Break Balls & Shape Zones

Patrick Johnson

Patrick Johnson

Fargo 1000 on VP4
Silver Member
I'm really enjoying the "Run This" series - it's teaching me a lot about how to map out the last several balls (and therefore which balls I want to leave for last).

One thing that's obvious is that there are certain break ball positions and certain kinds of shape on them that are preferred. I'd like to learn more of them, so please post your favorite one that hasn't yet been shown, along with the ideal position zone for it (and even an ideal key ball or two, if you like).

Here's my contribution of the most basic (I think) break ball and its preferred shape zone. Please correct this (better ball position, better position zone, etc.) and/or add your own, with any comments you'd like.

[Note: I've kept the shape zone above the side pocket to be reachable by a variety of players.]

Thanks,

pj
chgo

P.S. Sorry if this is an old idea. If so, please show me where to find it.

CueTable Help

 
Patrick, I couldn't figure out how to make the shaded area :embarrassed2: but if I could place the CB where I'd like it with the break ball as shown, this would be my choice. Especially depending on the cloth and how the balls opened, I seem to have trouble with low ball hits into the rack, I'd much rather follow. It's all a matter of individual preference though and what provides the best results for each of us.

CueTable Help

 
I couldn't figure out how to make the shaded area
Click to expand...

Draw a ball path that surrounds the area and then change the "line type" (one of the "tools" you can see by clicking on the little wrench at the left). Then CTRL-CLICK on the ball to remove it and leave just the shaded area.

pj
chgo
 
I'm not good enough to be overly selective on break shots, so I take what I get and just decide on the appropriate position for that particular shot.

Just to add something to the thread, I do notice that the closer to the cushion a break ball is, the better your cueball control has to be to get a decent angle on it OR the better your key ball has to be.

This is because I think an angle less than a half ball hit is hard to do much with when the break ball is far from the rack. So if you want enough energy going into the rack off of a break ball like this, you have to realize how small the position zone actually is.

Here's what I think is a zone that works. I guess if you don't mind cueballs on the cushion the zone could be expanded. But anything outside of this and you're only tickling the rack, unless you want to risk pounding the shot and missing. Then again, since the glance of the rack is an uptable one with the break ball so close to the cushion, it wouldn't be so bad to hit the shot with follow to curve into the bottom section of balls and come off of the foot rail even if you have less than a half ball hit. I may just try this next time I practice.

CueTable Help

 
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