Tips & Tricks



Did you ever wonder how to make a draw shot? Or how to put english on the cue ball? Well you have come to the right place. Below we have developed just a few tips and tricks to make you a better player. No matter what game you play, these instructions will work for you every time!

We all know that one of the most important things you can do for your game is take care of your cue stick. We have an article that teaches you a few techniques to accomplish this. Check it out!

9-Ball is has become the most popular game televised today. Mostly because it's fast paced. But what about 8-Ball? Even though it's more popular on TV, it's still being played in most Billiards Houses and taverns. We have a story that teaches you some techniques on How To Play Smart 8 Ball.

 

10 Most Common Questions

     
  1. How do I put draw on the ball?
  2. How do I put follow on the ball?
  3. What is english and how can I apply it to my shot?
  4. What is masse?
  5. How can I line up a combination shot?
  6. How can I measure the angle of a bank shot?
  7. What's the difference between an 18oz and 21oz pool cue?
  8. What is the proper way to shoot a jump ball?
  9. What is the best position for the cue ball on the break?
  10. Where can I go to find out more?

 

1How do I put draw on the ball?
Draw means that you put a back spin on the cue ball. To do this all you have to do is aim your cue stick at least one cue tip below center. The lower you aim on the cue ball, the more Draw you will apply.
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2How do I put Follow on the ball? Follow means that you want the cue ball to "follow" where the object ball is headed. This is similar to Draw, except you aim the cue stick at least one cue tip Above center. The higher you hit the cue ball, the more Follow you will apply.
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3What is English and how can I apply it to my game?
When you put English on the ball you are making the cue ball go either left or right. The object ball also has a spin applied to it once the cue ball hits it. To apply English just aim the cue stick at least one cue tip to the left or right of center. You should practice this shot for a while to get familiar where the ball will travel.
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4What is Masse?
Masse is applied when you want the cue ball to make a sharp turn. This shot is accomplished by lifting the cue stick to an approximate angle of 45 degrees, and hitting down on the ball. This shot is quite difficult and takes a lot of practice time to become familiar with. This shot is for the experienced player.
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5How can I line up a combination shot?
      Combination shots involve the cue ball coming in contact with the first object ball, then, hitting a second ball. Combination shots are difficult. The simplest way to line up a Combination shot is to first, imagine that the first object ball is the cue ball. Line up the shot like you would normally. line up your site on the object ball like you were going to hit it against the second object ball. When you have lined the first object ball up with the second, go back to the cue ball and aim for the same spot your cue stick was just on. This is a technique that requires some practice. Not all shots will be the same, and this technique may not help with all situations. Practice is the key in this game.
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6How can I measure the angle of a bank shot?
Bank shots are taken when you have to hit the cue ball against a rail and into a pocket. Hitting a bank shot depends on where the object ball and cue ball are. The most basic way to determine where to hit the ball is to measure half the distance between the cue ball and the pocket, on the rail. Then, aim the cue ball to hit the object ball on that spot. This method does not work all the time. Sometimes the cue ball and object ball are not in alignment to hit an "easy" bank shot. As we said before...Practice Practice Practice!
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7What's the difference between an 18oz and 21oz pool cue?
Pool cues (or sticks) come in a variety of weights. 18 - 21 oz cues are the standard weights for pool cues, although they can come in different weights. The correct weight depends on what your comfortable with. The only way to find out what is best for you is to shot a few balls with a certain weight and find out how it feels.
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8What is the proper way to shoot a Jump Ball?

Jump balls are when you make the ball raise off the table to "jump" over another ball. You may see some people hitting the cue ball on the very bottom of the cue ball to back the ball lift off the table, but that is incorrect. In tournament play you must raise your pool cue to at least 45 degrees and hit into the ball at approximately the center. This way the ball is actually "pushed" into the table and causes it to jump.
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9What is the best position for the cue ball on the break?
This is very debatable. Many professionals put the cue ball as far to the left or right of the rack as possible. This technique produces good results, but ultimately it's up to you to find where the best position for the cue ball is. Break the rack a few times in different spots and see which spot yields the best results.
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10Where can I go to find out more?
That's simple. Just contact us here at Hippos, The House of Billiards, and we would be glad to answer your questions, or stop in, we would love to have you come by and play a few games with us!


So, now that you have gone through the most popular questions, what do you see as the theme in all of them?
Practice!

Just take your time and learn all that you can at your own pace. It will become easier once you've practiced enough. Even the pros practice, A LOT!! So don't get discouraged if your game isn't what you want it to be just yet.







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