5 Billiard Tips to Improve Your Pool Game
If you’re a pool enthusiast looking for practical ways to improve your pool skills, you’ve come to the right place. Notably, the pool game is one of the safest and easy-to-learn games in the world. A great way to become a better pool player is by practicing the correct strokes as often as possible. And the most amazing thing is that there is so much to learn. Even if you are a pro, you may need to adjust your strategies now and then to stay ahead of the game.
But if you’re a beginner, it’s crucial to pay attention to the fundamentals before plunging into more advanced concepts like draw shots and cue ball spin. That said, grab your billiards cues and here are our top five billiard tips you can use to improve your pool game.
Practice Your Shooting Stance
Working on your shooting stance is one of your arsenal’s most fundamental and crucial aspects to practice. Many pool players, especially beginners, make a common mistake to place too much weight on either the front or rear feet. Remember that your weight should be dispersed equally on both feet.
The front foot and back foot should be pretty apart (about shoulder-width) while keeping the rear foot at a 45-degree angle. If you practice your shooting stance at this position, you should feel pretty comfortable and stable. Once you feel fully balanced and relaxed, you can then try moving around the pool table and maintaining your stance from different positions.
Practice Your Grip
No matter how tight or harder you hold the cue, you cannot find better precision over your shot unless you practice the right way. Many novice pool players tend to think that gripping the cue tighter will give them more control, but the reality is that this approach isn’t right. The best way to go about it is by using a light, loose grip.
You may wonder why. Generally, if you’re a beginner, gripping the cue overly tight can make the cue’s butt rise, leading to inaccurate shots. It can also increase your chances of hitting the ball too low, making it jump off the pool table. For that matter, keep the grip soft and hold the cue lightly to let it rest on your fingers.
Practice on Your Bridges
Your bridge is the hand that you use to guide and slide the cue towards the cue ball. It is an essential part of shots – regardless of how well you master the game, your game may suffer if your bridge is clumsy. There are two major types of bridges, namely the open bridge and the closed bridge. The open bridge is often used by average pool players who shoot relatively softer with less spin. The closed bridge is best suitable for pro strikers who hit the ball harder and use more spin.
Practice the Force Follow Stroke
For most beginners, it’s easier to use more spins on the target ball. The most crucial point to be that the outcome of the cue ball is usually unpredictable. To execute the force, follow stroke successfully, hold the cue tip gently on the palm and punch the cue ball outward. That way, the ball will roll fast into the target ball and then travel slowly in a straight line.
Develop a Pre-Shot Routine
This will help you develop a rhythm when you are in between shots. Generally, your pre-shot routine is considered personal compared to your alignment, grip, stance, bridge, and other aspects of the pool game. You can use your pre-shot routine time to survey the table, focus on the target pocket, get lined up, and chalk the tip of your cue.
