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Archive for the ‘Billiards & Pool Tips’ Category

So how do you perform the billiards circle drill? You can simply start with the cue ball in your hand as you are allowed to pocket the balls in any sequence in any pocket whatsoever. You are not permitted though to hit other balls or even utilize the rails as you do it. You must also keep the ball right within the circle at all costs at all times. And hence, the challenge starts.

You can make this billiard exercise all the more difficult by lessening the circle’s size and render you good practice to bridge over other object balls. Here are some suggested numbers of targets for each phase or level that you think your skill fits:

For beginners – 4; medium – 7, advanced – 10; and professional – 15 and above. So have fun while doing this and improve more on your game as you practice daily this drill. Enjoy and be challenged!

Photos via billiardsdigest.com

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This is a true challenge for most beginners in the world of billiards. On a basic note, the sharper the angle of approach turns out to be, the tougher it is to make an accurate shot. The reason behind this is that when you shoot straight, your eyed target is much larger and becomes more relative to shoot at. As you shot more angles, the area of the object frozen ball becomes smaller and more difficult to strike. Through time and much practice, you can definitely improve. The level of difficulty only adds up as the distance of the object ball increases too from the pocket.

To send the ball straight down the rail, try to contact the rail and the object ball at a precise point right at the same time with the cue ball. Take use of the billiard term ‘running English’ to help you out with this particular difficult shot.

Photos via tricksshottim.com

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Goal setting is important in whatever kind of endeavor in life. And this does not exempt the ones who want to become great billiard players. So what are the needed steps you must take in goal setting to become an expert billiard player?

First is to have that desire to be one. You must be precise with yourself with what you want to achieve and ask questions that would guide you to the answers. For example, at what level do you think you want to play the sport? Do you want to travel the world competing?

Then you have to measure on how you would meet your goals. For example, if your goal is to defeat all your friends, then you have to be the best amongst all of them. Finally, you have to make the right adjustments for in maintaining the zest and that level of passion in your life, you must be able to change some things in your daily habit or routine.

Photos via ireference.ca

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When you search online, you can find lots of instructional and tutorial videos that talk about billiard skills. But only a few get to know about the Beginner Series of Robert Byrne Instructional Billiard Video, which amongst all have received numerous reviews. There was one expert review that even said that Byrne’s instructional billiard video helped in teaching his grandma how to play the sport.

It usually comes in two parts. The first one entitled as the Standard Video of Pool & Billiards while the other one is called the Standard Video of Pool & Billiards 2. They can be purchased individually or as a set so that you can already have the two in just one buy. The Volume 1 has the step by step guide from basic to advance skills. While Volume 2 already discusses all the experts skills and techniques meant for the advanced player to discover more. There are even computer generated graphics to make it clearer.

Photos via amazon.com

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To know where exactly to grip the pool cue would vary according to the length of the cue that you use to play with. The only key is to search the pool cue balance point so that you will know exactly where to grip it. In finding the balance point, you must take your index finger and balance the stick so that it will teeter on its own. Once you see it balanced, you must take a mental note of the point of the cue stick where your finger is holding it. You must use this as your own balance and reference point.

On a general note, depending on your height, you must grip the cue at least six inches back from its balance point towards the rear end of the stick. The shorter players should then place their grip closer to the balance point and taller ones away from the balance point.

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If you are in search of one of the best books you can get that can offer you the best pool playing tips, then you must get the Byrne’s New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards. According to many reviewers, in the world of side pockets and cue sticks, this can be considered the gospel. This is already the 1998 revised version. Byrne is known to be a champion player himself, a very good writer and an untiring promoter of the sport, Byrne racks the books into two parts.

The first one is a primer on the pool sport while the second is focused on three-cushion billiards. It begins with the fundamentals, and goes to run to the table with lots of other readable advice and some detailed diagrams. It demonstrates how to play solo shots which also include trick shots and strategies for eight and nine ball competitions. It also discusses the important art of shot making and other tactics for playing at every level.

Photos via amazon.com

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It is important for anyone who wants to play snooker to learn also how to do a break off shot. This is one of the secrets to get a successful game going. If you think that you can win right from the very start of the game, then you should break off and learn how to influence the game.

To do this, you must know the correct style and learn everything you need to know about the game to assure you of a win. The back end of the triangle has the red which you should aim as the target. You must come back to the same side of the cue ball to the point nearing the yellow or green.

To hit the red usually happens during the first shot as you learn how to break off. To hit the second red would really make the pack wider and only few players can do that. Make your snooker break off shot something that can render you angles to the cue ball right from the sides.

Photo via ehow.com

If you would start considering a night out for the guys, then the billiard games would probably be one of the best ideas for your activity. However, since it is already a usual indoor sport too, it has the tendency to grow dull as well, even monotonous. But there proven ways to spice up your pool games.

First, you can start playing with a point system. If possible, modify your rules and do not follow the usual points system in a typical 8-ball game, for example.

Second, create a tiny wager to make everyone competitive and really playing their best to get the total amount of money for example. Billiard games come in a variety of betting systems like the straight up, predetermined amount, or double elimination and many more.

If both of these will not work for you and your friends, then you can settle for the elimination of certain shots to make the games more challenging.

Photo via hollywoodyankees.blogspot.com

It cannot be helped sometimes that you need to play pool during night time. This is especially true if you feel like making it a way to relax when you just got home from work very tired. It is very important that you get the right set of billiard lights if you happen to have your own billiard room.

Do not shop impulsively for these lights for it is more recommended that you research through a good number of sites first so you can compare prices and range of quality. The prefect looking light should render the whole game table with enough illumination and block it too from illumination of other parts in the room.

You should also settle for the traditional ones that are painted with a brilliant white light within with an olive green in the outside. If you would take the time to research, you would get to discover sites that offer light fixtures with discounts.

Photo via tipsforpooltablelights.com

You can definitely get to build your own dream pool room without having to spend too much and still getting the best of quality tools and equipment. Here are some tips you can possibly do:

First is to create a list of all the materials you want to have and you think you need before you head on to buying them. This is the most ideal way to stop wasting away your money and time. If you are still unsure of what you will purchase, then you can visit the good billiard halls so that you would have an idea on the things you need to look for. By then you can complete your list thoroughly.

Try to shop in many stores as you can so that you can still compare prices and observe the quality of each that is offered. The tips are really just practical but it is very important that you remain clear about the freight charges especially when it comes to delivering already the pool table.

Photo via bombayharbor.com