subject: Improve Your Game [print this page] Billiards is an old and much loved game, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. This is a game that people of all ages play; even the younger kids can play now on special child-size tables that are widely available.
It is also a game that, although once more popular with men, is now keenly played by both sexes. You can play pool in all sorts of environments, from restaurants and bars to halls and homes.
It is also a game that can be as relaxing or competitive as you want to make it. Some people like to enjoy a friendly game over a drink after work, others like to unwind with a few games on their home pool table, and some like to join leagues and clubs and play to win.
Practice the game
This is one of the key aspects of improving your billiards game - the importance of practice can't be stressed enough, and many pros will tell you that getting in practice is the singularly most important part of becoming adept at billiards. Some people practice for hours each day - which, of course, is not practical for everyone.
Don't forget the cue
Your cue is a pivotal part of your billiards game - after all, you won't get far without it!
You hold the cue, get a feel for it, and make sure that you are comfortable with every aspect of the cue. Many professionals state that using the same cue for every practice and real game is a big part of their success, and if you are going to be playing with the same cue you have to make sure that it is one you are perfectly happy with.
Start simple
If you are something of a novice at pool then the trick of improving your game is to start simple and work your way up. There is no point trying to jump straight in to the most complex games.
A game like 8 ball or better still 9 ball can help you to practice shooting and can help to condition your body in order to improve your game. Positioning and action is everything when playing billiards, and these simple, basic games will help you to improve both through practice.
Use training balls
You can now get billiards training balls, and these can prove invaluable to someone just learning how to play or wishing to improve their game. These balls have a clear target to aim for, so when you are trying to pot the ball you will know exactly where to aim.
Using these training balls can help to condition your mind when you are playing, and pretty soon you will be able to hit the mark without the specially marked balls, and you can enjoy potting your object ball every time.
Use online tools
There are plenty of online tools available to help you improve your billiards game, such as virtual pool. Although these games can't help with the improvement of your physical stroke, they can give you a good idea of game rules and strategies, which are things that you must familiarize yourself with in order to start improving your game - if you don't know how to play properly you can't learn how to play better.
General tips
As well as the above quite specific tips on improving your pool game, there are also some general tips that you should bear in mind when you are actually in the process of playing or practicing billiards. Hopefully, these tips will help you to develop and improve your game so that you can play to the best of your ability.
These general tips include:
Cue Shot: Make sure that your stroke is smooth and consistent. You should place your other hand on the table, making it as stable as you can, and then allow the cue to slide through this hand as smoothly as possible - it is a good idea simply to practice the stroke before you start worrying about practicing with the billiards balls.
Keep the cue ball in sight: When you are aiming, you should be looking at the cue ball and not the object ball. Aim to strike it just below the center, and stay focused on the cue ball as you shoot.
Arm positioning: When you are playing, you should keep the arm you are shooting with close to your body, and your elbow should be bent at a ninety-degree angle. Let your shoulder do the work as you shoot - this is where the action and movement should stem from. Do not be tempted to use excessive force, as this will simply spoil your shot - simply keep it smooth and controlled.
