To win at pool, you have to practice.Winning requires a good stance, good grip and stroke, and good aiming.It's helpful to get some tips from the pros.
Step 1: It's a good idea to spend some time with a pro.
If you've never played pool before, hang out with someone who knows what's going on.You can learn how to win at any game if you know everything a pro does before and during the game.Some tips can be given to help you play better.
Step 2: Look at the path.
To make contact with your ball, envision a line through the cue ball.You can use this visualization to aim.If you want to hit the cue ball, focus on the contact ball instead of the path.
Step 3: There are clusters of balls.
It's best to deal with clusters as early as possible.If you get on a roll later, you may be able to run the board without having to deal with large clusters of balls.
Step 4: The balls are in the way.
If you want to deal with problem balls early in the game, rearrange the table or hit those balls into a pocket.You can clear the table to shoot the balls that were blocked.
Step 5: When you don't have a clear shot, go for a safety.
If you can't see a clear shot, you may be tempted to hit one of your balls hard in an attempt to get it to go in a pocket.That is likely to end in disaster.Try to take a safety shot.If you hit your own ball into a position that blocks your opponent, it's a safety.Even if you just want to move the cue ball to an awkward position, you still have to hit 1 of your own balls.
Step 6: When you miss, set up 2-way shots.
Setting up a 2-way shot is beneficial when you have a difficult shot.The idea is that if you miss, you won't have a chance to win the game.If you don't make your shot, line it up so that it's difficult for your opponent.
Step 7: Place the pockets under cover.
It's tempting to hit your balls in that are sitting at the edge of pockets, but it can be beneficial to leave them there.You're blocking the pocket so your opponent can't hit a ball in there without hitting yours.
Step 8: Fouls should not be avoided.
Fouls work against you because you lose your turn.You don't get credit for any balls you hit into pockets if you foul during a stroke.If possible, avoid fouls.Fouls include hitting the cue ball into a pocket, hitting it more than once, and not hitting your balls before hitting another player's balls.The cue ball cannot be touched without the tip of the cue stick or it will bounce off the table.
Step 9: Keep an eye on your opponent.
Your opponent won't be because you're honest about fouls.You should watch your opponent as they take their shot to make sure they don't commit any fouls.
Step 10: Find the shot.
You can find the best shot by walking around the table.It's best to get at table level so you can evaluate how well you see the shot.Don't be afraid to try different shots to hit the same ball.
Step 11: Line up the shot.
The edge of the table is where you want to shoot your cue stick.The cue stick should show you how to hit the ball.
Step 12: Place your feet together.
Put your foot behind the cue stick.The cue stick should be near your foot.You should be able to see your other foot from the cue stick.You don't want to be facing the table in a straight line.Put the same amount of weight on both legs.
Step 13: You can clear your hip with the cue stick.
Lean forward with the pool stick.To make sure you don't hit your hip when taking a shot, move the cue stick backwards and forwards.You should adjust your stance if you're not clearing your hip.
Step 14: Keep your head down.
Lower your head as you move to take your shot.If you keep your head tilted up, you can see the cue stick and aim your shot.
Step 15: The cue should be touched with 2 fingers.
Use your thumb and index finger to hold your hand.Wrap your index finger around the bottom of the cue when you point your thumb and finger downward.The thumb should rest on the cue.Keep your other fingers away from the cue as you work on your grip.You can lightly rest the other fingers against the cue without gripping if you get the feel for the 2-fingered grip.
Step 16: If your arm is at a 45 angle, place your grip on it.
Depending on the shot you're making, your grip will move up and down.You're grip will be further down the cue stick if you need more of it.To make a 45 angle to your body, your forearm should come straight up from the cue stick.
Step 17: Put your bridge up.
You can use either the open or closed bridge.You place the cue stick on the table by resting it on your middle finger and thumb.Your fingers are splayed out as your index finger loops over the cue stick.If you have an open bridge, you can rest the cue stick on your thumb and index finger.You can use whichever one feels most comfortable to you.You can use a mechanical bridge if you need to reach the cue ball over another ball.
Step 18: You can use a pendulum for your stroke.
If your arm is in the correct position, you should be able to swing your forearm backwards and forwards.A smooth motion is created by this movement.
Step 19: Make sure your power is adjusted for the shot.
It's tempting to hit the ball too hard.If you do that, you don't know where the cue ball will end up.Try to use enough power to get the job done.It will take practice to know how much power to give each shot.
Step 20: A counter-clockwise spin can be created by hitting the ball on the right edge.
A slight curve in the ball's path across the table can be caused by this technique.The ball will spin in the opposite direction when it hits another ball.The cue ball will go in another direction when it hits the side rail.Left English means hitting the ball on the left edge.
Step 21: Hit the ball at the bottom edge to avoid scratching.
The ball creates backspin if you hit it on the bottom edge.The cue will spin backwards when it hits another ball.Creating backspin can help you avoid scratching, if you're trying to avoid hitting the cue ball into a pocket.
Step 22: Hit the top edge to keep the ball moving.
The bottom edge has an effect on hitting the top edge.It keeps going forward after hitting another ball.If you need to hit more than one ball in a shot, this shot can be helpful.
Step 23: The contact ball should be hit with the edge of the cue ball.
When setting up a shot, you want to aim so that the edge of the cue ball makes contact with the other ball.Instead of hitting the ball dead on, you should set up an almost tangential shot.