How Much Speed and Power is lost?

[Johnnyt]

I see most pros and open players that have powerful breaks in 8-ball and 10-ball break from close to the head-string and about a foot or more off the side rail. How much power and speed is lost if you break at that same angle but a diamond to a diamond and a half back closer to the head-string? I have always had a problem hitting the balls hard with a closed bridge from near the head-string and a foot or more off the side rail. With an open bridge by the head-string I don't have the accuracy. I'm wondering if it's because I'm short. I do notice a lot of the top short players break from the side or closer to the end rail breaking in 10-ball. Alex is one of them. Johnnyt

 

[brandoncook26]

I always used to break from the side rail because I couldn't get the same power from bridging on the cloth. The only thing that alleviated it was accepting that it was something I had to work on. I just started breaking from the box, on the headstring. After about a thousand or so breaks, the power and timing started coming together. All I can say is practice it (I know that is a pretty generic answer). It will come together. I am pretty short too, 5'7", so I don't think that is the issue. I have found for me, it is much more about timing than power.

 

[stouter2386]

i dont know about everyone else but ive seen alot of shorter players breaking wayyyyy harder then i do, im around 6'1/6'2 and my break isnt even close to some of the shorter guys i play with and they break from everywhere

 

[cycopath]

With an open bridge by the head-string I don't have the accuracy.

I don't think an open bridge on the break shot is a good idea. Seems to me there would be a lot more room for error using the open bridge, just from the fact that there is some much more ability for the cue to move.

 

[TATE]

I see most pros and open players that have powerful breaks in 8-ball and 10-ball break from close to the head-string and about a foot or more off the side rail. How much power and speed is lost if you break at that same angle but a diamond to a diamond and a half back closer to the head-string? I have always had a problem hitting the balls hard with a closed bridge from near the head-string and a foot or more off the side rail. With an open bridge by the head-string I don't have the accuracy. I'm wondering if it's because I'm short. I do notice a lot of the top short players break from the side or closer to the end rail breaking in 10-ball. Alex is one of them. Johnnyt

Johnny,

I'm sure you could move the ball back a foot and there would be no measurable difference in cue ball speed. Think about it - it's maybe it's traveling a foot longer but it's bouncing in the air too.

The main thing is to take the cue back long enough and slow enough to allow your body to work properly. I've improved my break power a lot by just slowing down the entire stroke and relaxing. *

Once you get the power part working right, the hard part is controlling it.

Chris

* Think of Lawrence Welk saying "uh one and uh two"...

 

[peteypooldude]

I am also a short player.And for me when I get too far away from the head rail I lose my bridge height and cannot come through the CB correctly without losing power and stability, because my natural closed bridge height is too low. I have noticed exactly the same problems.I have worked on my bridge trying to get the right height but its just not stable enough 4 me, so I stay within my range and am known for having a good break Hope this helps :smile:

 

[Randy9Ball]

i dont know about everyone else but ive seen alot of shorter players breaking wayyyyy harder then i do, im around 6'1/6'2 and my break isnt even close to some of the shorter guys i play with and they break from everywhere

Taller guys have more difficulty getting the timing thing down so that hinders power on the break. At least that's what Gabe Owen says.

 

[Johnnyt]

I don't think an open bridge on the break shot is a good idea. Seems to me there would be a lot more room for error using the open bridge, just from the fact that there is some much more ability for the cue to move.

I agree. What I meant was I can break with power from the box with an open bridge but I don't have as good as control. Johnnyt

 

[Johnnyt]

Johnny,

I'm sure you could move the ball back a foot and there would be no measurable difference in cue ball speed. Think about it - it's maybe it's traveling a foot longer but it's bouncing in the air too.

The main thing is to take the cue back long enough and slow enough to allow your body to work properly. I've improved my break power a lot by just slowing down the entire stroke and relaxing. *

Once you get the power part working right, the hard part is controlling it.

Chris

* Think of Lawrence Welk saying "uh one and uh two"...

LOL. I hated his show. I was a Guy Lombardo guy. I use to tune up his speed boat and take it for a spin back in the day. Johnnyt

 

[ShootingArts]

agree

Johnny,

I'm sure you could move the ball back a foot and there would be no measurable difference in cue ball speed. Think about it - it's maybe it's traveling a foot longer but it's bouncing in the air too.

The main thing is to take the cue back long enough and slow enough to allow your body to work properly. I've improved my break power a lot by just slowing down the entire stroke and relaxing. *

Once you get the power part working right, the hard part is controlling it.

Chris

* Think of Lawrence Welk saying "uh one and uh two"...

Johnny,

I agree with Chris, you are only talking wind resistance and a little friction to slow the ball down on the way to the rack. My most explosive breaks came breaking off of the end rail.

Hu

 

[Johnnyt]

Thank you all. Johnnyt

 

[3RAILKICK]

From the box

Close to side rail-I hit down/jump the ball/bad result when attempting power.


From box-more control/more level/less power rqd/more loose wrist snap/more cb squat/better overall results.

For me. But I break bad.

3railkick

IMHO