Tips for cutting the one ball on the break?

B

bdorman

Dead money
Silver Member
When I break (8-, 9- or 10-ball) I aim square at the one ball regardless of where I place the cue ball (center ball hit; maybe a tad high). By "square" I mean a straight line from the center of the CB to the center of the one ball.

Sometimes the one ball rifles into the side pocket...and other times it doesn't. Of course, I'm not hitting it square every time (I often don't "hit" where I "aim":wink:).

So, are there any rules of thumb about pocketing the one ball into either the side pocket or kitchen corner pocket?

CB location?

Aim?

Spin?

Prayer?

Many thanks.
 
The one in the side works a little differently I think depending on
A: 9 ball vs. 8 ball and
B: whether it's a truly tight rack or not.

There's some physics going on where the ball 1 ball "rebounds" a little better off a dead frozen rack, vs. one that's got tiny gaps all over the place. And in 8 ball, there's more balls for the 1 to bounce off of.

Basically, all you can do is... watch where the 1 ball "wants" to go when you hit it square at a comfortable speed. If it goes a little high above the side, move the cue ball further out towards the side rail and try putting a touch of draw on it. If you still keep hitting too high, lower your speed and try even more draw. If you STILL keep hitting too high, blame the rack or a quirky table.

In 9 ball, I find it's easier to manipulate the one ball than in 8. It's less likely to hit too high. With a perfect rack, you can even play to make one of the other balls and control where the 1 ends up. I like to hit soft with draw, making it hit a little below the side and then bounce out so I have a shot into that side pocket.

If the one hits too low, that's is easier to adjust for, just go closer to center and hit harder. Get rid of any draw, no spin is needed (or wanted).

==========

By the way, if you didn't already know... the pros these days don't play to make the one. In 9 ball, they play to make the balls furthest out to the side... those balls should go into the corner with a tight rack and any break near the corner. In 8 ball or 10 ball, your best bet is the 2nd row balls going into the side pocket. This takes a square hit from just a ball width or two off center, and you need at least a little speed (say, 18-19 mph).
 
I think its more advantageous if you try pocket a wing ball and leave the 1 ball in the kitchen with a shot in the corner.

The only balls you have full controll over on the 9 ball break are the cue ball, 9 and 1 as they're always racked in the same order. You will come into trouble if you make the 1 on the break because you have no clue where the next lowest ball will finish up... That being said, if I want to make the 1 in the side I I do this;

Break from the corner of the box.
Aim to pocket the 1 in the opposite corner pocket from the side you break.
Hit 2 tips low and 1 tip outside english.

This is not guaranteed as it comes down to how hard you hit it. I hit it maybe 70% of what I'm capable of, but you'll have to experiment with it. CB should contact both long rails before it passes the side pockets and should land centre table.

I should say though, I struggle to make 3 balls pass the kitchen line so only use it if your rules allow this.

I should also add buy a magic rack!

Regards
 
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On my table, the point of impact is about 2 thousandths of an inch (0.5mm) difference from 9-ball to 8-ball racks. The 8-ball rack needs more offset than the 9-ball rack.
 
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