Cue Sport Group

Archive for April, 2010

Some will say that the technique that is most appropriate for the pool game depends from one person to another. I would not agree more, just like on where to grip the pool cue during the game. You must identify first some factors that may affect where you should grip it like the length of the pool cue and the pool cue balance point as well as your height. Let’s define some terms first. Balance point is where the cue stick will teeters on its own while you hold it with an index finger. Once you identified these, it would be easier for you to find the best gripping point. Your height also will set some changes but generally, grip the pool cue at least 6 inches away from the balance point going towards the butt area. The shorter you are, the closer you are to the balance point. The type of shot to be executed can also affect your grip as well as the position of the pool balls on the table. Can you share your own experience?

pic via billiards.about.com

First, what is cowboy pool? Well, this hybrid pool game is simply called as the cowboy. It is a combination of English billiards and intermediary game thirty-eight but maybe you will agree with me that it is just like pocket billiards. So what can we expect from the cowboy pool? Don’t be surprised to see only four balls on the table during the game which consists of the cue ball and numbered balls 1, 3 and 5. However, this is still considered as an amateur game. The idea of the game is to reach 101 points to win. The scoring is different because it depends on the caromed and pocketed object balls. If a player made a foul during the game, he will lose all the score he had and the other player will have the control of the cue ball. The balls can also be repositioned to the starting position after being sunk. These are just few differences? Have you tried it?

pic via crestedbutteshopping.com

I already discussed how essential is your back during a game of pool or billiards. Did you agree with me? Now, I will be talking about another kept secret that involves you head. Think your head as a key that you don’t want to twist in the lock. If it is still unclear to you then let me elaborate this. The idea is to set your head in place without scrunching it down tight. When you set it, forget about it by leaving it high and not low on the stroke. If you have seen professional pool players carving chin scars that does not mean that you should do the same. It happened because their heads are so low to the cue to prevent distractions and fall in line to the next back surgery. What you need to do is to shoot with your head at least a foot above the cue which is also good to see balls far away or when over viewing cut angles. You better consider also the amount of twist you do to your head that can strain your neck.

pic via billiards.about.com

If you are going to play billiards and you want to keep your shots as its best then you need to start keeping a better pool stance. So why is that important? It is a secret weapon against other pool players that I will discuss in general terms. These stance secrets will aid you to your pool game as soon as possible. Start by standing lower to the table so you can aim better on lengthy shots without stressing your back. You can also stand higher for a better table position play which means finding difficult angles on thin hits. You can also stand with head lowered and eyes raised in head to have more focus and concentration. You can also have an open stance with feet far apart from each other for additional stability and balance. Lastly, you can have a narrow stance so you can redirect the shooting arm with ease. What can you say?

pic via pool.bz

While researching for a good topic for our article today, I came across a fun new game in the internet. I do not know if you have heard about the game Blast Billiards but I personally like this one. Aside for the typical rules that revolve on billiards, this particular game will bring your surprises with innovative ideas. Good thing that what you have in this game will only be available through the computer because the pool table will surely be ruined with its scary explosions. Yes, you read it right. A creative way to be addicted to s series of pool games includes the use of bombs, timers and tricks to give you the feeling of thrill and rush. The series named as the Trick Blast and Extreme Blast will make you fall for some kind of magic until you get hooked. However, I must warn you that you are limited to one basic stroke meaning, without draw, follow or english. So how does it work? Using your cue ball, you need to shoot the target balls into the pockets against a timer and without setting the explosion on. Get the free series and tell me what you think of this one.

pic via ldbsa.co.uk

Why would your back in any way connected to the games of billiards? Can you imagine playing for the tournament with an aching back? What could be the worst result? To prevent unlikely events, you better start taking good care of your back as you enjoy billiards. You need to strengthen this vital body part so that you can enhance your body’s flexibility to help you win the game. So how will you do it if you are preoccupied with practice? Start by sitting down to a shot rather than bending over a shot. Is it hard to imagine? Well, just pretend that there’s a chair on your behind whenever you need to aim for a shot. If you get used to it, you will be more comfortable with the said move during a stroke. Set you weights backwards like you are going to sit on a stool as you lower your trunk and body. You are playing pool not golf but it is okay because this action will also relax your upper arms as well enhancing your shooting abilities.

pic via chilidawg.com

The game of pool and billiards are suffering from an image crisis for years and this won’t stop people to love it. Nowadays, you can see it airing on the television just like soccer and American football. So what other reasons can make you love it more than other games? If you prefer smoke-filled rooms and beers then this game make it a reality for those behaving indecently. In disregarding this bad image, this game also has been considered as a past-time for others as well as a social place to mingle while media considered it as chic and a darling. The same place can also be the same spot to see good players doing their best to show off their abilities. Some stay there to maintain status as a professional and to thank supporters as well as for fans to cheer for their bets. Lastly, love the game because it can be your ticket to your dream.

pic via cafepress.com

If you are an aspiring pool player and you want to set a record on having played on top pool or billiards halls then continue reading on. You better bring your friends with you to have real fun. First, drop by the West End Smokehouse and Tavern and enjoy the live music and great food while playing. You can also watch sporting events on its numerous television sets until 2 in the morning. Check out the Fox and the Hound as your next destination right over the river in North Little Rock. The only disadvantage is that you need to pay $5 and be a member to get in. Aside from pool tables, this place has dart boards and TVs until 1:30 am. The Underground Pub has a British ambiance as well as fooseball while the Professor Bowl has great bowling area. If you want to stay until 5 am then visit the Midtown Billiards to see celebrities and great burgers too. Last would be the Arena Billiards Bar & Grill where serious pool players usually play until 2 am.

pic via westendsmokehouse.net

I am not talking about the villain character against Peter Pan. Believe it or not, there is also a pool player that has a nickname of Captain Hook. He is Mike Sigel who is well-known for his defensive play. One of the best 9-ball players ever, Sigel is also a Straight Pool champion. This Hall of Famer got his nickname from his personal cue that has a little fish hook design like it would catch fishes of money. Though he hates defense, Captain Hook play it after a break and run of a game or two. For the record, he has a Hi-Run of 346. Sigel participated with the International Pool Tour where he won his first historic match for the IPT against Loree Jon Jones but defeated later on by Efren “The Magician” Reyes. Aside from being a great player, Sigel is also a great marketer and cue equipment promoter.

pic via news.bbc.co.uk

If you will visit a pool hall, you will find different personalities playing the game of pool. You can classify them based on their strengths and weaknesses. It is for you to find out if this is just a joke or not. Let’s take the first person who is always busy with other activities instead of the game. He always asks if it’s his turn or what should be done next. The frustrated scientist would be the next in line which attempts any swing theory to improve his craft. You can find him doing amazing stunts and even some lectures during playing hours. Next would be the person with great tactics or we can call as opportunist. After pretending not to know anything, he would usually attack during the last round and win. There is also the one that do the dirty job of manipulating the game by intentionally missing some shots but in the end will end up losing the game for being desperate. You can also see the person that you will admire because of the eagerness to study every shot though he misses shots sometimes. This person has a lot of opportunities ahead of him so he better keep his feet on the ground. Last would be pro that is just too perfect to be true. He often triumphs the game and sometimes not thrilling to watch anymore. So which one are you?

pic via anitokid.blogspot.com