Pool Review

Different Types Of Shots Made With Pool Cues

2010-09-28T12:59:00.000+01:00

A player in pool or any other cue sport makes use of the cue stick to make various types of shots. The knowledge of each of these shots is essential to take their advantage during the game.

In the language of cue spots, a shot is referred to as an action to shoot the balls with the cue stick. There are many types of possible in pool and other cue sports. Interestingly, there are different types of cues used to make some of these shots. The following discussion is about the main in pool and other cue sports.

Break

The first shot of a pool game is called the break. The aim of this shot is to separate the object balls that are initially racked together.

Bank

Commonly referred to as bank, a bank shot is played to drive the object balls to one or more rails, before they are pocketed. A variation of the shot is called bank-the-8 shot used in eight-ball pool version in which the 8 ball must be pocketed on the bank shot.

Cut

It is a shot which is not a center-to-center hit but is played with a degree of angle. Back cut and feather shot are two sub-types of the cut shot.

Draw

A draw shot is the one in which the player strikes a cue ball below its equator with enough draw or back spin to make the ball reverse direction when it comes in contact with the object ball.

Follow

The shot in which enough top spin is used to strike the cue ball above its equator so that the cue ball travels forward after touching the object ball.

Jump

It is an interesting cue ball is made to jump so that it passes an obstacle.

Kick

It describes the shot in which the cue ball is driven to one of the rails before it reaches an object ball.

Masse

It is a shot in which the direction of the cue ball is completely reversed by imparting extreme spin to the ball. A variation in the called semi-masse shot in which a moderate curve is introduced to the cue ball's direction.

There are many other shots that one can learn with time. Practice the above-mentioned in the beginning to have a grip on the game.

A jump pool cue is used for jump shots and a break cue for the break shot. You must learn and buy the right pool cues and cue accessories to play the shots accurately.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Waker_Haughtone

MMA

2010-09-24T12:22:00.002+01:00

Pool Table Trick Shots

2010-09-24T12:11:00.000+01:00

From the most ranked amateur to the most experienced hustler, anyone who spends any time playing pool knows the power of trick shots to wow an audience and impress competitors. Whether they're simple or elaborate, trick shots are an exciting way to spice up a pool game - and they offer control that will boost your performance and give you an advantage over your opponent.

Although they may look fancy, not every pool table trick takes hours of practice. Some can even be learned fairly quickly, once you understand how to hold the pool cue and shoot properly. One of the simplest billiard tricks is the cut shot, where the cue ball hits another ball in just the right way to force that ball to move at a right angle. This is one of the most useful pool tricks to use during any given game - and all it requires is a basic understanding of the way the balls move against each other and a little bit of practice. Another fancy shot - less useful in the average billiard game, but fun to do and impressive to watch - is the double shot. This maneuver sinks a ball into the corner pocket, then continues as the cue ball hits the rail, rebounds around the pool table, and returns to sink the same ball that's been replaced in front of the pocket.

Like the cut shot, the double shot takes a little practice and an understanding of the physical dynamics that govern the cue ball's movements around the table. Even an amateur can learn these basic pool tricks to impress friends and opponents at the pool table.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joey_Alther

8 Easy Ways To Improve Your Pool Game

2010-09-20T16:42:00.000+01:00

Improving your pool game is easy when you follow these simple tips: go back to basics, take one technique at a time, practice makes perfect, be confident and positive at all times, play with seasoned players, read related resources, and watch professional games.

As with any other sports, you will start as a novice and better your game through experience. You can play like a pro if you are committed and willing to do what is necessary to improve your skills. Here are some hints to help you improve your pool playing techniques:

Go back to the basics - Players are very eager to learn in whatever can just to start making better shots. However, sometimes that means automatically focusing on advanced techniques without having mastered the basics first. Positioning, spinning, and other more advanced skills will come after you have a full understanding of simple stroking techniques.
One technique at a time - There are so many things you will need to practice such as properly handling the cue properly and arm positioning of arms. But, master each one separately before focusing on a new technique. When you are confident with skill, then you can move on to the next.
Practice makes perfect - No matter how confident you are, allocate time to practice on a daily basis. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Even champions prepare themselves through constant practice. You can regularly assess your progress and discern whether or not you are destined to become a successful player.
Be confident and positive at all times - Every time you make a shot, always project a confident feeling to allow positive vibes to dominate. This will help boost your spirit and attain a precise placement.
Play with seasoned players - If you happen to know somebody who is a winner, schedule a game so you can see what is it like to compete with a pro. You will learn many things by asking for some tips about the game. You might even get some private coaching or learn some of his secrets which will help you become a better player.
Read related resources - Don't forget to read books about this playing pool. Books are effective resources because every single detail about the game is described, often with pictures, and are readily available to you anytime.
Watch professional games - Never miss a chance to watch a professional game. You will see winning techniques first hand. If you want to gain respect and be a recognized leader among pool players, you must practice regularly.
And remember to use quality equipment and accessories because they have effect on the way you play.

For a great pool table, visit this site: Pool Tables Fast to find a variety of styles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patricia_Strasser

Artistic Pool And Trick Shot Competition Disciplines

2010-09-16T15:19:00.000+01:00

Casual trick shot artists often have a few jaw-dropping trick shots up their sleeve. Using a cue stick and perhaps some props, he or she can force the billiard balls to move in seemingly physics-defying motions. However, professional trick shot artists or artistic pool players practice more than just a couple setup shots and skill shots. Competition requires them to master an arsenal of tricks that are divided into eight shot disciplines or categories -- trick and fancy, prop/novelty/special arts, draw, follow, bank/kick, stroke, jump, and masse.

Trick and Fancy

In general, these shots are setup shots, meaning the multiple billiard balls are arranged in a specific manner such that a single cue stroke can pocket all the pool balls. A popular trick and fancy shot is the Just Showing Off shot.

Prop, Novelty, and Special Arts

Also known as the general amusement category, these shots are a mix of shots that use props such as the rack or bridge, require multiple balls to be shot within a short period of time (speed shots), rely on shooting balls with one hand, or contain some other criteria. A well known the Over and Under shot.

Draw

The basic premise of the draw shot is to hit the cue ball below center to give it some backspin. These shots require the cue ball to return towards the shooter after colliding with the object ball. The Cowboy Jimmy Moore Circular Draw shot is often seen on television competitions.

Follow

Follow shots are the reverse of the draw shots. The cue ball is hit above the center so topspin propels the ball along its original path after striking the object ball. An example of this type of shot is Hug the Rail.

Bank/Kick: In bank shots, the object ball has to hit at least one rail before sinking into a pocket. Kick shots, on the other hand, require the cue ball to hit a rail before contacting the object ball. One especially famous shot is the Hustler Bank, which was made popular in the opening scene of the movie The Hustler.

Stroke

Mastering any trick shot requires a good stroke or good technique, but the shots in the stroke category are particularly challenging and test both technique and control. In some of these shots, the cue ball is very close or even frozen (touching) the object ball. The (Hundred) Dollar Bill shot, which is used as a tie-breaker in ESPN's Trick Shot Magic, is an example of a stroke shot.

Jump

In the jump category, the cue ball usually jumps over an obstructing pool ball, but they can also jump directly into another ball, creating unusual or surprising results. This discipline is one of the more exciting disciplines to watch. The One Handed Jump is very impressive.

Masse

Perhaps the most unbelievable category, masse shots involving putting an extraordinary amount of spin on the cue ball so that it moves along a curved path. This discipline is arguably the most difficult artistic pool discipline to master. A crowd favorite masse shot is the Rocket Masse.

Once you've mastered several shots from each of these categories, why not test out the competition circuit? There are several professional and amateur trick shot competitions held every year for you to compete in or just to watch.

You can teach yourself pool trick shots by following the free online video and text tutorials of Tim "The Dragon" Chin. Tim Chin is a world-ranked, professional artistic pool player and trick shot entertainer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Chin

Halo: Reach - Deliver Hope

2010-09-15T13:09:00.002+01:00

Alex Higgins - The Snooker Legend

2010-09-15T12:45:00.000+01:00

Many people love to watch sports and admire and respect the great sportsmen who compete, the viewers will have their favorites and will follow them throughout their careers. It is always sad when one of these great people die and one such sportsman was Alex Higgins. This amazing snooker player inspired many people to take up this sport and his popularity continued even after he retired from snooker.

Alex Higgins was born in 1949 in Belfast Northern Ireland and had three sisters; he came from a traditional Irish family who worked hard for their families. Alex began playing snooker when he was 11 years old and really enjoyed the sport, he would go to the local youth clubs with his friends and play for hours. When Alex was 14 years old he left for England with the hope of becoming a jockey, although this dream was short lived. He was far too heavy to compete professionally due to his love for chocolate and Guinness, he returned shortly afterward back to Belfast.

In 1968 Alex won the Ireland and Northern Ireland Amateur snooker championships and at the age of 22 he turned professional. At his first attempt at the world championships in 1972 he won and became the youngest winner of the title at just 23 years old. Alex was very soon nicknamed Hurricane Higgins because of the speed he could play a game and many sports people soon realized he was a great snooker player. He went on to become the world champion twice and the runner up twice. He has also won the world champions double competition with Jimmy white.

Alex was an amazing snooker player and inspired many people to take up the sport, he showed there was a fun side to the game and allowed people to see his slightly bad side. Alex was a heavy drinker and smoker and never hid these facts. He was also a compulsive gambler which got him into trouble on several occasions. He retired in 1997 but continued to play snooker back in Northern Ireland for small sums of money. He also made several guest appearances in 2005 and 2006 at the Irish Professional championships where he went on to win. Alex then continues to play in Northern Ireland and was often seen competing in competitions, he said this was to simply be part of the sport and he loved to challenge the new players starting out.

Alex was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998 and he went onto have surgery to try and remove the cancerous cells. In 2009 Alex fell on desperately hard times and was seen to be living in a caravan where he contracted pneumonia, he also lost all of his teeth due to the cancer treatments. Many of his friends tried to raise the money he needed to replace his teeth; although they did he was then far too ill to have the surgery. Alex had become a very ill depressed man and was even known to have been talking about suicide. He died alone in sheltered accommodation in Belfast on the 24th July 2010, many people will remember him for his former self a great sportsmen and amazing character.

Alex Higgins loved the game of snooker but to be the snooker player he was, takes a lot of practice. If you happen to have the room and are looking for a snooker table, then take a look at these snooker tables.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brendan_Higgins

Why McDermott Pool Cues Are Chosen By Serious Billiards Players

2010-09-10T16:17:00.003+01:00

Billiards is a popular sport, with a high percentage of bars all over the world having at least one table in it. Unlike other sports, pool does not require a certain physical aspect to be met - meaning, almost anyone can play it. But pool is a complicated game that involves more than just hitting one ball and making it hit another. In fact, it involves scientific principles that aren't just for the everyday man, and this is why the line between the serious billiards player and the hobby player is a wide one, and it is further characterized by the pool cue that you use. And when it comes to high quality cue sticks, one of the best are the McDermott pool cues.

McDermott pool cues are a sign of a serious billiards player. Why? Because unlike your typical pool player who plays once in a while when they happen to be in a bar, serious billiards players understand the importance and benefits gained from using a cue stick that is expertly crafted and made from the finest materials. The standard cue sticks that are found in bars and pool halls tend to be made of the cheapest materials possible. They are usually warped and tend to break easily. Serious billiards players wouldn't be caught dead using one of these sticks.

McDermott pool cues are able to impress even the most seasoned of billiard players. They are made from the finest wood found all over the globe, and they are aged for absolute straightness. They are individually hand-stained with only the finest quality pigment available, and they are fully customizable so that you can rest assured that your McDermott pool cues are not only the best, but are one of a kind as well.

As for customization, you have a wide array of choices. There are 16 different wrap options, 9 stain options, 9 paint options, and so much more when it comes to engraving. The wrap can be walnut leather, black leather, black onyx, and whatever else you can imagine. You can have a walnut stain or an American cherry stain, or even Pacific blue. You can customize your McDermott pool cues to however your heart desires them to look like; and not only will you have the best cue there is, but you will also have one that speaks volumes about you as a person and you as a serious billiards player.

In the same way that a samurai has his own special sword and a Jedi has his own special lightsaber, a serious billiard player has his own personalized, high quality cue stick. It is very common to find serious and professional players to be owning and using one of their very own McDermott pool cues, and you could be one of them today. If you want something that will showcase your expertise as well as your style, then McDermott is the best brand for you. Once you fall in love with your McDermott cue, nothing else will ever be as good enough for you.

Want to learn more about the advantages of owning a high quality cue like one of the McDermott pool cues?

Visit my site at CueCityBilliards.com to see the widest selection of the best billiard cue sticks available. If you are serious about playing the best game possible, choosing a quality cue stick can really make a difference.

Billiards Tips - The Illustrated Principles Of Pool

2010-09-09T09:26:00.000+01:00

I have some billiards tips that I'd like to share with you. Billiards is a game of diligence and to do well in the game you have to have the right tools. It is recommended that you obtain your own cue as having one can be somewhat of a luxury.

A man by the name of Willie Smith set the trends for the heavier cues tips with a brass metal covering. That cue weights around 18 oz. The normal cue weights around 15 oz. to 16 oz. The length is about 4 feet 8 to 9 inches. Some go longer like 4 feet 10 inches weighting 17 oz, but the size and weight of the cue is strictly a personal taste.

You want to keep up-to-date with a cue when you're talking about the weight. The reason behind this is that the cue does all the work for you. You should go with a heavier cue than going with a lighter one. Some play with 17 oz. to 18 oz. for no reason at all. It just feels right in the hands of the player. You want enough wood in the cue for it to be stiff. The stiffer the cue is the better off it will be. Avoid the ones that move around and don't stay firm in your hand.

Once you get your own cue, it is wise not to lend it out to other players. A horrible player could wreak it in one play. Buy a cue with a good size tip with the surroundings in brass. Keep it polished with a dry cloth. Don't pay too much for one. You can get some at good prices if you shop around for them.

Ivory balls are the best to use and are used in championship games. They can be expensive, but the investment is well worth it. When you play with composition balls the angle to the shot needs to be wider. Once you begin to get serious about your game, it is hard to transfer playing from the ivory balls to the composition balls. You get use to shots being a certain way with the ways the ball is made.

The cloth of the table is indestructible. It is hard to cut it with a regular knife and it is very hard-wearing. Lots of tables are covered with this kind of cloth. Composition balls are played on napless cloths, which aren't that long lasting.

You want the cushions to be just right. This is the edging around the table where the ball bounces off.

There are some individuals that have the natural ability to strike the ball in the right place without any practice. This is about one in a million players. You want to strike the ball so it moves and spins. These are just some of the billiard tips I have.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Mundy

3-Ball Pool - A Quick And Easy Billiard Game

2010-09-06T17:23:00.000+01:00

Over the years, I have been introduced to many variations of billiard games. Some games may take some time to complete, while others are over relatively fast. The two most popular games, 8-ball and 9-ball, for example, will cost average players about 10-15 minutes of their time. Some games, such as rotation and cowboy pool, will take a bit longer. But what if you are pressed for time and want to get in a quick "bragging rights" billiard match with a friend? Or maybe you are alone and want to brush up on your shot setups and break speed, and you want something quick and easy.

One of my favorite, quicker billiard games involves a simple 3-ball triangle setup and one or more opponents. A single match with two players should not take any longer than five minutes. If no opponent is available, a quick game of solo 3-ball is a great drill for leaves and anticipating a few shots ahead.

The rules of the game are quite simple. Place three billiard balls in triangle formation on the head spot, and place your cue ball anywhere in the kitchen(behind the scratch line), as if you were breaking for a normal game of 8-ball or 9-ball. Each billiard shot, including the break, counts as one stroke. If a scratch occurs, it is counted as two extra strokes, plus the shot you just made, totaling three. Each player keeps shooting until all three balls have been pocketed. The player with the fewest strokes after each player sinks all three of their balls is the victor.

If you are looking for a billiard game that is simple to understand and not very time-consuming, then 3-ball billiards is the way to go. Make it more interesting by setting up tournaments or making small wagers with your friends. Or incorporate it into other pool games as short bonus rounds. Whatever your preference, once you start, you will be finding yourself playing 3-ball pool over and over again.

For more billiard game ideas, visit http://www.BilliardNBarStools.com/articles to read more articles and explore our site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Warmann

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2010-08-20T12:28:00.003+01:00

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2010-08-03T15:35:00.000+01:00

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Choosing The Best Sports Gambling Sites

2010-08-02T17:07:00.000+01:00

Choosing the best betting sites to place a sports bet with can take a lot of research. All of these sports gambling sites offer sports betting bonus for you to do your betting online with them. They are not the outrageous bonuses that you may hear about, but are adequate to start you out. You have to be careful about sportsbooks that offer the unbelievable bonus deals because they may not be able to stay around for the long haul.

These recommended sports gambling sites have available management. The general manager or other management people are available for you to talk to. They have enough clerks and supervisors working during the busy periods and the sportsbook online betting capability doesn't bog down close to game time. The hours of operation are flexible. They are open seven days a week, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

Sports gambling is a game of skill. The challenge is to gather and analyse as much information as you can about a game, weigh the probabilities of each team winning, and subsequently compare your opinion to the odds makers. Make the right judgment and you win.

Take advantage of early season point spread and money line value before the odds makers have had a chance to catch up with which teams are hot and which teams are not. During the early part of a season, look for teams that are playing much better or worse than expected to get your best value. Many novice handicappers concentrate on how a team performed the previous year, but in this era of salary cap constraints and constant roster turnover, teams never perform at the same level in two consecutive years. In addition, teams that performed well the previous year are no longer a good value because you are laying a much higher price with them, especially at the beginning of the next season. Start your handicapping analysis before the season starts so you'll be ready to take full advantage of the first few weeks of the season.

In sports gambling, you have the advantage of streamlining your research, which is something the sportsbooks are not at liberty to do. They must keep on top of every sport and every game. The best way to win money at sports gambling is to develop a niche and follow it closely. If you become an expert on a smaller conference you have a good chance to beat the house because the sportsbook operators do not have the time or resources to follow this conference the way you can. There is a wealth of information on the Internet; it is just up to you to find it and research it daily.

In conclusion, while luck may be a deciding factor in the outcome of any single game, and will inevitably go against you on occasion, it will balance out in the long run. Being a consistent winner in sports gambling is not about luck but whether you are prepared to invest the time and effort to become knowledgeable about the sports games you bet on, whether you can weigh all the factors in a cool, objective fashion, and whether you adopt a consistent, disciplined, long-term approach to your sports gambling. Do all these and you will come out a winner. Remember, it's you against the odds maker, not the bookmaker.

Online Sportsbook Reviews

No matter what your sport, betting on it is easier, more convenient and with better odds online! As mentioned earlier, most online bookies offer free bets as incentives to new customers, and many offer regular promotions for additional bets, increased odds and cashback specials which can be found through their sportsbook bonus search function

All of the sportsbook sites you see featured on goodbonusguide.com have to meet strict guidelines, and they are all regulated in a recognised jurisdiction. What's more, the sportsbook reviews come from regular punters, not marketing teams.

If you're looking for a sportsbook with a particular feature, payment method, or one that accepts players from a specific country, then you'll love their search and filter function. You can filter by payment method, currency, language, country, and the betting methods the site offers.

Good luck!

What's Worse: 3 Yellow Cards Or Lampard's Disallowed Goal? Graham Poll On Ask A Pro At Coral Dugout

2010-07-19T12:10:00.002+01:00

Play With The Bodog Babes!

2010-07-05T16:32:00.003+01:00

Tips For 8 Ball Pool - Playing Defense

2010-07-05T14:13:00.000+01:00

In this video, professional pool players Andy Segal and Bruce Barthelette explain how to play the game of 8-ball. This video is intended for the beginner and intermediate players. It covers topics such as how to break, what to do after the break, running the table, playing defense, and how to get out of a defensive shot.

Tips for 8-Ball Pool - Playing Defense - Click here for another funny movie.

The CO2 Reducing Vacheval

2010-06-29T11:19:00.002+01:00

The Amazing New World Of Billiards Supplies

2010-06-28T14:21:00.000+01:00

Billiards is a game of wonder. A simple table with pockets in it that you need to shoot down in to - sounds quite simple, doesn't it? Yet it is never that easy. In fact, with the actual table and supplies in front of you, you may realise just how difficult it might to be to get the balls into the correct slots. This is why you need to master it well and what a better way to do it than to get one billiards table and supplies for your home?

A game of the mighty and royal people, this has today come to be the affair of every common man. A game of billiards helps you to sharpen your skills and concentrate more as well. This new kind of sports without the usual noise and clamor is a whole new world in itself. Becoming a billiards expert will help you to gain a place in the social gatherings like none other.

Usually men love to boast about their skill in this case but today even women are excelling quite well at it. This is due to the fact that this game that does not require much physical effort. Rather it is the correct technicalities and concentration that can help you fare well at it. Also too much of hurry or too much of delay could make you lose a lot. Hence proper timing of your shot and correct push is also necessary to master the game of billiards.

Getting a whole setup of billiards at your home is not impossible at all. In fact today you can easily get good quality billiards supplies at quite affordable prices. The billiards table is the most costly thing of the whole affair. Yet today you can find cheaper quality material that will act as good as the solid wood tables. Even the billiard supplies come quite cheap.

There are a lot of things that you need to get right about the billiards table and its supplies. You can consult an expert with regard to proper billiards supplies. Also getting pool table lights will help you to create the correct aura as well as excel your shots due to better vision as well. There are today a large variety of pool lights available that can help you to liven up your pool room. You can hang these down from the ceiling on a chain or bar. There are also the specialty pool table lights for that special effect in your own game room!

Getting not only the proper billiards supplies but also playing it with the best pool table lights can actually help you to become a professional at playing billiards.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nitin_Saini

2010-06-21T12:45:00.001+01:00

Is Playing Billiards An Addiction?

2010-06-16T12:40:00.000+01:00

Playing Billiards Can Be As Addictive As Drugs

When you go to your local billiards parlor and shoot some pool for the evening, do you happen to see those "regulars" who just look like they spend way too much time in that place? Well, these types of pool players are the focus of this article. While they might appear to spend too much of their lives in a pool hall, and I'm sure their selective husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend feel the same, they are quite addicted to spending the majority of their time on some cloth and slate. This is because these players are entranced with the lure of the game and they are psychologically addicted to billiards like a junkie on the corner.

Let's be realistic about billiards, if you've ever played this game at a decent level you know two things: one, you need to spend hours a day on the table to refine your fundamentals of the game; secondly, you fall into the ambient zone of playing and, what appears to be focusing on the match to you, others may see as engaging in delinquent behavior. This stems from the gambling Aura which permeates the billiards arena, and what I like to call an inevitable undertaking to grow your horns within the ranks. Many might believe the small and/or sometimes large monetary transactions which occur during pool matches hurt the ideology of the game; personally, I think it strengthens someone's fervor to stride to be the best. However, there's a slippery when wet slope here to watch out for.

Billiards Play Can Totally Drive or Run Your Lifestyle

The idea of playing billiards as a hobby is a tough understatement to swallow for any top player in today's billiards industry. These players have given their entire lives up and have willingly given them to the game. Is this a bad thing? Well, all things considered it depends heavily on how successful of a player you turn out to be. If you fail to elevate your level of play to what is considered to be "A" player, then you'll most likely have trouble with most other aspects of life. Not that their is a concrete correlation between the two, it just appears to be the case with most people. Think about it, how many people do you know of that are such high level or aspiring to be play at such a level that have great full time jobs? There are the select few who've already secured careers which allow them the luxury of spending hours a day within the pool hall. This time or persistence to be good may be looked upon as being addicted to the game.

The Junkie Mentality Just Resonates Within Pool Halls

Growing up in a pool hall I can tell you straight here it's not the best place you'd probably want to provide for a child rearing environment. Most inner city billiards parlors or pool halls are either one or the other when it comes to style: they are presented for the purpose of drawing out the youth for food, music, and fun; or they're laid out to provide ample income for sustaining itself from table time with family play all while allowing for a sectioned off advanced playing environment. At the latter, you'll find many weekly and monthly tournaments, as well as a constant stream of "local" money players engaging in their addictive roles. I say to each their own; And I'm not downing anyone here, I've spent 20 years inside the walls of a billiards hall and have engaged in plenty of, for the sake of this article, what we'd refer to as addictive trait behaviors. But I've also seen a lot of young lives sucked into this abyss and lives ruined because they lacked the moral boundaries that comes with risk.

Prognosis: Billiards Is A Controllable Addiction

In closing, I'd like to think for the sake of the game that billiards is a controllable addiction. The addictive aspects of the game are nothing different than any other sport in our lives. To join the upper-echelon of athletes, you must dedicate your life to the game. While billiards is unique do to it's ability because it offers anyone the potential to become elite regardless of their physical condition, it runs a unique risk as well among the player interactions and normal game practices within the billiards industry. Is this unlike any other professional sport? No, baseball has the lure of steroids, as does football. Then there's price fixing, and a whole basket of politics I don't care to embark upon. My point is this. While playing billiards for more than a infrequent recreation can come with lifestyle altering risks, the game is non abrasive to human nature and should be viewed as a legitimate hobby or sport. For some it may be an addiction, for others nothing other than a good time. Crack a Nine!

I'm an avid billiard player for more than 20 years. All my writings on the topic of billiards are to help add insight to up-and-coming players. There is so much to learn in in the game of billiards, and many fail to receive the right information they need to keep them engaged. To me it's more than a hobby, an obsession according my girl, but the game of billiards is a wonderful experience for young minds. For more information on types of billiard equipment, please check out these Pool Sticks

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chad_Sylvia

Shooting Stars Support Junior Billiards

2010-06-14T18:33:00.003+01:00

The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) held its annual “Challenge the Stars” fundraiser on May 18th during the BCAPL National 8- Ball Championships and the 2010 U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship in Las Vegas. Pros, amateurs and fans contributed to the $4,200 that was raised to help fund academic scholarships, “Pool In School” and other junior billiard programs.

Full Story: SHOOTING STARS SUPPORT JUNIOR BILLIARDS

Le CO2eux Soirée

2010-06-07T17:00:00.002+01:00

Sun Telegraph - Pool Shooters Going To Vegas

2010-06-04T15:13:00.000+01:00

Sun Telegraph - Pool Shooters Going To Vegas

Better Breaking

2010-06-02T09:33:00.001+01:00

When a break is executed well on the pool table, it gives the player a better advantage over the other player. Also, when one is consistent in breaking well on the pool table, it results with the cue ball having a better striking position with the other balls. With this, the player gets a better choice of sending the other balls in the pockets with the next shot that he executes.

There are various ways which one can break in a billiard game. One needs to have good physics when striking the ball. Its believed that different pool tables might determine which break will turn out to be the best. Power and speed are considered to be essential but don't forget that control is needed to handle the power that you put behind that shot.

With much practice, a player will be able to determine how to best make the shots. There are other tricks that one can use to improve their break on the billiard table and ultimately improve their overall game.

Power Break

Power is considered to be crucial and important just as having full contact with the first ball. Most pros in the billiard profession agree that a good break moves at about twenty miles per hour. If you can break faster than 20 mph then the better. In the billiard game the fastest break is considered to be at thirty miles per hour. Your break should be powerful enough but without losing control.

Tips on Achieving a Power Break

Their are various methods you can use to execute a power break. The important thing to note here is that you want a proper transfer of your body weight to help your shoulders and arm strength in wielding the break.

One good technique you can apply is by rocking your body back and forth which assists in transferring the weight from your front leg to the back leg. You might notice players lifting their front legs before they strike. This helps them to transfer their weight to their back leg and then stomp that front leg down on contact to do the reverse.

Breaking better on the 8/9 ball game

One technique you can use on the 8 ball game is to shoot the cue ball between the first ball and the thrid ball at a slight angle almost parallel to the triangle’s adjacent side. This is executed from a distance far enough to give the pool player enough space to transfer most power.

On the diamond 9 ball rack, its common to hit the head 1 ball parallel to one of its adjacent side. As you practice more and more on your break, you will discover which stance and power suits you best in as you play to drop in the wing ball.

The Break Cue

Some billiard players cannot play without the break cue. As you use the break cue, the tip of the cue will get altered and deformed and with time you will need to to replace the tip because it will affect your game. The weight of the cue also matters a lot.

Most professional players usually go for lighter break cues. This is because when the cue is lighter, its much easier for the billiard player to wield it with more power and speed.

Preparing For Your Billiards Match

2010-05-10T10:43:00.002+01:00

In order to prepare for your billiards match you must keep a few things in mind, wardrobe, hair and makeup, and the big one - mental attitude.

You know you have your pool cue, and any billiards accessories you might need. What about how you look? They say if you look great, you feel great so put some time and effort into dressing comfortably and still looking you're best.

There are a few things I do or don't do. I don't wear hoop earrings cause they get in the way. I will wear my hair down but stick a ponytail holder in my pocket in case I want to pull it back. Hair and makeup, important! I can't concentrate if I know people can see my cleavage so I don't wear low cut tops. Shoes have to be comfortable enough to be on your feet all day but don't forget to sit down between matches and whenever you can.

As a woman, I do not dress so as to break the concentrate of my male opponents. I have to think of my own concentration and I'm not there to pick up guys I'm there to beat as many as I can! Oh, I also make sure I wear perfume because it relaxes me to smell something nice. Having some cool billiards accessories helps my confidence also.

And then I put on a good attitude, I give myself kudos and don't talk bad about myself and the way I feel about my game. If I'm really tired or stressed, not much good is going to happen on the pool table so I try to make sure I eat right and get plenty of sleep and maybe do a little mindfulness meditation.

Then I put my cell phone on vibrate and leave it in my purse. I won't even listen to my messages until I'm done or out. When I step up to the pool table the concentration is not going to happen if I'm thinking about a phone conversation or what I'm going to do later.

Now I'm ready for my billiards match! I look good, and feel good and got the cobwebs out of my brain, let's go shoot some pool!

Source: Happy shooting, Patti Aragon (aka 8ball Outlaw)

For all my billiards needs I go to http://www.a1poolbilliards.com