Learn To Play Better Pool

Learn To Play Better Pool

Amateur players around the world are constantly in search of the next big thing when it comes to practice drills. Drills are one of those evil necessities that every aspiring player must endure if they are determined to improve. The problem of course, is trying not to endure the practice, but to enjoy it and thrive upon it. So, one of the best ways to keep practice sessions fun and engaging is to constantly change it up. I learned this particular drill several years ago. It definitely falls into the ‘fun and engaging’ category.

This is a drill designed to improve your cue ball control. It rewards smart pattern selection and delicate speed control. You’ll want to lay out a grid pattern of thirteen balls on about 1/3 of the pool table. Place your first row of five balls along the head string, evenly spaced. This will put one ball on the head spot, one ball frozen against each of the rails at the diamonds, and two balls evenly spaced between the first three. The second row of balls will be identically placed, but one diamond back towards the head rail. The final row of three balls will placed on the head rail itself, with each ball frozen to the rail aligned with one of the diamonds. This grid can be set up on any style of pool table, be it a quality Mizerak pool table or a beat up basement table. Just be aware that on smaller tables the distance between balls will be shorter and the smaller gaps will increase the difficulty of directing the path of the cue ball.

Now to play! Give yourself ball in hand every time you begin this drill. Different starting points will result in the need to choose different shot patterns. Your goal is to shoot in every ball without missing, and without disturbing the lay of the table. Any time you miss or disturb the table, you must reset and start the drill from the beginning. This drill is a blast to play, and it’s strict requirements demand sharp focus and attention to small details. It is a fantastic tool for learning how to play pool for beginners and advanced players alike.

No votes yet.
Please wait...