WBM,
Yes, league play can be a rare exception. The spots can get so silly that sometimes you do have to alter your game. Against average to great players, though, I always recommend playing an open style. This would only apply, though, to players with enough firepower to make it worthwhile. (I've seen you play, and you definitely qualify - your self-deprecating comments aside
)
Cleary,
I used to think it was possible to sum up breakshots and their ideal positions with some simple rules. It's actually quite difficult. If you're looking for some really general principles, use these:
Low break ball: Parallel is the lower limit of where you'd like to be. Ideally, you'd like to be closer to the rail than the object ball.
High break ball: Parallel, once again, is the limit of where you'd like to be. But now, ideally, you'd like the object ball to be closer to the rail than the cueball.
Middle break ball: Highly dependent on exactly where you'll hit the rack, so very tough to make general rules on these.
Generally, you want high break balls to not be more than a ball's width higher than the top of the rack. You also want high break balls to be closer to the rack than you want low break balls.
These are just my opinions - I've seen lots of players vary widely on their break shot selections.
- Steve
Yes, league play can be a rare exception. The spots can get so silly that sometimes you do have to alter your game. Against average to great players, though, I always recommend playing an open style. This would only apply, though, to players with enough firepower to make it worthwhile. (I've seen you play, and you definitely qualify - your self-deprecating comments aside
)Cleary,
I used to think it was possible to sum up breakshots and their ideal positions with some simple rules. It's actually quite difficult. If you're looking for some really general principles, use these:
Low break ball: Parallel is the lower limit of where you'd like to be. Ideally, you'd like to be closer to the rail than the object ball.
High break ball: Parallel, once again, is the limit of where you'd like to be. But now, ideally, you'd like the object ball to be closer to the rail than the cueball.
Middle break ball: Highly dependent on exactly where you'll hit the rack, so very tough to make general rules on these.
Generally, you want high break balls to not be more than a ball's width higher than the top of the rack. You also want high break balls to be closer to the rack than you want low break balls.
These are just my opinions - I've seen lots of players vary widely on their break shot selections.
- Steve
