Do You Want to Learn How to Play Pool or Just Hit the Ball?

Do You Want to Learn How to Play…?

When I was teaching billiards at the University of North Dakota, my own pool room and giving lessons for a Grand Forks, ND Youth group, I got to see many players at many levels. I had to accept the fact that some students wanted only to hit the ball they aimed at and learn the rules of 8-ball and 9-ball. Those students wanted to be social players. They had no desire to delve into the intricacies or subtleties, just the basics. That's OK. Not everyone wants to play competitively.

I also had players that could play at a "B-" level but they were making the game harder than it needed to be. It was harder because there was a flaw in part(s) of the basics. Yes, you can shoot well and do many of the basics wrong, but, learning/relearning the correct way will make the game easier.

Let's review some of my class outlines on the basics. If you are a player, check on yourself and see how you compare. If you’re learning, try to teach your muscles the correct way to execute the basics. Your muscles will learn what is comfortable and remember.

Stance

A. Feet spread shoulder width

B. Knees slightly bent

C. Chin lined up with the aim of the cue ball

D. Bend at waist

E. Stroking forearm at a 90 degree angle to the floor

F. Chin (eyes) centered over the cue

G. Bridge arm bent slightly

H. Bridge hand forming an open bridge and balance point

1. Put very little weight on bridge hand

2. Should be able to lift it off the table after getting into your stance

Bridges

Open

Closed

Stroke

A. Only movement should be the stroking arm from the elbow

B. Head should remain still

C. Follow straight through with the stroke, normally anywhere from 4 to 8 inches.

Making Balls

A. Practice just hitting the center of the cue ball (Put cue ball on the spot, aim at the center diamond on either the side rail or end rail, hit the center of the cue ball, follow through, stay down and the cue ball should come back and hit your stick.)

B. Aiming point - using the imaginary ball (Ghost Ball)

These are basics in the simplest form. If you are in need of further explanation contact an instructor. A good instructor and plenty of practice time can increase the learning curve dramatically.

By Jay Wegener