In order to play pool like a pro, you need a good cue stick, good poke and good aim. If you want to learn to play billiards as a hobby or do it as a profession, this article will provide you with the basic knowledge needed to be able to play billiards better.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Choosing a Good Pool Stick
Step 1. Feel the handle or butt of the cue stick
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Choose a large handle if you have wide hands, and use a small handle if you have small hands. The most important thing is that the handle feels comfortable in your hand.
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If your hands sweat easily, opt for a stick handle wrapped in sweat-wicking Irish linen. Otherwise, choose a handle with a leather bandage or no padding at all.
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Step 2. Check the rod shaft
Most rods have a diameter of 12 mm to 13 mm. Pool players generally use a 13mm size, the smaller rods make the bridge position more comfortable for people with small hands.
Step 3. Measure the pro taper stick
The diameter of the rods ranges from 25 cm to 38 cm before tapering to the tip. A short taper will give a firmer thrust
Step 4. Check the weight of the stick
Most players choose a stick that weighs about 0.5 kg.
Step 5. Check the length of the stick
Most sticks range in length from 145 cm to 147 cm, but you can order sticks in a specially tailored length.
Step 6. Select the tip of your cue stick
The tip of the cue stick is made of leather and is generally classified from medium to hard. A good cue stick tip can improve your ball control.
Step 7. Make sure there are no loose parts of the stick
Any loose parts will reduce the power of the shot and will hinder your ability to hit the ball well.
Part 2 of 4: Maintaining the Right Attitude
Step 1. Check your hand position
- Hold the thick end of your cue stick with your dominant hand and palm facing up. Find the balance point of the cue stick on the handle. Grip your wand about 2.5 cm behind the point.
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Make a circle with the thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand. Insert the cue stick into the circle and rest the stick on the middle finger behind the knuckle. Spread the tips of your little finger, ring finger and middle finger to make a tripod-like foundation.
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Place the back of your non-dominant hand on the table. Raise your other hand a little higher.
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Step 2. Set the correct body position
- Place the foot on the same side as the non-dominant hand in front.
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Position the other leg about 60 cm behind the foot in front.
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Turn your body slightly away from the table so it doesn't interfere with the poke.
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Position yourself close to the table, but not too close. It is better to lean forward slightly so that the ball thrust can be controlled better.
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Part 3 of 4: Poke Ball
Step 1. Before you poke the ball, get into the habit of chalking the tip of the cue stick first as if the tip of the stick was chalked with a brush
Do not twist the chalk on the tip of the cue stick.
Step 2. Keep the cue stick parallel to the table for maximum control
Step 3. Accelerate your poke gradually
Imagine moving your arms like you're swimming instead of hitting the ball with a quick thrust. Long strokes will give the ball more momentum.
Step 4. Keep the follow-up movement straight and relaxed
The cue stick must be pushed in its path and almost touching the table in front of the ball's starting position. The cue stick should not slow down until the end of the stick has completely hit the ball.
Step 5. Keep your head down after shooting
This position allows you to analyze the angle of the ball and the direction of each ball it hits. This is also done to ensure that the poke does not deviate due to the spontaneous rising movement after the poke.
Step 6. Practice hitting the ball without hitting the ball until you get used to it
Part 4 of 4: Perfecting the Shot
Step 1. Imagine a see-through ball next to the ball you want to put in the bag
Step 2. Position the cue stick over the target
Align the corners of the cue stick so that it creates a parallel line from just above the white ball to the target.
Step 3. Pull the cue stick slightly up and place the tip on the table at the center of the see-through ball (which is imagined to be next to the real ball)
Maintain the angle you just made as you aim the ball into the pocket.
Step 4. Keep the tip of the cue stick on the table
Pull the rest of the cue stick to the right or left until the stick is above the white ball. Now you have a corner to hit the white ball and put another ball in the bag.
Step 5. Adjust the poke according to the calculated angle
Hit right in the center of the white ball so that it slides and hits the other ball.
Step 6. Always try to play with your non-dominant hand until you are really good at using both hands
At first you may often lose, but if you are advanced, the victory will be easier to achieve. Sometimes, you will find the ball position difficult to shoot with your dominant hand, but easier if you do it with your non-dominant hand. If you always play with a non-dominant hand, those difficult shots will be more quickly mastered. In fact, do everything with your non-dominant hand, because by getting used to activities using your non-dominant hand, your ability to play billiards with your non-dominant hand will also improve (see the article Balancing Skills of Both Hands for more information).
Tips
- Stay confident. Technique is important, but your main job is to stay calm and focused.
- Find an instructor and practice your basic techniques. Good suggestions during early practice can help you avoid frustration and enjoy the game more. In addition, you will avoid the emergence of bad habits when playing at an advanced level.
Warning
- Many cue sticks are damaged or bent because they are made of cheap materials and overused.
- Don't bet with strangers. Strangers can trick you by pretending to be a novice or a lousy player. However, once the bet has been placed, this stranger will suddenly become proficient at playing pool and beat you at the bet.
