To play pool like a pro you need a good cue, a precise touch and flawless aim. If you are an amateur player and want to become a regular at billiards, in this article we will provide you with the basic tools to improve your skills.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Learn to Move Correctly
Step 1. Check the position of your hand
- Take the butt of the cue with the palm of your dominant hand facing up. Find the exact point of the handle where the splint remains in balance. Then hold the butt of the cue 2, 5cm below this point.
- Compose a circle with the thumb and forefinger of your non-dominant hand. Insert the tip of the splint through this circle and place it over the middle finger behind the knuckle. Now, stretch out your middle, ring and little fingers as if creating a support tripod.
- Place the back of your hand on the table and slightly lift the part that supports the tip of the cue.
Step 2. Adopt the right posture
- The foot that corresponds to the hand that supports the tip of the splint must be placed in front of the body.
- The other foot stays behind by about 60cm.
- Move your body slightly off the table so it doesn't interfere with the shot.
- Position yourself close to the table but not too close. You must remain bowed towards the table to maintain control of the direction of the shot
- The correct position requires that the splint be directly under the chin, during a shot. If you compare the position of a professional pool player with that of a beginner, you will see that the former will always keep his head down, with the cue directly under his chin, during the execution of the stroke.
Method 2 of 4: Hit the marble
Step 1. Engage the tip of the cue before each stroke, as if passing a brushstroke
Avoid twisting the chalk on the tip.
Step 2. Keep the cue parallel to the table for maximum control
Step 3. Gradually accelerate the movement as you approach the marble with the tip of the cue
Move your arm gently, as if you were swimming in a pool instead of hitting the ball with a sharp blow. An accompanied hit gives more thrust.
Step 4. Keep the tip of the splint in a straight and relaxed trajectory
After the impact with the marble, the cue must continue its trajectory until it almost hits the carpet of the table. The cue must never slow down its movement before hitting the ball.
Step 5. Stay bowed after the shot
This position allows you to appreciate the angle of the ball and the direction of any other ball that is hit. In addition, it ensures that you avoid an accidental deviation of the shot caused by sudden movements.
Step 6. Practice your shot without actually hitting until you feel confident
Method 3 of 4: Perfecting the Aim
Step 1. Imagine an invisible marble next to the one you want to pocket
Step 2. Place the cue over the ball you want to pocket
Orient the cue to create a parallel line between this ball and the hole where it should fall.
Step 3. Keeping the parallel line you just created, place the tip of the cue in the center of the invisible ball from step 1
Step 4. Keep the tip of the cue on the table in the previous position
Move the rest of the cue so that it comes over the white marble. In this way you will get the angle with which to hit the white ball to be able to pocket the other.
Step 5. Make the shot based on the angle just calculated
Hit the center of the white ball so that it in turn impacts with the ball to be pocketed.
Step 6. Always start playing with your non-dominant hand until shortly after becoming ambidextrous
This won't give you much more chances of winning the current game, but you will have a better chance of winning future games. Sometimes in billiards you have to throw a shot at an angle that would be very uncomfortable with the dominant hand; the non-dominant one will become more skilled for these kinds of difficult shots if you train them in time. Remember that the "transfer of skills" from one task to another task for your non-dominant hand will be faster if you have used it for a long time to play pool.
Method 4 of 4: Choose a Good Cue
Step 1. Cue grip or butt
- Choose a thicker or finer handle according to the size of your hands: the larger your hands are, the thicker the handle must be; the most important element is that you feel comfortable with the handle in your hand.
- If your hands normally sweat, it is better that the handle is covered with Irish linen for greater absorption; otherwise, you can opt for a leather handle or even without a coating.
Step 2. The tip of the cue
Most pool cues have a 12 or 13mm diameter tip. Although 13mm is normally the most used, a smaller size allows you to maintain the bridge position more comfortably in the case of small hands.
Step 3. Measure the cone
Normally the splint maintains a diameter ranging from about 2.5cm to 3.8cm, before starting to taper towards the tip. A thinner cone allows for a firmer hit
Step 4. Know the weight of the cue
Most players choose a weight around 800 grams.
Step 5. Measure the length of the batten
Although there are special lengths, the standard length ranges from 145cm to 147cm.
Step 6. Choose the tip of your splint
The tips of billiard cues are usually covered with a layer of hard or soft leather that is slightly rounded. A good tip will allow you to gain better control over the marbles.
Step 7. Make sure all parts of the cue are fastened together
Any "moving" part will absorb the energy of the shot and prevent you from landing a good shot.
Suggestions
- Don't get down on yourself. Technique is important, but it is more important to stay calm and focused.
- Look for an instructor with whom you can learn the basic techniques. Good advice at the beginning of your career can help you avoid unnecessary frustration and keep you entertained by playing. Plus, they can save you from having to correct any bad habits later.
Warnings
- Many battens can be damaged or deformed due to the cheap materials they are made of or due to overuse.
- Avoid betting with people you don't know. A stranger could trick you into thinking you are a bad player. Once wagered, they begin to show excellent skills so that you lose yourself dramatically.
