This is the last of my 4-part guest post series and hopefully by the end of this weeks lesson you will already be starting to feel more confident when you get down to the shot at your local club.
For this final tutorial we are going to look at the break-off shot and show you the same method that most professionals use to bring the cue ball around the angles and end up near to the top cushion.
Incidentally you can also sign-up for a free video version of this tutorial here: http://www.snookerguide.co.uk/free-lessons.php
Breaking off can offer an advantage to the player as it gives them a chance to hit a red unhindered and place the opponent in a difficult situation if performed correctly.
The white must be placed in the ‘D’ and the object is to get the cue ball as close to the baulk cushion once it returns after the break off. There is no ‘absolute’ method to breaking off as the end result can be achieved through personal preference, but it is a good idea to stick to your preferred method once you have found it.
The most commonly used method is to place the white ball close to and at the side of the brown and aim for the outermost red on that side.
When striking the cue ball and depending on what side of the brown you have placed the white, also impart some right (when the white is the yellow side of the brown) or check (left) side (when the white is the green side of the brown) onto the white.
This will help change its angle of return to the baulk area avoiding the blue in the centre of the table.
This is a fairly easy shot to learn and providing you have got your stance, bridge and delivery of the cue right it should only take you a few practice shots to start hitting the break-off shot pretty well and finding the top cushion on a regular basis.
By finding the right length in your break off you will aim to leave the white close to the cushion hampering your opponents first shot each time. This increases the chances of them leaving you an opportunity to pot a ball on your second visit to the table.
Main Learning Points:
- Place the white about 2 inches to either side of the brown ball
- Use leading side to angle the cueball back to baulk
- Aim for the furthest away red
So that concludes my 4 part guest post series. I do hope that you have enjoyed the lessons and have been able to start improving your game by getting these fundamental techniques right.
I also hope that you will consider becoming a member of the Snooker Guide (£4.95 per month or £19.95 lifetime membership) to learn from our other tutorials which include; achieving spin, long potting, break building, using extensions & rests, safety and snookers, and practice routines to name a few.
About Snooker Guide:
Snooker Guide is an online video snooker coaching program developed in conjunction with professional snooker player Daniel Wells. Featuring over 50 minutes of video tuition plus many written lessons and features it is a complete beginners course suitable for anyone struggling to make breaks over 40 on a regular basis.
For more information please visit: www.snookerguide.co.uk