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Line up to hit the head ball, the 1 ball, dead full.
Why it matters
On the break, a cue ball that flies around the table can scratch or end up behind other balls. If you hit the head ball full and a little below centre, the cue ball stops or comes back a little after contact. It stays near the centre of the table, where you can usually see the next ball.
How to do it
- 1
Place the cue ball where you break best, often a little to one side of the head spot.
- 2
Aim to hit the head ball dead full, in the middle.
- 3
Hit the cue ball a little below centre, with your cue as level as you can.
- 4
Use a firm, smooth stroke. Control first, then power.
Common mistake
Breaking too hard
Full power makes it hard to hit the head ball full. A slightly softer break that hits it square often spreads the balls better and keeps the cue ball in the middle.
Try it tonight
Exercise · Advanced
Cue ball in the middle
A 9-ball rack with the 1 ball on the foot spot, cue ball behind the head string. Break, and stop the cue ball within one diamond of the middle of the table, between the side pockets. Every attempt counts.
- Pass: 4 of your last 5
- Then: Same break, a little harder