If there were any shot in the game of pool that could be said to have the most importance it would be the break shot. The break determines the layout of the table after the break, the position of the cue ball, and who gets control of the table directly after the break. It’s a huge advantage because whoever is at the table gets to make the decisions at the table. When you’re at the table you can make anything happen either by skill or by luck. The only factor you have control over in your chair is what position you like to sit in while you watch your opponent at the table.
Having said that, the break is the most chaotic shot in pool, the most difficult to control and the shot with the most luck involved. You can break perfectly and still end up with the cue ball scratching into a pocket. Or you can hit the rack extremely poorly and end up making the 9 ball on the break to win the game. Despite the luck that’s involved you can put the odds in your favor.
There are a few goals good players have when they go to break the rack. In order of importance they go:
- Make a ball
- Position the cue ball in the center of the table
- Get a good spread of the balls
- Don’t scratch
Making a ball is the main goal of any break shot since it keeps you in control of the table regardless of the outcome. After that putting the cue ball in the center of the table is your next goal. The reason for that is because center table position gives you the best chance of having an available shot after the break. A good spread means that there aren’t any clusters on the table after the break and every ball has a pocket. For games like 8 ball this is extremely important because of the number of balls on the table. Unfortunately, this is difficult to control, but its still something to strive for. And lastly, no player wants to scratch after the break. In many cases this can always be avoided. Bad luck is always a factor though and its impossible to always avoid a scratch since a ball might hit the cue ball and put it in a pocket.
How to hit the break
With these goals in mind, you want to hit cue ball as hard as you can with accuracy. That last word is important. An accurate hit on rack is more valuable than an excessively hard hit that you can’t control. For instance, a ball that’s hit at 20mph but only hits half of the 1 ball in the rack only transitions 50% of the power from that break into the rack. A slower more controlled break hit at 17mph that hits the 1 ball full will transition almost all the power from the cue ball to the rack. So even if the ball is hit slower more force is exerted in to the rack.
Where to hit the cue ball
This topic is discussed further in the 9 ball and 8 ball break lessons since depending on what type of break you use you may want to change where you hit the cue ball. In general though, if you’re hitting the head ball full you should hit just above center on the cue ball. This puts topspin on the cue ball which makes it want to go forward. The kickback from the rack will naturally push the cue ball back after it hits the rack and the topspin is what will keep it in the middle of the table. For an example of a perfect result after the break Klenti Kaci (one of the best player in the world) had a magnificent break during a match at the World Pool Series.
Where to place the cue ball
This is a topic of wide discussion and there are a multitude of options with differing results when it comes to placing the cue ball. If you’re starting out, you should aim to keep it simple until you know what you’re trying to accomplish by moving the cue ball for the break. All break shots require the cue ball to be behind the head string which is your main limitation. Professional tournaments might limit how far to the side or middle you can place the cue ball for the break, but for most amateur tournaments the cue ball can go anywhere. Beginners should place the cue ball in the center of the table on the head string to get the cue ball as close to the rack as possible. Placing the cue ball in the center of the table gives you a straight shot towards the rack giving you the best chance of hitting the head ball square. With a full hit you transfer more power to the rack and hopefully increase your chances of making a ball and getting a good spread as well.