I used to break straight on in 8 ball but I never got good spread. 2 years ago I started using second ball break and I can’t count how many runouts, 8 on break or multiple balls potted I’ve gotten. Love it !
I am also much more effective with the 2nd-ball break. I scratch less often, make balls on the break more often (including the 8 periodically), and break&run more often. Although, sometimes the balls cluster on one side (usually with a bad rack or bad hit).
Great video to help me with the inconsistency of my breaks. Have always had a good spread when breaking, but need to pot balls more often, instead of leaving a wide open table for the opponent.
I'm glad you found it helpful. BTW, just as important as good break strategy is getting the rack as tight as possible: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/racking/tight/
1:52 the 2nd ball break is very useful on bigger tables than Barboxes too. You can adjust the hit to make the corner ball, and there are 3 more balls tracking towards pockets. The 2nd ball break also has a built in safety, since the balls tends to cluster up more with it. If you are better at moving and tricky tables, it's definitely a better break than head on.
That is not my experience. For example, see: ruclips.net/video/L3cF-3Sb4og/видео.html Good point about the clustering to one side. That does happen with the 2nd-ball break, especially with a bad rack or poor hit. FYI, I cover the 2nd-ball break in much greater detail in the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/ Check them out.
6:00 Thank you very much for this great video! I am an old champion in Switzerland and here people are no longer able to create a clear, uniform rule! All the Best and good Luck! 🍀🍀🍀
Thanks for the video Dave. I never knew that top / back spin on an 8-ball break will cause the balls to move up/back. I'll have to try that this weekend!
Well this was timely. I watched this video earlier, and then went to APA pool league and used the 1-on-the-spot side break for 9, and the 2nd-ball-break in 8. I won both matches, and in 8, I won all 5 racks, 3 of them by making the 8-ball on the break. 5 stars, would recommend.
Would love to see a video on how to analyze 9 ball break. For example, what to do if the wing ball goes above or below the corner pocket. Then how to adjust speed, angle, English in order to make it. Can easily do second ball break on 9 foot table, just need to adjust the angle.
@@donkeydiehard879 FYI, 9-ball break strategy, including how to make adjustments for everything, is covered in detail in the videos and articles here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/
Never bored with Dr Dave billiards even if you have watch aspect of the videos there is also something that you miss that gives you more consistently! Thanks Dr Dave I have mentioned you in a lot of my videos! I would like if you could analyze a video that I did let me know if you can I will pinned the link!
dr dave, could you go over the 9 ball break box ruleset strategy a bit more? i noticed some players break from closer to the center (if i recall correctly jason shaw during the reyes cup), what is the reasoning behind that? do you have to cut the 1 ball more? what are some things you can try when the 1 ball isnt going? thanks for all the videos you put out!
@@seanlim2917 Yes, if you break from closer to center, you need to cut the 1 more. The CB basically needs to end up in the same place at the 1 to pocket the 1 in the side. FYI, I cover 9-on-the-spot break strategy more in the videos and resources here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/
I play 8-ball almost exclusively and the problem with my break is that I usually try to hit too hard and sacrifice accuracy. "Enough speed" is the key for me.
10-ball examples from pros - literally just SVB. I’ve been trying to emulate his break for more than 2 years now and am not even close to 10% of his consistency. Goes to show how much work he puts in the break compared to everyone else
Another fantastic video, Dr. Dave! Would you mind sharing your thoughts on break cue weight? My thought has always been "heavier is better," so I'll reach for the heaviest house stick I can find (usually 21oz) to break. I've recently heard though that a lighter break cue, something in the 18-19oz range, is ideal because it lets you generate speed more quickly.
@@jprobbins2434 Thanks. I’m glad you liked it. FYI, cue weight selection is covered in great details here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/weight/ Check it out.
Really usefull video! What if it's 9ball on the spot but you don't have the box rule and only 3-point rule in play?Tournaments i play are like this , what's the best choice then?
You can use a side break with a slight cut instead of a box break with a large cut. FYI, I cover strategies for all rule variations in the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/
Being slightly off center gives one of the 2nd-row balls a better chance to go (since they will leave at slightly different angles), and it helps the head ball head to the upper corner.
@@drewtowles1344 It is not always possible to get a tight rack on some tables, especially if the balls are old, but good advice on how to get a tight rack can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/racking/tight/
What's the best English to use on a 2nd ball break? Let's say if breaking from the right side? Also, should right handers break from the right orcleft side of the rack?
The side doesn't really matter, so choose the side with the best results. Some people use outside spin (right spin on right side), but I think center ball (as I show in the video) is best.
@@jasv49 It is thinner than a 1/2-ball hit, aiming just inside the center of the 2nd ball. But the best way to judge it is: If the 1 goes above the side, hit it thinner next time; and if the 1 goes below the side, hit it fuller next time.
Question: Why does the draw/follow adjustment on the 8 ball break work? I mean, it does, I tried it. So thank you but why? The contact time is so low it just seems amazing. Witchcraft?
@@TheRealjce Spin transfers between balls. For example, topspin on the CB transfers slight backspin to the lead ball, and that transfers slight topspin to the 2nd-row balls, causing them to go forward slightly. To see spin transfer in action, check out the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/spin-transfer/
Any break cue with a phenolic tip is acceptable; although, 17 oz. sounds a little light for most people. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/weight/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/cue/
@DrDaveBilliards I have one tournment tomorrow. They have put a snokker cloth. On 9 foot pool table. The balls are going slow. You recomend me too play whit light or hevy stick there.?
Being slightly off center gives one of the 2nd-row balls a better chance to go (since they will leave at slightly different angles), and it helps the head ball head to the upper corner.
FYI, all details like this are covered in the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/10-ball/ Enjoy!
Size wise, yes. Both are 7 footers. But, I believe the pockets on the English 8 ball table are rounded more like a snooker table. So, they both play a bit different.
@@5wisher5weet I don’t know dimensions for an English 8-ball table. Dimensions for standard pool tables, including a typical “bar box” can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/table/sizes/
@@IndianHeathen1982 Here’s my advice: Carefully read the rules ahead of time, read up on the players (and talk to them if possible) ahead of time so you will know interesting things about them, readily admit if you are wrong or unsure about something, don’t say a top player “missed the shot because they got up on the shot” when what usually happens is they “got up as soon as they hit it because they knew they missed it right away.” Most importantly, be enthusiastic and have fun.
@@DrDaveBilliards thanks Dr.Dave. You really do aim to swerve. It's the Junior under 19 world championship in Heyball. So, yes, there will be top junior players around. Got it. They get up because they know they missed it. Not the other way round.
With a tight rack, the 10-ball break strategy is the same for all table sizes. For a loose rack, see the alternative strategies here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/10-ball/
*Contents:*
0:00 - Intro
0:16 - 8-ball
---- 0:19 - centered break
---- 1:52 - 2nd-ball break
2:56 - 9-ball
---- 2:59 - 1-on-the-spot side break
---- 4:48 - 9-on-the-spot break from the box
6:46 - 10-ball
7:48 - More Info
*Supporting Resources:*
- break resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/
- 8-ball break strategy: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/
- 9-ball break strategy: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/
- 10-ball break strategy: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/10-ball/
- how to get a tight rack: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/racking/tight/
*Subscribe to Dr. Dave's RUclips Channel:*
ruclips.net/user/DrDaveBilliards
I used to break straight on in 8 ball but I never got good spread. 2 years ago I started using second ball break and I can’t count how many runouts, 8 on break or multiple balls potted I’ve gotten. Love it !
I am also much more effective with the 2nd-ball break. I scratch less often, make balls on the break more often (including the 8 periodically), and break&run more often. Although, sometimes the balls cluster on one side (usually with a bad rack or bad hit).
Yes! I've been using the second ball break since I was taught it in 2003. Run outs and 8 ball dropping so many times I've lost track.
“Babe, wake up! New Dr. Dave multi-positional break shot analysis on 8/9/10 ball with ball pattern diagrams just dropped!”
DAM right!
ruclips.net/video/avJ6_l-pHaY/видео.html
Great video to help me with the inconsistency of my breaks. Have always had a good spread when breaking, but need to pot balls more often, instead of leaving a wide open table for the opponent.
I'm glad you found it helpful. BTW, just as important as good break strategy is getting the rack as tight as possible:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/racking/tight/
1:52 the 2nd ball break is very useful on bigger tables than Barboxes too. You can adjust the hit to make the corner ball, and there are 3 more balls tracking towards pockets.
The 2nd ball break also has a built in safety, since the balls tends to cluster up more with it. If you are better at moving and tricky tables, it's definitely a better break than head on.
That is not my experience. For example, see:
ruclips.net/video/L3cF-3Sb4og/видео.html
Good point about the clustering to one side. That does happen with the 2nd-ball break, especially with a bad rack or poor hit. FYI, I cover the 2nd-ball break in much greater detail in the videos here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/
Check them out.
6:00
Thank you very much for this great video! I am an old champion in Switzerland and here people are no longer able to create a clear, uniform rule!
All the Best and
good Luck! 🍀🍀🍀
@@DPHZH67666 You’re welcome. Thanks for the comment.
A fantastic resource and summary! Thank you Dr. Dave!
Thank you, and you're welcome!
Thanks for the video Dave. I never knew that top / back spin on an 8-ball break will cause the balls to move up/back. I'll have to try that this weekend!
@@dljeung I’m glad you learned something. I hope it helps you win some games.
Another great video from Dr. Dave 💪 thank you for all this great information.
Thank you, and you're welcome. I aim to swerve. 🤓
Well this was timely. I watched this video earlier, and then went to APA pool league and used the 1-on-the-spot side break for 9, and the 2nd-ball-break in 8. I won both matches, and in 8, I won all 5 racks, 3 of them by making the 8-ball on the break. 5 stars, would recommend.
@@AndrewSmith-wd6vk Awesome! I’m glad the video helped.
Would love to see a video on how to analyze 9 ball break. For example, what to do if the wing ball goes above or below the corner pocket. Then how to adjust speed, angle, English in order to make it.
Can easily do second ball break on 9 foot table, just need to adjust the angle.
@@donkeydiehard879 FYI, 9-ball break strategy, including how to make adjustments for everything, is covered in detail in the videos and articles here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/
Never bored with Dr Dave billiards even if you have watch aspect of the videos there is also something that you miss that gives you more consistently! Thanks Dr Dave I have mentioned you in a lot of my videos! I would like if you could analyze a video that I did let me know if you can I will pinned the link!
@@apexpredatorbilliardstraining Feel free to post or send me a link, and I’ll take a look.
so beautiful break shots wow
I'm glad you liked it.
9ball
Lots of good 9-ball break strategy, under all rules variations, can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/
Thanks!
@@jeffdoyle1227 You’re welcome!
dr dave, could you go over the 9 ball break box ruleset strategy a bit more? i noticed some players break from closer to the center (if i recall correctly jason shaw during the reyes cup), what is the reasoning behind that? do you have to cut the 1 ball more? what are some things you can try when the 1 ball isnt going? thanks for all the videos you put out!
@@seanlim2917 Yes, if you break from closer to center, you need to cut the 1 more. The CB basically needs to end up in the same place at the 1 to pocket the 1 in the side. FYI, I cover 9-on-the-spot break strategy more in the videos and resources here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/
I play 8-ball almost exclusively and the problem with my break is that I usually try to hit too hard and sacrifice accuracy. "Enough speed" is the key for me.
@@tomhiggins875 I like to say: “use only as much power as you can control.” You are correct. Accuracy is much more important than speed.
10-ball examples from pros - literally just SVB. I’ve been trying to emulate his break for more than 2 years now and am not even close to 10% of his consistency. Goes to show how much work he puts in the break compared to everyone else
SVB = 10-ball break GOAT
Another fantastic video, Dr. Dave! Would you mind sharing your thoughts on break cue weight? My thought has always been "heavier is better," so I'll reach for the heaviest house stick I can find (usually 21oz) to break. I've recently heard though that a lighter break cue, something in the 18-19oz range, is ideal because it lets you generate speed more quickly.
@@jprobbins2434 Thanks. I’m glad you liked it. FYI, cue weight selection is covered in great details here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/weight/
Check it out.
Great vid, once again! Any tips for the outside breakbox 10-ball break?
@@trekamp99 Thanks. I would think a square hit with as much speed as you can control would be the best option.
Really usefull video! What if it's 9ball on the spot but you don't have the box rule and only 3-point rule in play?Tournaments i play are like this , what's the best choice then?
You can use a side break with a slight cut instead of a box break with a large cut. FYI, I cover strategies for all rule variations in the videos here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/
Lately for 8 ball I've been breaking from the middle. Head on. From now on I'll go slightly off center as shown in video.
Being slightly off center gives one of the 2nd-row balls a better chance to go (since they will leave at slightly different angles), and it helps the head ball head to the upper corner.
Is there a type or brand of rack that you would recommend to get a tight rack? Or strategy? I feel like I can never get one where I want it.
@@drewtowles1344 It is not always possible to get a tight rack on some tables, especially if the balls are old, but good advice on how to get a tight rack can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/racking/tight/
Ty👍🎱🇳🇿
Yw. USA
What's the best English to use on a 2nd ball break? Let's say if breaking from the right side?
Also, should right handers break from the right orcleft side of the rack?
The side doesn't really matter, so choose the side with the best results. Some people use outside spin (right spin on right side), but I think center ball (as I show in the video) is best.
Okay, so either left or right-handed the side of the rack doesn't matter. Use no-to-little bottom English. Got it, thanks Dr. Dave!
@@human_3978 Yep. You're welcome.
For more advice and details, see the videos and info here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/
@@DrDaveBilliards went straight there after the video! Thanks!
How do you judge the angle for the 9 ball cut break at 5:30?
@@jasv49 It is thinner than a 1/2-ball hit, aiming just inside the center of the 2nd ball. But the best way to judge it is: If the 1 goes above the side, hit it thinner next time; and if the 1 goes below the side, hit it fuller next time.
Question: Why does the draw/follow adjustment on the 8 ball break work? I mean, it does, I tried it. So thank you but why? The contact time is so low it just seems amazing. Witchcraft?
@@TheRealjce Spin transfers between balls. For example, topspin on the CB transfers slight backspin to the lead ball, and that transfers slight topspin to the 2nd-row balls, causing them to go forward slightly. To see spin transfer in action, check out the videos here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/spin-transfer/
Hello Dr. Dave is a 17 oz cue whit phenolic a good breking cue.?
Any break cue with a phenolic tip is acceptable; although, 17 oz. sounds a little light for most people. For more info, see:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/weight/
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/cue/
@DrDaveBilliards
I have one tournment tomorrow.
They have put a snokker cloth. On 9 foot pool table. The balls are going slow. You recomend me too play whit light or hevy stick there.?
@@JCapilla89 A lighter playing cue is better for super fast conditions.
Why is the cue ball better placed slightly off center, rather then center, for 8 ball and 10 ball?
Being slightly off center gives one of the 2nd-row balls a better chance to go (since they will leave at slightly different angles), and it helps the head ball head to the upper corner.
FYI, all details like this are covered in the videos here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/10-ball/
Enjoy!
Is a bar box equivalent to an English 8 Ball table?
Size wise, yes. Both are 7 footers. But, I believe the pockets on the English 8 ball table are rounded more like a snooker table. So, they both play a bit different.
@@5wisher5weet I don’t know dimensions for an English 8-ball table. Dimensions for standard pool tables, including a typical “bar box” can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/table/sizes/
What? It's not Friday night yet!
I didn't want you guys getting stuck in a rut. 🤓
Can you do a video on how to do commentary? :P
I got roped in to do pool commentary. Nervous. Any advice?
@@IndianHeathen1982 Here’s my advice: Carefully read the rules ahead of time, read up on the players (and talk to them if possible) ahead of time so you will know interesting things about them, readily admit if you are wrong or unsure about something, don’t say a top player “missed the shot because they got up on the shot” when what usually happens is they “got up as soon as they hit it because they knew they missed it right away.” Most importantly, be enthusiastic and have fun.
@@DrDaveBilliards thanks Dr.Dave. You really do aim to swerve. It's the Junior under 19 world championship in Heyball. So, yes, there will be top junior players around. Got it. They get up because they know they missed it. Not the other way round.
25TH COMMENT!
... my reply to the 25th comment!
What about 8 ft tables?
@@tannerredding4276 Everything is the same except for the 8-ball 2nd-ball break, which might or might not be effective, depending on the pocket size.
Show a 9 ball break
2:02
@@KenBell-s7b I’m not sure what you mean. The 9-ball break section starts at 2:59.
Barbox 10 ball break?
With a tight rack, the 10-ball break strategy is the same for all table sizes. For a loose rack, see the alternative strategies here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/10-ball/