Pool Tips & Hints

To be successful, a pool player needs precision, ball control and knowledge of angles. Using spin to set up the next shot is often the difference between winning and losing. This is especially important in a game like nine-ball, where the player must hit one specific ball or lose his turn.

  1. Breaking

    • A good break should spread out the balls, sink at least one ball, and leave the cue ball in the middle of the table to give you options for the next shot. While a powerful break looks impressive, accuracy is more important to your breaking technique than sheer power. Missing the center of the cue ball or striking the rack in the wrong place will lead to a weak break no matter how much power you put into the shot. Set up for the break in a wider stance than you normally use, with slightly more of your weight resting on your front foot for added power. Move your grip hand back toward the butt of your cue. Increasing the distance between your hands lets you drive more of the cue stick through the ball on the follow-through. Even though you are trying to hit the ball hard, keep your grip hand as loose as possible without letting go of the stick. Tightening your grip only shortens your motion and cuts off your momentum.

    Using Spin

    • There are three main types of spin used in pool: topspin, backspin and sidespin. Topspin is also called "follow" because it makes the cue ball follow in the direction of the object ball. Strike the upper half of the cue ball to impart follow on the shot. Hitting the lower half of the ball will create backspin, also called "draw" because the cue ball will be drawn back toward you after it strikes the object ball. Many people call any type of spin "English," but this really only refers to sidespin. Strike the cue ball on the left or right half to make it veer off to the side. To learn how to impart spin, use a practice cue ball with stripes painted around the center. This allows you to see which direction the ball spins before and after it contacts the object ball. When starting out with spin, only hit the ball about a half-tip away from the center line and work your way out as you get familiar with the shot. Hitting the ball farther off-center gives you more spin, but also makes it more difficult to aim the ball.