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Table 7: Getting a Killer Break
Having a killer break does so many things all in one shot. (1.) The psychological edge alone is sometimes enough to win certain games. (2.) With a good break (especially in 9-ball) your chances of winning are so much better then having a whimpy "popping" break. (3.) If you can consistently smash the balls on the break, scattering them about the table, then the chance of you having a long run is increased.
There are also many misconceptions about breaking. For instance, you don't have to be a burly brute to explode any rack...as a matter of fact, muscle has little to do with it. The break depends mostly on one thing: proper technique.
But oh my god, Louie, what is that proper technique? Please tell me! No problem...that's why you're here. Now read on:
Techniques are in red, with descriptions following.
Proper hand bridging: This is important! Always when breaking, loop one of your fingers around your cue, to avoid, or decrease the possibility of a miscue. (A miscue on the break is so embarrassing) Never break with a "V" bridge...a miscue is just waiting to happen.
Chalk is our friend: Chalk up! This will also decrease the possibility of a miscue. Plus, with a lot of chalk, you can control the cue ball so much better. This will be discussed later.
Proper bridging distance: Place your bridge hand a few inches away from the cue ball. Why? To give you more distance for a longer stroke. Backswing, my son.
Where to hold the cue: Just as you moverd your bridge hand away from the cue ball, move you hand (where you hold the cue) farther back toward the butt of the cue. This will provide you with a faster shot and more power.
Stance: Some of you might keep your chins very close to the cue when playing...this is very good for aiming purposes, but when breaking, stand a litte higher; this will give you more leverage, giving you more power.
Control yourself, part I: Don't just do the above 5 things, then get up there and just *try* to slam the rack...you must have control of the ball and your cue. Be careful, aim for the center of the cue ball (or a little below if you choose) and concentrate on slamming that EXACT spot.
Control yourself, part II: Once you find that exact spot I was talking about, take a few long practice strokes, and them explode the cue onto the ball.
After the explosion (hit): Very vital: Follow straight through the cue ball. Don't raise the cue after hitting, because then your energy will not be harnessed directly into that "exact" spot. Following straight through...this is SO important.
Body movements: Many people think that lunging their bodies at the cue ball will give more force. Although this "may" be true, the probability of a miscue is highly increased. For the most *bang* be sure to hit the head ball direct with the cue ball (meaning no angle). And also, follow-thru is ever important.
Oh yeah... Don't scratch.
Technically, that's all there is too it! BUT, there is oh so much more. Let's talk more about the details about the break:
A. Well, it's up to you. Many people wouldn't do this, because (of course) over time, it flattens the tip out, BUT, if you know how to take proper care of your cue and it's tip, then it's perfectly fine. There are professional players who break with the same exact cue that they play with, only because they don't what an unfamiliar cue in their hands during the MOST important shot of the game. For more on cues and tips, check out Table 3.
Q. I notice that some wooden pool cue are bendable. Should I use a bendable one on the break? Is that good?
A. No. When breaking, try to find a cue that doesn't bend at all. Why? It's simple physics- if the cue bends easily, then some of the force that you relay onto the cue ball will be taken up by the "buoyancy" held within the cue. Then, the cue ball won't be hit by a clean, hard hit.
Q. I'm doing everything you say, but when I'm breaking, the cue ball goes flying all around the table after the break. What's up with that?
A. This can be caused by a few things. First, if the cue ball is getting hit by any of the object balls, there is nothing you can do about that. Just hope you don't scratch. Second, be sure that you are hitting the cue ball square, and that you are hitting the apex object ball squarely. Lastly, BE SURE not to apply any english when breaking. Good luck.
Q. Right before I break, I get mad and try to slam the cue. Is that good? Should I put myself into a mini trance, and try to let my "anger" break the balls?
A. No. This is a really bad attitude to have. You are right, when you get angry, adrenaline goes up and you (seem) like you have more power. BUT if you are in this state of mind, you will forget everything that I have told you. Therefore, the probability of a miscue is *highly* increased. Try this: Take a few deep breaths, get into a comfortable stance, place proper hand bridging, take more deep breaths, aim, take some practice strokes, and explode on the cue ball. That's all!
Q. But really, I'm doing everything you say, and the cue ball still goes flying. What do I do?
A. Re-read this whole entire page, close down your browser, then get off the computer and go practice. That's all I can tell you. You'll soon get it. Concentration is very important, grasshopper. And before I go, there should be someone at the pool hall who is willing to help you out. All you have to do is ask.
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