Whether you’re looking to become a billiards master or you’re just trying to get one over on your friends, positioning the cue ball is essential for your success when playing pool. The right placement of the cue ball is billiards 101 and if you don’t have the basics down, then your chances of success are slim to none. Just as important is getting high-quality pool sticks and cues. There are many websites you can go to for all of your billiards needs, including billiardsking.com. Once you’ve got the equipment that you need, it’s time to learn how to position the cue ball.
Practice Makes Perfect
If you want your cue balls to be aligned correctly every time, then you’ll need to practice all of your shots. The more you practice, the better your chances of not chasing the ball. You should get into the habit of pacing the ball instead. In the beginning, do some soft shots as the harder shots may be a bit too fast for you in the early going. You want to ensure that you’re grasping things at your own pace.
Use The Whole Pocket
It’s not only about using the cue ball to hit other balls in the pocket. Once you’ve made your shot, you want the cue ball to be positioned in a spot that is advantageous to you. You don’t want the cue ball to just die in a spot that makes it hard for you to pull off the next shot. Try aiming at a different part of the pocket until you’re able to get the cue ball positioned where you want it. Repetition is key here. You’re never going to get it right in the early going, so it’s best to demonstrate patience during the practice runs.
Speed Of Your Shot
Getting a feel for what works when it comes to your shots is key before playing an actual set. You aren’t likely to find which speed of your stroke works for you right away. Hitting the cue ball too fast can lead to inaccuracy. Hitting it too slowly may not have much of an impact. Over time, you will be able to get a better feel of which speed is the most beneficial to you. You want an accurate and straight stroke. If you’re fidgeting around the table with your head up, you won’t be going anywhere.
Contact Point
One of the most important factors in your success at billiards is the contact point on the cue ball. You’ll want to hit the center of the ball, especially when you’re a beginner. Deviating from the center of the cue ball could lead to the cue ball missing your intended target. Missing the center is known as an unintended spin. This is not what you want when you’ve got a ball close to the pocket because it’s very possible that you will cause the ball to spin out to the opposite end of the table.
