How to Sink the 8 Ball on a Break

Billiard halls are a great place to meet people and play a fun game of pool. While there are 9-Ball and Snooker, 8-Ball is by far the most commonly played. There are many aspects and strategies to the game of pool, but the majority of people want to know how to make a good clean break, and more importantly how to sink the 8-ball in on the break. This is not guaranteed to work every time, but it is the best way to get the shot.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Set up the table. Collect the balls numbered 1 to 15. Place the balls into the triangle rack and set the balls in place on the center dot at one end of the table. Ball 1 should be at the top of the triangle followed by two striped balls any color, followed by three solid balls, the middle one being the 8 ball. Continue placing the remaining balls being sure to leave one corner a stripe and one a solid. Remove the rack carefully, trying to keep the balls tight together.

2. Move to the opposite end of the table for placement of the cue ball (the white ball). You will notice white diamonds on the frame of the pool table; this will be your reference for placement of the cue ball. Place the cue ball about 3 inches from the rail at the second diamond. You can do this from the right or left side of the table, which ever is more comfortable.

3. Take up a position with your cue stick just behind the cue ball. Make sure you coat the tip of the cue stick with cue chalk, this helps prevent miscues. Use a small amount of hand powder on the cue stick and your hand. Use the rail of the pool table to help steady your cue stick. When taking the shot use a smooth steady stroke and aim for the second ball behind the #1 ball. This will give you the best chance of sinking the 8 ball.

4. Notice the outcome. When hit correctly, the balls surrounding the 8 ball should hit the surrounding walls, rebounding back to strike the 8 ball, sending it into the pocket. This takes some practice to get the positioning of the cue ball just right, along with the strength of the hit.

Tips & Warnings

• Always look behind you, making sure you're clear when drawing your cue stick back.
• If using a cue stick from the pool hall roll it on the table to make sure the cue stick is strait and not warped, this can affect your shots.
• If struck hard and low the cue ball can jump off the table causing injury to surrounding individuals.