Pocket Billiards and Carom Billiards may both use similar equipment, but the core skills required by both games are the same. As more people try their hand on pool tables, serious players will need to use practice exercises to keep themselves ahead of the competition. The following exercises can help you improve individual aspects of your game.
Hitting the cue ball on the center:
Many beginners and amateurs are too keen to learn spins and bouncing the rail to pay attention to the most important foundation of a pool game. Cue ball control cannot be achieved without thoroughly understanding how the ball behaves due to friction from the cloth, inertia and gravity, amongst other forces. Set up some direct shots and pocket the balls by hitting the cue ball in its absolute center. Repeated observation will help you learn the basic physics followed by the ball on the pool table.
Pocketing from specific spots on the pool table:
You need to be comfortable striking object balls from anywhere on the pool table. Start by positioning the cue ball right in the center of the pool table and aim towards sinking the object balls while bringing the cue ball back towards the center.
Choosing a precise cue ball position for the next shot:
Most people choose an approximate position for the cue ball after it has made contact with the object ball. Start to choose the exact spot that the ball should come to rest so that your striking speed is more controlled. You may even adjust the power of your shots if you look at your options when the ball stops short or long.
The exercises given above are aimed at developing finesse and a greater degree of control over the pool table. As cue ball control is the most important aspect of the game, a more skilled player has a larger range of shots at his or her disposal, maximizing the chances of victory in a game. Make sure that you practice by repeating your shots so that you hone the power and accuracy of your strokes.
