subject: Basics For The Beginning Billiards Player [print this page] Playing pool is something that everyone can do. However, you need to know some basics. There are some basic skills a person needs to be able to play a basic game of billiards and enjoy themselves.
First step is being able to shoot straight. Often time's people will grab a cue stick and simply hit the ball. If you are right handed, firmly hold the cue stick with your right hand, resting the end of the stick between your thumb and index to help guide as your shoot.
Remember when you are shooting to take your time. Do not be in any rush to shoot. Line up the end of the cue stick with the exact point on the ball you need to hit. If you want to shoot a straight shot (which is most often the case) you will hit directly in the middle of the ball.
If you are going for an angle shot you will take a bit of a different approach. Instead of shooting in the middle of the ball you will hill the ball on an angle.
You have to be careful to not go too far on angle shots. How far you are shooting the ball must also be taken into consideration. Adding a little bit of an angle to a short shot will be fine, but that same angle on a shot going across the entire table will turn into a totally different shot.
English and are terms used in billiards play. Putting English on the cue ball or spin can create an advantage for you. It forces the cue ball to stop upon hitting another ball. This allows you to set up easily for your next shot.
You do this by hitting the cue ball in the center but towards the bottom. It creates a backspin makes it stop when it contacts another ball.
When you find yourself in a position where you cannot hit any of your balls directly, you may have to rely on a bank shot. This can be a difficult shot for many.
You really only need to rely on physics to pull off a good bank shot. Find the angle the ball needs to travel to make contact to the ball you are aiming for.
To know where along the cushions you should bank the ball of off, you need to remember the angle the ball hits will be the same size as the angle it reflects off in the other direction.
For beginners, it might be a good idea to take your cue stick and hold it over the t able with one end at the pocket you are aiming for and the other end at the cushion you need to hit. It will create more of a visual for you for when you are hitting the ball.
Those who are really good at pool, when shooting are already looking ahead to the next several shots. I would first focus on learning how to get these basic steps down, before trying to master this tactic.
As you become better however, look to see if the shot you are about to shoot, could lead to a good set up for your next shot. If you do this, you will find your turns lasting longer and winning faster.
A good way to practice all these skills is to not play a game of pool, but to create set up shots and simple practice taking these shots. Set balls in various places on the table to practice various shots.
Below are a list of terms you will want to know as you learn the game. Pool is a great sport that everyone can be good at, with the right instruction, technique and practice.
Bank Shot: Hitting a cushion with a ball while either making a shot or making a shot to reflect the ball in another direction.
Cue Stick: The pole you use to hit the cue ball.
Cue Ball: The white ball that is designated to be hit by the cue stick and to strike all other balls.
Scratch: Sending the cue ball into a pocket, and is against billiards rules.
English: Putting spin on the cue ball forcing it to stop upon contacting another ball.
