The Cue Ball

Contrary to popular belief, the cue ball will not do anything that you don't tell it to do. Read that over and over until it sinks in. If you miss a shot or position, guess why. You told it to do what it did. The prerequisite for cue ball control is self control.

Myths Vs Facts

Myth:
I must always carefully plan my position routes and strategies from behind the cue ball.

Fact:
Actually, it is a pretty good idea to check out the shot and the position from behind the object ball as well. It gives you a different perspective and it also gives you time to think through the planning stages of what you are trying to accomplish. It is also a stress reliever when you walk to the other side of the table. Never be afraid to take your time.

Myth:
Mastering and applying advanced english techniques improve my game considerably.

Fact:
Well, yes, and no. A long time a go I was told that almost every shot can be made without applying any english. A long time later I completely agree. George Fels (author of the book Mastering Pool) gives the best advice in this area. Mr. Fels advises us that when we can run the balls with no english, then you can begin to apply english to the cue ball. Blackjack says "a good angle keeps it simple". That's not original, I stole that one from Buddy Hall. By that, it means that as long as I have an angle, I don't need to complicate things by using excessive spin on the cue ball. That is the beauty of staying in the center of the table.

Myth:
In games like 9 ball where the cue ball has to travel a bit more than say, straight pool, it is essential for me to learn intricate position routes and patterns so that I can get out more often.

Fact:
This is a half truth. Though knowledge in this area is essential, we should always look for the least complicated position route or pattern. Pool is a game that is best played when it is played in its simplest form. In 9 ball, I recommend starting your cue ball and ending your cue ball in the center of the table on all shots.

Why is this?
a) I'm likely to have a shot (and an angle) from there.
b) it's easier to see the entire lay of the table from there.
c) There are no pockets there.

When I break, I should break and stop the cue ball in the center of the table. My cue ball position should leave the center of the table only when it is absolutely necessary, and after accomplishing what I have to, I should return to the center of the table immediately.


Position Rules
The position rules I will pass along are very basic, and they are very simple. I recommend that in pool, you keep everything very simple.

Understand how the cue ball works. Nothing here is going to make any sense to you if you do not understand how and why the cue ball does the things it does. Understand that the cue ball is a sphere (not flat) and that it will react like a sphere. The exact center of the cue ball sits at its equator for 360 degrees around it, AND it is about the size of a pin head. Understand that the cue ball rolls and spins. It should not slide or skid unless you want it to. Understanding what the cue ball does, and how it reacts to your manipulation is the key to attaining mastery.

Find the easiest route and take the easiest route. Avoid flashy, difficult or complicated routes to your next shot. If you can get shape on the next ball by using one rail, do not use two or three.

Use and apply english only when it is absolutely necessary. Most beginners love to throw some hot mustard on the cue ball, mainly to show off for the railbirds. If you can make the cue sing, dance, rollover and play dead, hey...I'm impressed. I hate to burst your bubble, but you won't win many games with that crap.

LEARN TO POCKET THE BALLS CLEANLY AND CORRECTLY!!
Getting shape is useless if you can't get the object ball into the pocket. There is a such thing known as The Perfect Rolling Ball. It is a beautiful sight to see and and an even more beautiful sight to create. The way to create it is by using a direct center hit on the cue ball (easier said than done) into the exact center of the object ball. The absence of english causes the ball to roll cleanly, end over end. When you impart any spin on the cue ball, that spin is transferred to the object ball. If the object ball inadvertently comes in contact with the tips of the pockets, that spin could mean the difference of the object spilling into the pocket, or getting spit out of the pocket. So eliminate the english, french, or whatever else you are applying to the cue ball. KEEP IT SIMPLE.

Watch and learn from the greats. When talking cue ball control, one name pops into my mind: Buddy Hall. He's got a few books out there as well as videos. Consider them highly recommended. When I play, I can still hear Buddy telling me "You're doing great! Now just stay in line and don't get stuck behind anything." Buddy Hall is the best teacher of Simplicity.