scratch or it doesn't up the difficulty of the shot too much.

If it does, or there's no safe spot on the table, it also makes the shot easier to just soft roll it in, knowing you'll block that pocket if you miss and they have to try to run out with the 8 hanging in the hole.
 
my .02

Donny Lutz said:
Eight-ball requires a bit more strategy than 9-ball, and is difficult to learn by oneself.
It's also requires more than a couple paragraphs to explain 8-ball strategy.
I'd suggest purchasing R. Givens' "The Eight-Ball Bible", and/or seeking lessons from an instructor who specializes in 8-ball. Part of my 8-ball instruction includes 50 defensive moves...
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I haven't lost an 8-ball match yet this session. (4th week this weekend). MOF I didn't give up a game. (now that I said this it may come of course!)

I do one of 2 things: I jam my opp right at the beginning either with CB, or a cluster that won't deliver anything but "scatter."
OR
I clean my balls off of the table and leave the 8 within a few inches of a pocket, (creates that :eek: effect on your opp.) . Found this 1 out by missing the 8-ball, and by jamming myself on position to the 8 ball. :wink:
 
jhanso18 said:
Boy do I know this feeling!!! I've been mixing in 8,9, and now 14.1 into my practice regime. (When I get to practice anymore...) but I have seen a dramatic improvement by throwing 14.1 in the mix. Your ball pocketing, break outs, and all around game improve very nicely!


Give it a try, 14.1 is actually a blast!!!


best,

Justin
Click to expand...

My game improved when I started playing 14.1 last year. That is about the only practice game I use when I am at home.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
I like breaking a rack of 9ball with the 8 in the middle and of course I play the solids. I can run or even play safe to get ball in hand again. I feel like I am practicing my break for 9 ball and my runs for 8 ball!
 
krupa said:
If you play the groups in rotation, it's call "Action 8-ball"

To the OP: I practice 14.1 a lot; it helps with identifying balls that can break up clusters. It also helps with playing safe. I find that playing safe on a barbox requires a very light touch and thin-hitting balls a lot. I developed that playing 14.1 Also, 8-ball on a barbox requires tight position play which is what 14.1 is all about.

I also specifically practice 8-ball by rolling out all the solids or stripes plus the 8-ball. I start with ball-in-hand, plan my run-out and do it. If I miss, I set it up again, and start over. If I just missed position, then I do the run the same way. Sometimes, though, my plan was just bad so I do something completely different.

-matthew
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I don't play it in rotaion, I meant the racking of that 8 solids and one stripe.

And I was talking about the way I plan out my run outs. Thanks
 
Since this is practice, take the time to run out the entire rack in your head before you shoot your first shot. After you've formulated the plan for the entire rack execute the plan. When shooting, if you do something that causes your original plan to no longer be viable make note of it as stuff to work on. Then reevaluate the entire table again and then adjust to your new plan.

If you miss, you can play the other group and try to run out but still decide how you are going to get out before hitting one ball.


As someone else mentioned, the 8ball bible is a really good book.
 
I too practice 8 ball in the basement by myself. The one thing I try to do is when your down to the key ball for your runout, take a step back for a moment to refocus your thoughts. Its easy to get in the habit of getting down on a shoot without really focusing. I try to do this in practice as it helps get me in the habit for league. Hope this help!

Ken
 
sigep1967 said:
I play on home table every night usually nine ball or just throwing balls onthe table and running them out. I also play in a APA league where we play 8ball and 9ball on same night. I can not seem to win in 8 ball to save my life. The last two weeks I have lost in 8ball to the same person I destroyed in 9ball so I know i need to practice more 8ball but find it hard to do by myself anyone got any tips for 8ball practice?
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Okay... I think most people have been pretty helpful. I hope I can add to the mix.

As others might have said, if you're going to run out, pattern play is absolutely a must for the less than top shelf players. If you're top shelf, your pattern play can get looser in 8-ball; if you're a good but not great player the right patterns are essential.

That being said, (and I know people have misunderstood me before on this, so f' them if they misunderstand again)... as much as I like the idea of 14.1 practice to improve games like 8-ball, please understand that the patterns for 8-ball are different.

For example, a ball in the side pocket is often the correct key ball for 14.1 at any level; that same ball in the side pocket is disastrous for 8-ball at most levels. Understanding pattern play and the subtle nuances in these games can only help to improve your 8-ball outs.

Also if you stick to the "clear the table at one end of the table first" mantra, that quite often might not be the best solution for 8-ball.

Finally, when you say (and I'm paraphrasing) that you lose because you miss the last shot on presumably a shot that you believe you should make... was it as easy as a shot as the rest of your runout or was it the hardest? If it was the hardest, then your pattern play needs help; if it was relatively easy then your end game approach needs help (see the 'shoot position on the 8-ball' advice).

Freddie <~~~ if it was easy, everybody would be doing it
 
I miss easy shots I shouldnt miss it is like a brain dead thing lol. I am not talking aobut getting hard on a ball and missing a tough shot these are shots I should make with easy natural shape to play on the next ball which is usually the eight or next to last ball before the eight it is like I lose focus or something. Like I think well this is too easy and then BAM a miss.
 
Great advice already, just a few things to add:

- Pay attention when picking the group, looking at open shots, trouble balls, etc. You probably know that

- When shooting, try to plan your runout and have a general game plan, and try to work toward a ball near the 8 that you can use for your last ball, and maybe even a ball to help you get on that ball, whenever possible

- Pay close attention to whether your shot requires zone or pinpoint position. Many shots in the beginning can be played with a safety ball or two as backup, but maybe only sometimes if a certain route or speed is used. But be conscious when you need to play pinpoint shape on a ball and really pay attention, those types of shots don't come up as often in 9-ball, and even when they do missing them usually offers a much easier and effective safety than in 8 ball

- Finally, try this practice game. Rack the balls, break, scratches or not making a ball is okay. Take ball in hand, try and run out. You get 1 point for each ball made, so if you run out you get 8 points, otherwise mark down how many you made. If you do run out, rack the balls again, but this time you MUST make a ball on the break and you shoot from where the cue ball lies. Keep racking and breaking until you miss. Whenever you miss, record the score, do 10 innings of this and tally up the score. Depending on skill level you can work on making more balls per rack before you miss, running out more, running more consecutive racks, etc.

This is good for two things. First, if forces you to play 10+ racks of 8 ball with some pressure built in, since you are keeping score you are less likely to just flail away at the balls. Second, you get a cumulative score to see where you stand, and can repeat the drill and try to improve with the tips provided here on pattern play etc.

Scott
 
Crowded conditions of 8-ball require more precise position. I play a drill called, "Brainwash." Throw all 15 balls out onto the table at least 6 inches from each other and the rail. The cueball cannot touch a rail and may only contact the object ball. No combinations or caroms allowed. Run them out starting with ball in hand.
 
sfleinen said:
If we're talking barbox here, the following are generally true:

  • 8-ball is easier at the start (more choices), and gets progressively harder as you take balls (your category) off the table. Unless you play your patterns PERFECTLY, the most difficult shots on the table are when you have one ball left, or are on the 8-ball. This is especially true if all or most of your opponent's ball category is still on the table.
  • 9-ball is harder at the start (you have to shoot at the lowest-numbered ball on the table, and with all balls on the table, there are many potential blockers), but gets progressively easier as you take balls off the table.

Most failed runouts or strategy-play in 8-ball (and thus losses) stem from one not paying attention to the differences between it and short-rack rotation games like 9-ball. They are VERY DIFFERENT games. Even your average bar-banger will whoop an accomplished short-rack rotation player's petutie if the short-rack rotation player doesn't acknowledge the difference in game play.

On a barbox especially, when you have all or most of the 15-ball rack on the table, accurate position play is crucial. Whereas you can probably get away with zinging your cue ball around the table in short-rack rotation, do this in 8-ball, and it's a recipe for a loss.

In fact, I'd dare say that 8-ball on a barbox is trickier than 8-ball on a 9-footer, for the "congestion" reason.

Ask yourself these questions:
  • When you lose your 8-ball matches, what preceded that loss, other than your opponent running out on you? What did you do?
  • Did you have a specific pattern in mind when running your ball category, and try to accurately stick to it? Did you accurately envision the ENTIRE PATTERN, and not just one or two balls ahead?
  • Or, did you just bring out your heavy artillery, and fire in shots ("fire in the hole!!"), going from ball to ball (only seeing one ball ahead), perhaps as the way you play in 9-ball? (This is a recipe for disaster.)
  • If, in the middle of a safety battle, did you let your pride for your shot-making ability get in the way, and attempt low-percentage shots, rather than put your OPPONENT in the position of a low-percentage shot?

There are many such questions like these, but I think you get the general idea.

Suggestions:
  • Other than the obvious tips inferred by the questions above, try playing 8-ball with more experienced players as part of your practice. Don't just throw balls up on the table and "click your 9-ball run 'em out in rotation" switch.
  • Play some 14.1 -- if you can. Straight pool will sharpen your 8-ball patterns dramatically. (On a barbox that doesn't have its side opened up to bypass having to take coins to retrieve the balls, this might prove difficult.)
  • Get a good book on the subject, like any of Phil Capelle's works, or R. Givens' The 8-ball Bible.

Hope this helps!
-Sean
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Good post.

I would add to your list one other important thing to consider - and that is skill level of your opponent. A lot of idiots here will believe that you must 'play the table' and 'not the opponent', but in 8 ball this is not the case at all. i.e. if you are a low level player playing a higher level player who can run out - instead of trying to run out you may want to consider placing your balls near pockets, and possibly blocking them. Like stated in The Eight Ball Bible book, don't bring home your soldiers until they are all ready - as the more soldiers you have on the table the more difficult is will be for your opponent to run out.

Also, the first thing you must look at is your problem balls and then design some plans to deal with them. Noticing where the 8 ball is is also crucial.
 
sigep1967 said:
I play on home table every night usually nine ball or just throwing balls onthe table and running them out. I also play in a APA league where we play 8ball and 9ball on same night. I can not seem to win in 8 ball to save my life. The last two weeks I have lost in 8ball to the same person I destroyed in 9ball so I know i need to practice more 8ball but find it hard to do by myself anyone got any tips for 8ball practice?
Click to expand...


As others have already suggested: practice 14.1.

A few years back a guy who would absolutely torture me at 9ball asked me to shoot some 8ball in preparation for the state tournament and our roles reversed, mostly because my background in 14.1. It was kinda funny: I would watch him start a run and because I knew how to run a pattern from playing 14.1, I could see exactly when and how he was creating problems for himself that almost doomed him to not getting out. It was like watching a train wreck in slow motion.

Straight pool will teach you to move the CB around differently, recognize patterns, run the balls efficiently, and familiarize you with how to break out problem balls.

Lou Figueroa
finished 4th
that year
 
This is really driving me crazy. Last week I just played horrible at 8ball was almost dreading even playing it. Once again just destroyed the guy at 9 ball by probably 20 balls or more then lose to him in 8 ball. This week played a tough match at 9 ball but wone by I think 8 balls but then lose to him in 8ball. I do believe I have narrowed it down to finite speed control playing 8ball. It seems if I roll a little to far in 9 ball I at least have a shot but in 8ball with all the other balls on the table it is disaster. The tables we play on in league have old worn out cloth that is slick as glass so I seem to have to "baby" the ball around the table compared to my table at home. I really hate shooting that way. When I could I would shoot for 2 and three rail shapes where i could control the speed a bit but when I needed to just "roll up" for shapes was always long. At least I know what I need to watch out for lol.
 
sigep1967 said:
This is really driving me crazy. Last week I just played horrible at 8ball was almost dreading even playing it. Once again just destroyed the guy at 9 ball by probably 20 balls or more then lose to him in 8 ball. This week played a tough match at 9 ball but wone by I think 8 balls but then lose to him in 8ball. I do believe I have narrowed it down to finite speed control playing 8ball. It seems if I roll a little to far in 9 ball I at least have a shot but in 8ball with all the other balls on the table it is disaster. The tables we play on in league have old worn out cloth that is slick as glass so I seem to have to "baby" the ball around the table compared to my table at home. I really hate shooting that way. When I could I would shoot for 2 and three rail shapes where i could control the speed a bit but when I needed to just "roll up" for shapes was always long. At least I know what I need to watch out for lol.
Click to expand...

Sounds like you might need to play more safes? Running down to the last ball or second to last ball only to leave yourself no shot is suicide in 8 ball. Play safe, create problems for the other guy, get all your balls wide open and only then, go for the run. If you can't run for whatever reason (tough table, cueball control is lacking tonight, etc.), use safes as a defensive weapon.
 
I do play safes, played several last night. I just always seem to roll too far on those tables it it like playing on a sheet of glass. I just struggle adjusting to them from my home table.
 
sigep1967 said:
This is really driving me crazy. Last week I just played horrible at 8ball was almost dreading even playing it. Once again just destroyed the guy at 9 ball by probably 20 balls or more then lose to him in 8 ball. This week played a tough match at 9 ball but wone by I think 8 balls but then lose to him in 8ball. I do believe I have narrowed it down to finite speed control playing 8ball. It seems if I roll a little to far in 9 ball I at least have a shot but in 8ball with all the other balls on the table it is disaster. The tables we play on in league have old worn out cloth that is slick as glass so I seem to have to "baby" the ball around the table compared to my table at home. I really hate shooting that way. When I could I would shoot for 2 and three rail shapes where i could control the speed a bit but when I needed to just "roll up" for shapes was always long. At least I know what I need to watch out for lol.
Click to expand...

Your pattern play and strategy needs work. In eight ball, starting to run out and not getting out is death. Your opponent has many balls and you have few. That gives him lots of options. Your opponent will control the table and can torture you until he runs out.

As sfleinen said earlier, a rack of eight ball starts off easy and gets progressively harder. A rack of nine ball starts off hard and gets progressively easier.

Try Cappelle's Play Your Best 8-Ball or Givens' Eight Ball Bible.
 
sfleinen said:
If we're talking barbox here, the following are generally true:

  • 8-ball is easier at the start (more choices), and gets progressively harder as you take balls (your category) off the table. Unless you play your patterns PERFECTLY, the most difficult shots on the table are when you have one ball left, or are on the 8-ball. This is especially true if all or most of your opponent's ball category is still on the table.
  • 9-ball is harder at the start (you have to shoot at the lowest-numbered ball on the table, and with all balls on the table, there are many potential blockers), but gets progressively easier as you take balls off the table.

Most failed runouts or strategy-play in 8-ball (and thus losses) stem from one not paying attention to the differences between it and short-rack rotation games like 9-ball. They are VERY DIFFERENT games. Even your average bar-banger will whoop an accomplished short-rack rotation player's petutie if the short-rack rotation player doesn't acknowledge the difference in game play.

On a barbox especially, when you have all or most of the 15-ball rack on the table, accurate position play is crucial. Whereas you can probably get away with zinging your cue ball around the table in short-rack rotation, do this in 8-ball, and it's a recipe for a loss.

In fact, I'd dare say that 8-ball on a barbox is trickier than 8-ball on a 9-footer, for the "congestion" reason.

Ask yourself these questions:
  • When you lose your 8-ball matches, what preceded that loss, other than your opponent running out on you? What did you do?
  • Did you have a specific pattern in mind when running your ball category, and try to accurately stick to it? Did you accurately envision the ENTIRE PATTERN, and not just one or two balls ahead?
  • Or, did you just bring out your heavy artillery, and fire in shots ("fire in the hole!!"), going from ball to ball (only seeing one ball ahead), perhaps as the way you play in 9-ball? (This is a recipe for disaster.)
  • If, in the middle of a safety battle, did you let your pride for your shot-making ability get in the way, and attempt low-percentage shots, rather than put your OPPONENT in the position of a low-percentage shot?

There are many such questions like these, but I think you get the general idea.

Suggestions:
  • Other than the obvious tips inferred by the questions above, try playing 8-ball with more experienced players as part of your practice. Don't just throw balls up on the table and "click your 9-ball run 'em out in rotation" switch.
  • Play some 14.1 -- if you can. Straight pool will sharpen your 8-ball patterns dramatically. (On a barbox that doesn't have its side opened up to bypass having to take coins to retrieve the balls, this might prove difficult.)
  • Get a good book on the subject, like any of Phil Capelle's works, or R. Givens' The 8-ball Bible.

Hope this helps!
-Sean
Click to expand...

good post sean.... I agree.... 8ball on a barbox ain't easy with the congestion..... and you really can't let your stroke out..... a lot of folks feel like they are "poking" at balls versus shooting them, and thus when many errors start to occur on a barbox......
 
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