Breaking from the middle

[the scorpion]

I have always broke from the middle of the table and it works really well for me but I was wondering if this sort of thing is frowned on by other players, would I get some strange looks from other players just because I break quite successfully from the middle of the table?

Just wanted some opinions on this matter as it would be nice to have a different perspective from different players from across the atlantic.

 

[Shorty]

I have always broke from the middle of the table and it works really well for me but I was wondering if this sort of thing is frowned on by other players, would I get some strange looks from other players just because I break quite successfully from the middle of the table?

Just wanted some opinions on this matter as it would be nice to have a different perspective from different players from across the atlantic.

I assume you mean playing 9 ball? Yes, I break from the middle of the table as well...just like Buddy Hall...and I move and drift either right or left depending on how the table is rolling. Buddy uses this break in his "Rifleman" video in which he runs 11 or so racks...memory is fading in my old age. Anyway, the middle break I feel is good for me, I also get more 9 balls on the break this way than a side break. The side break only works on perfect condition tables, by that I mean fast cloth and big pockets.

Hope this helps,
Shorty

 

[Tbeaux]

Always break from where you're comfortable below the head string. If your opponent makes comments either he's trying to psych you or you have unknowingly psyched him. Ignore BS comments and play the game the way you're comfortable with.

Story: First time Alex the Lion and Earl the Pearl play, Alex places the cueball on the head string and Earl complains he can't do that and to move the ball back. Alex politely says "yes sir Mr. Strickland" and moves the ball. Who is psyching who?

Terry

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

I have always broke from the middle of the table and it works really well for me but I was wondering if this sort of thing is frowned on by other players, would I get some strange looks from other players just because I break quite successfully from the middle of the table?

Just wanted some opinions on this matter as it would be nice to have a different perspective from different players from across the atlantic.

I like center-table breaking. I feel you can generate more power, maintain cue-ball position and a decent spread is almost always guaranteed. If it's making balls for you, why not break from the center?

 

[OldHasBeen]

Think about this!

I have always broke from the middle of the table and it works really well for me but I was wondering if this sort of thing is frowned on by other players, would I get some strange looks from other players just because I break quite successfully from the middle of the table?

Just wanted some opinions on this matter as it would be nice to have a different perspective from different players from across the atlantic.

Placing the cue ball in the center of the table (R,L) just behind the head string is the closest possible distance point to the one ball. It is also a lot easier to get the cue ball back to the center of the table when going straight into the one instead of coming in from the side and trying it to come back to the center. That is a V instead of going straight in and straight out.
But I do think that breaking from the rail had one definite advantage and that is that it allows you to have a higher angle going into the cue ball and therefore you don't need as much power to JUMP back. I have tried using a "Breaking Block" (patent pending) to achieve the height advantage while breaking from the center. It works great!

TY & GL

 

[LastTwo]

Placing the cue ball in the center of the table (R,L) just behind the head string is the closest possible distance point to the one ball. It is also a lot easier to get the cue ball back to the center of the table when going straight into the one instead of coming in from the side and trying it to come back to the center. That is a V instead of going straight in and straight out.
But I do think that breaking from the rail had one definite advantage and that is that it allows you to have a higher angle going into the cue ball and therefore you don't need as much power to JUMP back. I have tried using a "Breaking Block" (patent pending) to achieve the height advantage while breaking from the center. It works great!

TY & GL

I'm surprised nobody knows why the break box was implemented....

Breaking from the side allows you to apply a large amount of pressure to a side of the rack, and when after checking the rack you can manipulate where to break from to make the wing ball. The break box was implemented so players can't put pressure on a certain side of the rack and make the wingball consistently.

 

[Black-Balled]

You can break from wherever you want, period. That said, you do need to be OK with moving to different spots coz one break spot isn't alway going to work best. I usually start on one side and move toward the other if I am not making balls.
I read a couple of helpful break tips here, aimat the base, not the face, of the ball. also, if you break from the headstring+ the diamond halfway between center spot & rail, you have an aim point by referencing the 2nd to last row ball on the opposite side of the table being combo'd (using the 1b) straight into the foot rail.
Rack 'em, sausage (c/o KMcCready!)!

 

[ScottR]

Like you, I have always had better ball spread and cue ball control when breaking near the middle of the head string. My side break would be better if I practice it more, but I haven't had a compelling reason to try to improve it.

 

[MaryD]

Well this has made me feel better - I've been having trouble with my break. I'm more comfortable from the center, but the things I read & see tend to favor the rail. Since I'm a beginner, I've been folding to the peer pressure. I'm going to ignore it for a bit and work from the middle.

M

 

[vapoolplayer]

Well this has made me feel better - I've been having trouble with my break. I'm more comfortable from the center, but the things I read & see tend to favor the rail. Since I'm a beginner, I've been folding to the peer pressure. I'm going to ignore it for a bit and work from the middle.

M

as i a beginner i would recommend more of a center break, just hitting the 1 square with a medium stop shot.

that should hold you over. then just practice pocketing, stroke, pocketing, stroke, pocketing, stroke......on and on an on......hours and hours and hours........till the break is the reason you're having trouble winning..........then go back and focus on the break shot.

VAP

 

[Williebetmore]

Scorp-man,
You've already gotten some good advice above. Here's some more: quit playing 9-ball and start playing some straight pool, within a few weeks you will find the urge to discuss the fabulously interesting power break starting to subside.

 

[Sweet Marissa]

I break from the box... not that it matters - my break sucks. Thorsten and Ralf can attest to that lol Thanks to Philippe and Karim at Predator! lol

 

[MaryD]

as i a beginner i would recommend more of a center break, just hitting the 1 square with a medium stop shot.

that should hold you over. then just practice pocketing, stroke, pocketing, stroke, pocketing, stroke......on and on an on......hours and hours and hours........till the break is the reason you're having trouble winning..........then go back and focus on the break shot.

VAP

Thanks

I do practice a lot - and I find myself becoming just a little compulsive. The more success I have, the more I want to do "just one more rack..."

I started out shooting everything pretty softly, almost always with follow. I could move around pretty well that way. As my shotmaking has become better I've been adding stop, draw, and english little by little in different situations, and adding just a little more power over time, where warranted. I find I have much more trouble controlling my stroke when I shoot harder - and I think that's an issue with my break.

I have a *lot* of patience - I can see the improvements I've been making, and I'm willing to work for what I want little by little. <grin>

Mary