Breaking

[pooltchr]

The only time a lighter cue can give you more speed is if you are using every single bit of available energy to move the cue in the first place. The difference of an ounce or two is not going to slow down or increase the speed anyone's stroke, since most of us are not putting 100% of our available energy into our break stroke.

Steve

 

[RWOJO]

I believe that for the majority of players, there are more disadvantages than advantages from breaking the balls that hard. You may be one of the people that is able to control everything at that speed, but I think for most players, a moderate speed is best. It takes some experimentation to find out where you have the best result combined with the optimum control, and for most people that place will be well below 24-26 MPH.

I completely agree about this. Most players will break well below 24-26. Most players are probably breaking 16-18 mph.

I see some bigger players that can't break that hard and I've seen smaller guys/girls that can break really hard. It is all about technique and the speed of the cue. I am 6' and weigh about 175 lbs. Look at Johnny Archer and his physique compared to his technique.

As per the 80% rule of thumb, I can break 27 or 28 but I cannot control it as much as if I take a little off. I wouldn't say I take 20% off but over years of practice that is what I am comfortable with.

I prefer to break the table wide open because I am capable of running out. Even against a stronger player I like my chances better if I break hard and possibly sell out a wide open table. A match I had this past week was against a strong player and it just happened to go in my favor that night.

 

[balak25]

Me and my buddies play 9 ball most of the times. I like to break from the right side(2 inches from middle). Are there any suggestions for me?

 

[pooltchr]

Me and my buddies play 9 ball most of the times. I like to break from the right side(2 inches from middle). Are there any suggestions for me?

That depends. Does that break work for you?

Steve

 

[Ratta]

Why can t just everyone see the break as any other stroke? it s all about controlling the cb to transfer it to the point you re aiming for- the most players are just breaking with much too much speed and without any control.

This is what everyone have to work on-- to be able to have also a repeatable straight stroke even if using a higher acceleration.

 

[Bustah360]

There are just so many variables to factor in when trying to achieve a successful break. Hard for a nice spread vs softer for more cb control. Rail breaks vs breaking from the box. The best way to accomplish effective cut breaks. Then I'm always told to switch around a lil to find that sweet spot to break from. This of course changes for every player as we dont all stroke or mechanically play the same. Sigh.... Now I got a headache.

 

[pooltchr]

Part of the problem is that few people actually work on their break. They may set up a rack 3 or 4 times during practice, but racking and breaking gets old, so very quickly, they start breaking, and then shooting shots.

If you want to nail down your break shot, just like everything else, you MUST PRACTICE it!

Steve

 

[Cameron Smith]

Part of the problem is that few people actually work on their break. They may set up a rack 3 or 4 times during practice, but racking and breaking gets old, so very quickly, they start breaking, and then shooting shots.

If you want to nail down your break shot, just like everything else, you MUST PRACTICE it!

Steve

This is true. I think the break is the most under practiced shot in all cue sports. I don't think I have ever seen anyone spend any time practicing it.

 

[Ratta]

This is true. I think the break is the most under practiced shot in all cue sports. I don't think I have ever seen anyone spend any time practicing it.

For sure !
:thumbup:

 

[RWOJO]

Practice Breaking

I agree that I never see anyone practicing their break.

At the Georgia Billiard Academy we have a Break station setup on one of the tables. I know this does not show the spread of the balls, but its a great indicator of controlling the cueball. Plus you don't have to rack the balls. I try to get atleast 15 minutes of practice a week on that table which is probably close to an hours worth of practice when you have to rack the balls each time.

I also just purchased a Magic Rack. I am seeing the break in a whole new light now that I can get a perfect rack everytime. I still like to break really hard (24 - 26 mph) but I will practice more of the break from the side with more control (maybe 19 - 21 mph).

 

[randyg]

I consider the Break a higher speed Stop Shot.....randyg

 

[Lexicologist71]

A heavier cue will give you more ball speed ONLY if you can move it at the same speed. The equation is not as simple as M x A. It is actually
cue ball speed = 2 (weight of cue stick x speed of cue stick) / weight of cue stick + weight of cue ball. Adding 33% to the weight of the cue stick (18 oz to 24 oz), you will achieve a 6.6% increase in cue ball speed. That is assuming that you can accelerate the heavier cue stick at the same speed, which you can't. In simple terms, at max effort an 18 oz cue accelerated to 18 MPH will yield a cue ball speed of 27 MPH. A 22 oz cue stick at accelerated to the same speed only generates a cue ball speed of 28.3 MPH. Screaming fast, but again, that's only if you could get the heavy cue up to the same speed. In reality, the heavier cue is nowhere near so quick as the lighter cue stick and cue ball speed suffers.