Is Getting On A Good Break Ball in 14.1

Johnnyt

Johnnyt

Burn all jump cues
Silver Member
IMO the most important thing to making high runs in 14.1 is getting a good break ball to start each new rack. I always figured if you can run 3 racks, you should be able to run 8 racks. It has to be the focus. It is a big part of high runs for sure, but the good break ball is the most important IMO. I've run over 100 several times in all the 1000's of times I've played 14.1.

Over the last few weeks I played 10 racks of setting up a break ball for each rack. I did this 3 times=30 racks =possible 150. Average was 119 for 10 racks.

Then I set up a break shot for the first rack only and the other 9 I had to create my own. 10 racks times 3=possible 140. My average for a 10 racks was 77.

I know this is only 30 racks for each, but it made such a big difference when I had to create my own break ball. I know this is like apples and oranges, but I'm retired and get bored a lot. Johnnyt
 
Hmmm, interesting. I'm thinking most runs are stopped from bad pattern play or loss of control, instead of poor break ball positioning. But then, what do I know? I have a hard time running six balls, even when half of them are hangers.
 
8ballEinstein said:
Hmmm, interesting. I'm thinking most runs are stopped from bad pattern play or loss of control, instead of poor break ball positioning. But then, what do I know? I have a hard time running six balls, even when half of them are hangers.
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Maybe I just need to practice more on getting good break shots and hitting the rack right and at the right speed. Johnnyt
 
Well, you can't run balls if you don't keep leaving break shots, but even somebody who hasn't played pool even once in their life can easily understand this. It's a bit like saying that the key to winning a hockey game is scoring goals. Yes, that's also true, and similarly shallow and uninformative.

It's about the journey, JohnnyT. To advise you that if you keep running racks and leaving break shots, you'll run a lot of balls is to leave you hanging.

Alternatively, to advise you that if you a) clear your rails early, b) manage your attack angles with care, b) solve your problems early in the rack, avoid playing short side position where possible, d) and leave a few balls that offer numerous end patterns to leave a break shot, puts you on the winning path and makes the journey more instinctive and, ultimately, more repeatable. As long as you adhere to these principles and continue to execute, leaving a break shot will happen by itself.

Yes, it's about the journey, and that's what you should focus on.
 
sjm said:
Well, you can't run balls if you don't keep leaving break shots, but even somebody who hasn't played pool even once in their life can easily understand this. It's a bit like saying that the key to winning a hockey game is scoring goals. Yes, that's also true, and similarly shallow and uninformative.

It's about the journey, JohnnyT. To advise you that if you keep running racks and leaving break shots, you'll run a lot of balls is to leave you hanging.

Alternatively, to advise you that if you a) clear your rails early, b) manage your attack angles with care, b) solve your problems early in the rack, avoid playing short side position where possible, d) and leave a few balls that offer numerous end patterns to leave a break shot, puts you on the winning path and makes the journey more instinctive and, ultimately, more repeatable. As long as you adhere to these principles and continue to execute, leaving a break shot will happen by itself.

Yes, it's about the journey, and that's what you should focus on.
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After reading this I think my problem is way too lazy. :embarrassed2:. Johnnyt
 
The key is getting the good angles and landing on them perfectly. In Mosconi's red book he has a lot of shots to practice one,two and three rails to get on break balls. Everybody reads the book and says "Oh yeah I know ho to shoot those shot" and moves to the next page. The genius lies in the unerring mastery of those shots which few take the time to develop. That's my guess.
 
I'm not an experienced 14.1 player but I've watched a lot of pro matches.

When a run ends, it's most often because the player missed pocketing the ball (non-break) due to lack of focus. The shot is usually no harder than any other, but the player took it for granted, lost focus, etc.

Missing the OB on the break shot and scratching the CB on the break shot seem to be the next-most common run-enders.
 
Some of my thoughts have changed over the years on 14.1. Partly from equipment, and mostly from watching great players who are not known for 14.1 run tons of balls......ala Johnny Archer back in the day!!! or Earl.

What I mean is this>>> the weaker you are at pocketing/cue ball control....the better you need to be at patterns....or your runs will end with a missed ball.

>>>when you never miss, like the top pros, you can run the balls how ever you want......and only worry about getting on some kinda break ball.

Ok, now you classic 14.1 dudes out there don't get your panties in a bunch.....I still feel the game is easier when played correctly, and I learned old school....but it just is not as important these days with fast nice equipment to have perfect patterns because the recovery is easier.

G.
 
Gerry said:
Some of my thoughts have changed over the years on 14.1. Partly from equipment, and mostly from watching great players who are not known for 14.1 run tons of balls......ala Johnny Archer back in the day!!! or Earl.

What I mean is this>>> the weaker you are at pocketing/cue ball control....the better you need to be at patterns....or your runs will end with a missed ball.

>>>when you never miss, like the top pros, you can run the balls how ever you want......and only worry about getting on some kinda break ball.

Ok, now you classic 14.1 dudes out there don't get your panties in a bunch.....I still feel the game is easier when played correctly, and I learned old school....but it just is not as important these days with fast nice equipment to have perfect patterns because the recovery is easier.

G.
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Good post and my feelings on the subject also. Johnnyt
 
Johnnyt said:
IMO the most important thing to making high runs in 14.1 is getting a good break ball to start each new rack. I always figured if you can run 3 racks, you should be able to run 8 racks. It has to be the focus. It is a big part of high runs for sure, but the good break ball is the most important IMO. I've run over 100 several times in all the 1000's of times I've played 14.1.

Over the last few weeks I played 10 racks of setting up a break ball for each rack. I did this 3 times=30 racks =possible 150. Average was 119 for 10 racks.

Then I set up a break shot for the first rack only and the other 9 I had to create my own. 10 racks times 3=possible 140. My average for a 10 racks was 77.

I know this is only 30 racks for each, but it made such a big difference when I had to create my own break ball. I know this is like apples and oranges, but I'm retired and get bored a lot. Johnnyt
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here's my self created....bore game. All that's required is perfect balance, approach and rock solid stance. Address the cue ball and carom off any object ball and pocket another ball with cue ball, calling pocket only.

Or watch hard hitting ball bangers for thirty minutes and you'll see some shots you've never tried before, take notes go practice em.

Have Fun....:thumbup:
 
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