How to Play Better Pool

Playing better pool is a choice, really. A player must decide that they want to play better pool, then set a course for that goal. Well, those are the broad strokes anyway. There are epic books written and instructional videos made to help no your quest. Special pool cues and pool balls all made for those who want to play better pool. Much like get rich quick schemes, many of these gimmicks don't work. So let's look at some of the basics of playing better pool before investing money in advanced lessons.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pool table
• Pool cue

Decisions about Pool

1. 

   Deciding why you want to play better pool is essential in knowing how much you will need to practice to achieve your goals. There are basically 3 types of pool players; the league player, the tournament player, and the gambler.

2. 

   Practice playing pool every chance you get. If you plan to be a serious billiard player you will need to schedule practice sessions and routines. Routine and muscle memory are keys to better pool playing. Go to a billiard hall that rents tables by the hour to save money. Set up easy shots at first and repeat them to gain confidence.

3. 

   Once you understand aiming, a good pool player must learn about ball spin. Start shooting at object balls very slowly, hitting the cue ball slightly to the left or right of center. Note the ball spin and reaction. Practice to learn the effects of ball spin on aiming and cue ball control.

Play Pool In Tournaments With Better Players

4. 

   Take your pool game to the local taverns and bars. It's easy to find a weekly tournament or pool league to join to improve your pool game even more.

5. 

   Playing in pool leagues and local tournaments may garner the attention of better players in town. One of the best ways to learn to play better pool is by taking the advice and criticism of more experienced billiard players. The better pool players can teach the offensive and defensive sides of the game, and how to win the mental game.

6. Watch professionals as often as possible, many cable sports channels now show professional billiard tournaments. If you have access to a computer, there are thousands of billiard videos uploaded daily on YouTube.com, these are free so take advantage.

Tips & Warnings

• Playing better pool is all about practice and commitment. The more a player practices and commits to playing better pool the faster it will happen.
• Make simple goals and celebrate achievements.
• Don't play too much pool to the detriment of other things in your life. Everything in moderation!