When you’re learning how to play pool, you’ll likely come across different terminology, strategies and variations of the game. For you to become an expert in pool, you need to master the game’s principles and equipment. However, let’s start with some pool table basics.
Pool Table Basics
Some pool table basics include knowing how to play and to position your body, how to hold the cue stick, and how to hit the ball.
A Step by Step Approach
The basic principles are quite simple and easy to understand. You can start by following a simple step by step approach, as that’s the best way to learn more about the game of billiards.
- The body position
- Holding the cue stick
- Hitting the cue ball
- The Body Position
- How to Position Your Leaning Hand
- Put a beer cap on the pool table
- Hide it with your hand
- Open your three external fingers
- Lift your thumb forming a V shape
- Place the cue stick between your thumb and the knuckles of your index finger
- Hitting the Cue Ball
- Making Shots
- Focus
Your body position must be comfortable yet stable. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes as the dress code is rather casual.
Mastering the Stroke
Ensure your feet are a little wider than shoulder-width apart.
Each person has a different preferred hand position. If you’re right-handed, hold the cue stick’s base with your right hand and rest the narrow end on your left. Do the opposite if you’re left-handed.
Experiment with a few hand positions to get one that’s most comfortable for you. For instance, some people prefer to rest the cue stick in between their fingers in a flat style while others prefer to rest the stick on their index finger. Alternatively, you can try curving your index finger on top of the stick and put your thumb at the bottom of the stick. Some people find that this technique allows them to have better control of the cue stick.
When practicing your strokes, switch your eyes from the point you’re aiming for on the object ball to the contact point on the cue ball.
Hitting the cue ball shouldn’t be difficult once you’ve got everything else right. Place the cue stick’s tip about four inches away from the ball. Then position the cue on your leaning hand. Move only your back arm when shooting and the rest of the body should stay still.
It’s also crucial that you don’t twist your wrist when hitting the cue ball.
When you’re just starting out, try to hit the cue ball straight and with power.
You should also experiment with slow, easy shots. A softer touch will sometimes help your ball to ride the edge of the table and stay in a more defensive position.
Pool requires you to focus and pay attention to the overall game. So, keep your eye on the ball and try to tune out distractions the best you can.
Don’t get too frustrated or overly confident – the tables can turn in a second. Focus on improving your shots and things will turn out just fine.
Bottom Line
Like all types of cue sports, pool takes some practice to get the hang of. There are various types of games but once you know the pool table basics and practice your shots, you should have an easy time playing most types or variations of pool games. If you decide to invest in a pool table of your own or maybe try to hold a fundraising pool tournament, be sure to maintain it in order to play your best as well.