Good advice. Although one thing you missed that makes a big difference to the break, is making sure all the balls in the rack are touching. You can have the best heavy hitting break shot but Any gaps big or small can make a huge difference to how the balls split. So my advice is to check the rack before you break.
I just wanted to let you know that this 5 minute video improved my game dramatically. I generally would run 1 MAYBE 2 racks a practice session. I decided to look up a video on how to break harder and I ran 7 racks yesterday. All of a sudden I’m in love with 8 ball again because I’m spreading the balls well every time. Thank you!
I just started playing pool. Thanks. Went on a date and we drank a few beers and played some pool. It was super fun. But I realized I actually like this a lot. We have a pool table at work and I’ve been playing everyday.
One thing that really helped me was copying your grip of the cue/table on the break. My biggest problem was lack of control when powering through the ball. Copying your style helped me tremendously. Thank you!
something that I recently learnt myself was that where your front hand is makes a big difference. since I don't break from the rail just moving it back 5 inches roughly allowed me to build up speed on my stroke massively
Thank you for the video. The biggest help for me was keep my head still. Just went and did some practice breaks and I could tell the difference already. Good, solid advice! Thanks again!
I was looking for a breaking tip 😂 I got so many actually. #1 Square leg position for regular shots #2 break from the rail #3 break side stance Next time I'll practice break shots, thank you, much love from Italy ❤
I have found an increase in power by a very slight swivel of the hips syncing with the breaking arm. Also, a little flick of the wrist forward when impacting the cue ball. This allows you to not have such a massive swing when breaking but increasing accuracy, impact, speed and follow through. Works well for me and I tend to sink balls on the break more often than not.
Just watched your video Simon I'm going to try your system I'm always making a bad break well Most of the time , Sunday I'm practicing with my Team so I will put this to the test to see if I can Successfully make a massive improvement Thanks
I’m definitely gonna give this a go, as probably the weakest part of my game, so seem to resort to the cut break hoping I’ll find a golden break, which I manage quite often. I only have a DPT 6x3 table, do you think the size has an effect on split of the balls as they cannon more? Hopefully upgrading to a 7x4 table soon...when I can convince the wife to build a shed in the garden big enough for it 😂🎱
The smaller table means the the layout will be more congested because it’s a smaller playing area. Get yourself a 7x4, would help you would you play matches and tournaments.
I also have the cueball further back than most. When I have the ball too far forward I impart top spin instead of the stun / screw that I’m looking for
Interesting tip with the stance! Makes sense and tbf I know some 9-ball players approach their break like that. Another tip that we can barrow from 9 ball is if you're more advanced, experiment with a pendulum cue action for break. Instead of keeping cue really flat and close to the table at all times, extend backswing at the end by lifting the cue in the air and literally mirror the motion of a pendulum as you go through
@@SimonTWebb I'm sure you know but more so for others watching the video lol, if you watch SVB, Melling, Gaz Potts, Jeffrey De Luna, Mark Boyle, Phil Harrison and so on (all best breakers) they all do exactly this. All to varying degrees though. Like SVB's is very pronounced.
Thanks for answering the question I was about to ask. I have always wondered why some of the exceptional power breakers lift on the back swing and perform a semi circle like forward swing to the cueball . A good example is Shane Van Boening and an exaggerated example is Evgeny Stalev; his cue looks vertical to the table on the final hit.. bringing the cue tip all the way back to the bridge hand seems to add power also.
Enjoyed it, thank you. Can't beat leaving some Mary Ploppins. I do the V bridge on the cushion however my main goal is hitting the head ball plumb with half a tip below centre on the cue ball.
Just an FYI, you may want to try hitting the cue ball very slightly above center. The Jerk (a physics term) that occurs when the cue ball hits the rack, will cause the cue ball to want to roll forward. Hitting below will propel it backwards as Simon's ended up doing. Ideally, you want to leave the cue ball near the center of the table. You will have more options at shots. By hitting slightly above center, 1/16th to 1/2 of a tip or so, the cue ball will recoil backwards initially after hitting the rack and then squat near the center of the table because of the slight top that you put on the cue ball. Not a lot of power is required. But a square hit on the head ball is important. Breaking itself can be an art form.
Because if it’s on my hand the cue is higher, so I would be striking down on the ball more, making it bounce more and and miss strike would be magnified
Thanks. In my opinion, only very few people can get away with not adjusting for the break shot. A shorter cue action can also be perfect for all those little stun shots required in pool.
Quality video tried it out earlier as I have been struggling with my break recently. And let's just say 2 break and dishes later I'm a very happy guy Thanks
Really good tips, Simon. I already try two of them but never thought of the open stance. One thing I try to do is to feel like I've "hit early." It's hard to explain but it basically means that I feel like I'm hitting just before my initial address position, i.e. just before my lower arm is perpendicular to my upper arm. I don't even know if this is actually the case but I think it helps in terms of acceleration through the point of impact.
I wrap my thumb under the backside of the cushion and wrap my first finger over the cue to limit the amount the cue can travel up the cue ball. Does look like ur doing just that but u didn't mention it. So thought it worth mentioning
Thats what I do but when I go all the way through the cue ball I try keep the cue low instead of letting it come up in the air. I try hold cue as light as possible too try not put any tension on cue at any point.
... move white to the headstring, the further cue ball has to travel the less power it will transfer to the rack. It's the most simple and effective advise you could have given but didn't. :p Striking through the ball rather than at it is really sound advice. Changing your stance to lunge into the shot is very effective for generating power, however it invites a lot of inconsistency and it should be said with fair warning, it's not a quick fix. You would have to practice this shot alone for many hours to develop consistency. hf and gl everyone
Thanks for the feedback. I disagree re the string line which is why i dont mention it. For me its more important to have the ball at the best postion for your own cue action, so that you are hitting with the most power. If I move my ball to the string line then its too far away from me so I am actually hitting it past the moment of extreme power, and worse than that I can potentially lose consistency with my strike.
I feel like my break is much different and it goes to the individual I guess. I've always had a side stance and I always say to everyone else, "It's all in the hips Chubbs" I'm not large or muscular, but I throw my back leg in like a karate kick and it multiplies the power. My breaks are bigger than big guys. I sink a ball 90% of my breaks this way.
Do you have an opinion on break cues, Simon? I was thinking of investing in a light one with a hard tip to get more acceleration on my swing. I'll give your three changes a go before I'll consider one, but it is something I've thought about.
I used a Jason Owen break cue for a long time. It was a little lighter with a bigger hard tip. Its broken at the moment which is why I am not using it.
Thanks. I will try it out. There is a marked difference in my skill to break (dismal) vs making the ball (good). Your demonstrated break was spectacular. Few questions - have you measured your speed, if yes what is it, if not could you please? Also do you get similar results when you break on a larger table? How about 9 Ball?
Just remember quality of strike is more important than power. I have never measured my break speed. And I also can’t remember the last time I played 9 ball.
I am a fan of break cues. Especially with a smaller tip on your playing cue. It gives you more chance of a more consistent strike and less chance of damaging your playing cue.
@1:27 a very unorthodoxed and different stance than what professionals and perfect form use. One foot should be in front of the other, one facing basically parallel with the shit, and the other at 90~ degrees
You can get more power if you move your non-bridge hand further up the butt(towards the shaft) about 3-5 inches or whatever’s comfortable. It will allow you to follow through even more and thus generate more power. It feels like you’ve freed up your stroke and it adds to the athletic feeling your going for on the power break.
If you move your grip hand up then you are losing follow thru needed for really explosive breaks. Try moving your grip hand back a little and push the cue thru the cue ball like it's not there straight at the 1 ball...
@@jasonjohnson35 I respectfully disagree and dr. Dave and other experts would also disagree. If you try it, it will make sense. Like many things in life/sports, it’s counterintuitive.
I'm sure my table is warped, bent, out of square and otherwise built in the Bermuda triangle. I cannot get a ball to drop on my break. They say every table has a sweet spot. I've broken from virtually every possible angle, every power level, and every cue ball strike option. There's not a single sweet spot.
You made a simple beginner mistake of tossing your cue up rather than shooting with good follow up. If your cue is in the air after the break, rather than on the table, you lost power.Not a very good lessons.
Good advice. Although one thing you missed that makes a big difference to the break, is making sure all the balls in the rack are touching. You can have the best heavy hitting break shot but Any gaps big or small can make a huge difference to how the balls split. So my advice is to check the rack before you break.
Yes. Very important. Thanks.
Snooker balls?
@@kimochisenpai1226 That as well, yes.
Only play in the pub, so the balls are never touching, need to buy it twice as hard as him, maybe take a run up ;)
@@kimochisenpai1226 this isn't snooker mate
I just wanted to let you know that this 5 minute video improved my game dramatically. I generally would run 1 MAYBE 2 racks a practice session. I decided to look up a video on how to break harder and I ran 7 racks yesterday. All of a sudden I’m in love with 8 ball again because I’m spreading the balls well every time. Thank you!
That’s awesome to hear. Thanks for your comment.
I just started playing pool. Thanks. Went on a date and we drank a few beers and played some pool. It was super fun. But I realized I actually like this a lot. We have a pool table at work and I’ve been playing everyday.
Love to hear that. Glad you are enjoying the game. Hope you check out Ultimate Pool on TNT Sports
One thing that really helped me was copying your grip of the cue/table on the break. My biggest problem was lack of control when powering through the ball. Copying your style helped me tremendously. Thank you!
Thanks. That’s awesome to hear.
@@SimonTWebbwhat kind of grip loose or tight?
something that I recently learnt myself was that where your front hand is makes a big difference. since I don't break from the rail just moving it back 5 inches roughly allowed me to build up speed on my stroke massively
Thank you. thats really interesting and agree its important to play around to find how you can break with more power.
Thank you for the video. The biggest help for me was keep my head still. Just went and did some practice breaks and I could tell the difference already. Good, solid advice! Thanks again!
That’s awesome. Great to hear. Thank you for sharing.
I was looking for a breaking tip 😂 I got so many actually.
#1 Square leg position for regular shots
#2 break from the rail
#3 break side stance
Next time I'll practice break shots, thank you, much love from Italy ❤
I will be trying these techniques tonight against the locals here in Agadir. Thanks Simon.
Good luck. Hope it helps
I have found an increase in power by a very slight swivel of the hips syncing with the breaking arm. Also, a little flick of the wrist forward when impacting the cue ball. This allows you to not have such a massive swing when breaking but increasing accuracy, impact, speed and follow through. Works well for me and I tend to sink balls on the break more often than not.
Thanks for the TIPS, has made my break much better, though play only on pub tables, so can only help so much :)
playing well still helps regardless of table
This is were most of us under rated players need to work on as they say powerful break make it easy to win a game. Thanks Sir Simon 🙏
I hope these ideas help your power break.
Just watched your video Simon I'm going to try your system I'm always making a bad break well
Most of the time , Sunday I'm practicing with my Team so I will put this to the test to see if I can Successfully make a massive improvement Thanks
I’m definitely gonna give this a go, as probably the weakest part of my game, so seem to resort to the cut break hoping I’ll find a golden break, which I manage quite often. I only have a DPT 6x3 table, do you think the size has an effect on split of the balls as they cannon more? Hopefully upgrading to a 7x4 table soon...when I can convince the wife to build a shed in the garden big enough for it 😂🎱
The smaller table means the the layout will be more congested because it’s a smaller playing area. Get yourself a 7x4, would help you would you play matches and tournaments.
I also have the cueball further back than most. When I have the ball too far forward I impart top spin instead of the stun / screw that I’m looking for
That makes sense. Would suggest you are raising the cue and the further away the higher of the white you are striking.
Interesting tip with the stance! Makes sense and tbf I know some 9-ball players approach their break like that.
Another tip that we can barrow from 9 ball is if you're more advanced, experiment with a pendulum cue action for break. Instead of keeping cue really flat and close to the table at all times, extend backswing at the end by lifting the cue in the air and literally mirror the motion of a pendulum as you go through
Borrow*
Thank you for your comment. An interesting thought. I would need to experiment with it to see how i feel about it.
@@SimonTWebb I'm sure you know but more so for others watching the video lol, if you watch SVB, Melling, Gaz Potts, Jeffrey De Luna, Mark Boyle, Phil Harrison and so on (all best breakers) they all do exactly this. All to varying degrees though. Like SVB's is very pronounced.
Definitely wouldn't advise any beginner to start playing around with this though. This is just more a feature you see perfected by elite pros
Thanks for answering the question I was about to ask. I have always wondered why some of the exceptional power breakers lift on the back swing and perform a semi circle like forward swing to the cueball . A good example is Shane Van Boening and an exaggerated example is Evgeny Stalev; his cue looks vertical to the table on the final hit.. bringing the cue tip all the way back to the bridge hand seems to add power also.
Just started playing pool at the age of 53 stumbled upon your video and I’m subscribing I like the way you explain things keep going
Thanks. I’ve had a break to work on other projects. But I’ll be back with more soon.
Enjoyed it, thank you. Can't beat leaving some Mary Ploppins. I do the V bridge on the cushion however my main goal is hitting the head ball plumb with half a tip below centre on the cue ball.
Its a huge part of the game. so important to get it right.
Just an FYI, you may want to try hitting the cue ball very slightly above center. The Jerk (a physics term) that occurs when the cue ball hits the rack, will cause the cue ball to want to roll forward. Hitting below will propel it backwards as Simon's ended up doing. Ideally, you want to leave the cue ball near the center of the table. You will have more options at shots. By hitting slightly above center, 1/16th to 1/2 of a tip or so, the cue ball will recoil backwards initially after hitting the rack and then squat near the center of the table because of the slight top that you put on the cue ball. Not a lot of power is required. But a square hit on the head ball is important. Breaking itself can be an art form.
Ties in nicely with the preceding v-log
I'm not a professional or anything but i like how you used the table for the break instead of having the cue on your hand.
Because if it’s on my hand the cue is higher, so I would be striking down on the ball more, making it bounce more and and miss strike would be magnified
Great advice. I also have a rather stunted cue action so have to adapt for the break shot!
Thanks. In my opinion, only very few people can get away with not adjusting for the break shot. A shorter cue action can also be perfect for all those little stun shots required in pool.
Quality video tried it out earlier as I have been struggling with my break recently. And let's just say 2 break and dishes later I'm a very happy guy
Thanks
That is awesome to hear. keep up the good work.
Really helpful, thanks!
Really good tips, Simon. I already try two of them but never thought of the open stance.
One thing I try to do is to feel like I've "hit early." It's hard to explain but it basically means that I feel like I'm hitting just before my initial address position, i.e. just before my lower arm is perpendicular to my upper arm. I don't even know if this is actually the case but I think it helps in terms of acceleration through the point of impact.
Interesting. I will have a play around with that and see what i think. might help with hitting at max spped.
Thank you! I'm hoping this will help me. I'm struggling with the break.
Let me know if this helps
Also noticed that your hand is firmly holding the boarder cushion, this also gives more stability and adds a bit more power to the shot imo
Yes. A solid hand is important.
Where about on the cue call do you connect with?
Where would you hit the cue ball for English, middle, bottom, top? Any side spin?
Varies for each player, but middle ish, for me a tip low of the middle most of the time. But never ever side!!
Best break off I've ever seen you do Simon. You looked very Athletic and Powerful. Pardon the punn. 🎱
Thanks. They dont always come out that well.
1) hips at 45 deg to end of table, shoulders turned more 2) move head up (I doubt that's good for everyone) 3) extra follow thru after hitting the cue
I wrap my thumb under the backside of the cushion and wrap my first finger over the cue to limit the amount the cue can travel up the cue ball. Does look like ur doing just that but u didn't mention it. So thought it worth mentioning
Good point. Yes, without really thinking it, i do a bit of that. need the hand to be really solid with the extra power and movement.
Great content as usual Simon.
I’d love to see a video on what to do on the table in the weeks leading up to a big match/ tournament
Thanks Ash. Thats a good idea. I will put some thought to it.
Thats what I do but when I go all the way through the cue ball I try keep the cue low instead of letting it come up in the air. I try hold cue as light as possible too try not put any tension on cue at any point.
Thats a good idea. probably helps keep the cue nice and level. And I like keeping things light..
... move white to the headstring, the further cue ball has to travel the less power it will transfer to the rack. It's the most simple and effective advise you could have given but didn't. :p Striking through the ball rather than at it is really sound advice. Changing your stance to lunge into the shot is very effective for generating power, however it invites a lot of inconsistency and it should be said with fair warning, it's not a quick fix. You would have to practice this shot alone for many hours to develop consistency. hf and gl everyone
Thanks for the feedback. I disagree re the string line which is why i dont mention it. For me its more important to have the ball at the best postion for your own cue action, so that you are hitting with the most power. If I move my ball to the string line then its too far away from me so I am actually hitting it past the moment of extreme power, and worse than that I can potentially lose consistency with my strike.
Great video Simon!
Thanks for your contribution to the game!
👍 😊 🎱
Thank you. means a lot to hear that.
Where did you hit the cue ball on the break ?
Another tip is hit the white just below centre to try and keep the white in middle of table
I feel like my break is much different and it goes to the individual I guess. I've always had a side stance and I always say to everyone else, "It's all in the hips Chubbs" I'm not large or muscular, but I throw my back leg in like a karate kick and it multiplies the power. My breaks are bigger than big guys. I sink a ball 90% of my breaks this way.
Do you have an opinion on break cues, Simon? I was thinking of investing in a light one with a hard tip to get more acceleration on my swing. I'll give your three changes a go before I'll consider one, but it is something I've thought about.
I used a Jason Owen break cue for a long time. It was a little lighter with a bigger hard tip. Its broken at the moment which is why I am not using it.
@@SimonTWebb I was actually thinking of a Jason Owen one, myself. Heard very good things about them.
@@gregmooney94 yeah. Give Jase a shout, I highly recommend his cues. Top guy and cue maker.
thank u
Thanks. I will try it out. There is a marked difference in my skill to break (dismal) vs making the ball (good). Your demonstrated break was spectacular. Few questions - have you measured your speed, if yes what is it, if not could you please? Also do you get similar results when you break on a larger table? How about 9 Ball?
Just remember quality of strike is more important than power. I have never measured my break speed. And I also can’t remember the last time I played 9 ball.
Does it really matter where you put the cue ball unless using it for side break?
Yes, it makes a difference. you need to find what works for you.
Some people use a different cue for breaking, do you think it's necessary?
What’s you thoughts on a break cue? I use an 8.5m tip so would a break cue give me a better chance on making a ball
I am a fan of break cues. Especially with a smaller tip on your playing cue. It gives you more chance of a more consistent strike and less chance of damaging your playing cue.
Which mm is the best for a break cue? 9.5mm, 10.5 or 11.5mm??
im only 5'4, so this would make it difficult to hold the cue stick right at the back with my right hand wouldnt it?
Yes, you need to find a cue that works for you, and if needed grip down the cue a little
I lack power and miss the cue ball every time
Simon, do you do one to one sessions out of interest?
Yes. But have limited availability. Email simontwebb80@gmail.com to discuss more
@1:27 a very unorthodoxed and different stance than what professionals and perfect form use. One foot should be in front of the other, one facing basically parallel with the shit, and the other at 90~ degrees
That’s the point. It’s how I generate more power.
Yassssssss 🎉🎉🎉🎉
0:58 start
Do you always use your own cue to break? Some players take a pub cue out of the rack for breaking to preserve their tip.
I have a break cue, but its broken at the moment. The cue I use in this video isnt my playing cue, it is just a racker.
You can get more power if you move your non-bridge hand further up the butt(towards the shaft) about 3-5 inches or whatever’s comfortable. It will allow you to follow through even more and thus generate more power. It feels like you’ve freed up your stroke and it adds to the athletic feeling your going for on the power break.
If you move your grip hand up then you are losing follow thru needed for really explosive breaks. Try moving your grip hand back a little and push the cue thru the cue ball like it's not there straight at the 1 ball...
@@jasonjohnson35 I respectfully disagree and dr. Dave and other experts would also disagree. If you try it, it will make sense. Like many things in life/sports, it’s counterintuitive.
@@jasonjohnson35 th-cam.com/video/WAEnKCL3stU/w-d-xo.html
@@derekd6043 That's not his power break. That is a short punch break. th-cam.com/video/Av2DNdWzziA/w-d-xo.html 1:15 in and it's Dr. Dave.
@@jasonjohnson35 @2:53 in your video he says you can choke up to add more power. It works for me.
Is it okay to use a closed bridge while breaking the balls?
Of course. If it works for you.
Op break bro 🤣
Thanks
As any professional ever broke and torn the cloth I’ve always been scared of that 😂
I have never ever seen that happen.
Yellows all day there
Didn’t even look at the colours
I'm sure my table is warped, bent, out of square and otherwise built in the Bermuda triangle. I cannot get a ball to drop on my break.
They say every table has a sweet spot. I've broken from virtually every possible angle, every power level, and every cue ball strike option. There's not a single sweet spot.
Maybe you just suck
Didn't thought harry maguire teaches pool
Seems like bad place for a TV
Lol
It's Harry Maguire
No
You made a simple beginner mistake of tossing your cue up rather than shooting with good follow up. If your cue is in the air after the break, rather than on the table, you lost power.Not a very good lessons.
This TV is in a bad place
Yeah. Table is the broadcaster companies office. Not set up for filming really.