Breakshots....Hard or Soft (average)

[MN Kid]

I'm just starting down the 14.1 road myself and have a LOT to learn. That being said, my break speed is almost always determined by how hard I have to hit it to leave the cue ball where I want it (usually the middle of the table). I too am somewhat "old school" and tend to go for the softer breaks if there is a choice. It's safer for me at this level as the last thing I want to do is scatter the rack if I miss the break shot . If I don't have an opponent, I'll hit them a little heavier though.

Cheers,
RG

 

[tedkaufman]

At the risk of sounding non definitive, I think it depends largely on how the break shot lies.

As you mentioned in your post, some breakshots you shouldn't hit really hard and some you should.

I try to focus on 3 things during the break shot. 1. Make the break ball, 2. break up the rack so that there are balls free for the next shot, and 3. clear the cue ball so I have a next shot.

The varying relationships (angles) of the break ball the rack and the cue ball in my opinion should indicate how hard or how soft you hit the shot.

That's just my opinion though and I"m sure more knowledgeable straight pool players will respond.

That was a great answer. Those are the three key things you must do. The absolute is make the shot. Points two and three are of equal importance.

I tend to hit break shots pretty hard, probably because I learned the game when cloth was slow and with balls that weren't the best. I do feel, though, it isn't necessary to cream the rack and scatter every ball. More often than not, it's when we dislodge secondary clusters that we can maneuver balls for a break shot or key ball. Also, scattering balls tends to block pocket lanes, so having all the balls free doesn't necessarily mean clear sailing. Finally, nothing is more disheartening than having a nice run stopped because of a scratch, either because the cueball ran out of control or another ball knocks it in. Moderation has its merits.