Nowadays, billiards has become a very popular game. It has ceased to be just entertainment, but has become a kind of lifestyle that trains concentration, dexterity and determination. Many options for this pastime with their own rules and features can confuse any novice player. The article tells about the history of this entertainment and explains the rules of playing billiards of the most popular versions.
History of billiards
There is a lot of controversy surrounding the history of billiards. China and Egypt are considered the birthplace of this game. In Europe, the first mentions of billiards are found in England. Even the name "billiards", from the ancient Saxon bal-yard - bal-ball, yard-cue, stick, shows that this entertainment was known in this country, only it was similar to modern croquet. Gradually, the game moved from the open space indoors, to a table with a green covering, reminiscent of grass on a lawn, with small edges around it. Initially, the game was on a table with six pockets and a goal, the game was played with two balls and a peg. In the 18th century, only balls and pockets remained on the table. This happened in France, which is why they say that this is the European birthplace of billiards. There, in 1674, the first rules for playing billiards were published. In England, where almost every city had public billiard tables, the rules of the game were clarified and expanded. The word “cue” appeared there in the 16th century.
Evolution of the game
In the 18th century, the game began to actively develop. The industrial revolution played a significant role in this. For the convenience of the game, chalk was first used, which reduced the friction between the ball and the cue, and then they began to use a leather tip to get twisting blows. Thanks to this leather patch, the game of avid billiard players became so virtuosic that the balls began to easily move along different trajectories and even jump over each other. Billiards gradually underwent many transformations - the cue became dismountable, the sides of the table began to be covered with rubber, cloth began to be used as upholstery everywhere. There were even disputes among billiards experts regarding the shape of the inner walls of the table, which also underwent several changes. The rules of playing billiards gradually became uniform. Around 1850, this game began to look like we see it today.
History of Russian billiards
Billiards came to Russia under Peter the Great and quickly spread to public places, especially taverns. Since this entertainment developed autonomously in Russia, over time Russian versions of the game appeared and their own rules for playing billiards appeared. At the beginning of the 19th century, equipment for games was in great variety and, in the absence of proportionality between the parts, this often led to the fact that the tables were of different sizes, the balls were either too small, or did not fit into the pockets, etc. Competitions in every new place equalized the chances of beginners and professionals, which is why they lost interest in the game.
Only in 1850, A. Freiberg, who managed the St. Petersburg billiard factory and was himself a good player, created a model of a six-pocket billiard table that met the standard requirements: all balls fall into the pocket only with accurate shots. To ensure the necessary complexity of the game, the diameter of the balls was made only a few millimeters smaller than the width of the pockets, accidental falling of balls into the middle pocket was excluded, and the pockets had short mouths to prevent balls from getting stuck.
Russian billiards. Peculiarities
Russian billiards has more than 40 different types. Due to the fact that it existed in a semi-legal state in our country, no official competitions were held for it. Each billiard room had its own rules. Changes came in the 80s, when the Billiard Sports Federation was created. The rules of playing Russian billiards were unified, a system of tournaments and refereeing was developed. The general features characteristic of Russian billiards in Russian and Moscow pyramids, American and other main Russian variations of this game were summarized. The rules of the game for Russian billiards were officially established by the National Federation of Billiard Sports in 1994.
Russian billiards is not a specific game, but more of a collective term. Externally, Russian billiards is distinguished by white, large balls of the same color. To make the game more challenging, the pockets are smaller and have sharper edges, making them harder to hit. A long and heavy cue also makes the game more difficult. The interior lining of the table is always green.
Russian billiards. General rules
The basic rules of the game of Russian billiards describe the course of the game from striking. It is done with the front part of the cue in the direction of its longitudinal axis, while at least one foot must touch the floor. Otherwise he will be fined. The right to the first shot is played by simultaneously hitting both players with their hands on the cue ball from home in the direction of the back board. The one whose ball, reflected from the back side of the table, stops closer to the front side than the opponent’s, has the right to make the first move. The winner of the rally either makes the first strike or concedes the strike to the opponent. Players begin the next games in turn, only before the decisive game the draw is repeated.
Before the start of the game, 15 balls are placed next to each other in a certain way using a special triangle shape. The cue ball is considered to be in play from the moment the cue stick touches it. Balls that hit the pocket on the first shot are counted. Balls are considered pocketed if they are pocketed when hit correctly. If the ball jumps out of the table fence, but returns back to the table, it is considered to remain in the game. If at the same time it fell on the board or floor, it was touched by any object - the player’s sleeve, cue, chalk, etc. - it is considered to have jumped out and is placed back on the table. Exhibited in different versions games in those places that indicate the rules of playing billiards. American, for example, prescribes the cue ball to be set on a general basis. In this case, the player is not penalized if the object ball is thrown out, but is penalized if the cue ball is thrown out. The start of the strike is considered from the moment the cue touches the cue ball, and the completion is only after the movement of all balls on the table, including rotation, has stopped. The opponent starts the game if, after the previous player hit, the cue ball did not touch any balls or there was a violation of the rules.
Russian billiards. Fines
The rules of Russian billiards require the imposition of fines. If, while making a shot, a player commits several violations of the rules of billiards, then the fine will still be charged in a single amount. In this case, balls that were pocketed in violation of the rules are not counted. A penalty is imposed if the cue ball does not touch any other ball after the start of movement, it flies off the table, if the cue ball falls into a pocket (Russian pyramid), if there was a double touch with the cue. However, some rules prescribe a penalty if the blow was not struck with the cue ball (rules of the pyramid game). Billiards also provides for penalties for a strike in which at least one of the player’s feet does not touch the floor, if the next strike was made before the movement of the balls had not yet ended or any ball except the cue ball touched with a cue, hand, clothing, etc.
Russian pyramid
The “pyramid” variety of Russian billiards is liked by people with a high level of skill who love a thoughtful and serious game. The game is played with one “own” ball, with the help of which it is necessary to drive other balls into pockets. Moreover, like the rules of the game of pool, pyramid billiards also obliges you to name before hitting which ball you plan to put in which pocket. But in a pool this is done only with ball No. 8, and in a pyramid - before each shot. If the ball is pocketed and there is no notification, it is not counted. The goal of the game is not only to put the ball in the pocket, but also to move the ball to the side in an uncomfortable position for the opponent. The rules of the pyramid game correspond to the general ones in Russian billiards, but there are some peculiarities. The game continues until the player scores 71 points. The cue ball without a number and the numbered object balls are arranged in a triangle in a certain order - balls with small numbers on the edges, and balls with large numbers inside the pyramid. The ball numbered "1" is called an "ace" and adds 11 points when it is pocketed. Also, 10 points are added to the last ball remaining on the table. Thus, the maximum amount of points in the pyramid is 140, and it is distributed among the players. The rules of the game of billiards “Russian pyramid” have two types: “ball in the pocket” and a strict order “for its pure purpose”. In the first case, only the destination ball and pocket are called. In the second, there is also a technique with which the player will put the ball in the pocket. If the situation did not go as announced, the ball is not counted and is placed on the back mark. Penalties received in the game deduct 5 points from the player.
American
One of the types of Russian billiards is “American”; this game differs from American billiards. American is very popular and widespread. It is based on the basic rules of the game of billiards. The American game has the difference that even a random ball that ends up in a pocket is considered a prize. There are masters who pocket all 8 balls needed to win, without allowing the opponent to make a single shot. The cue ball can be any ball. The arrangement does not take into account the numbers. The breakdown begins by lot, and if at least one ball falls into the pocket, the player continues to push the balls into the pocket until he misses. The end of the game can be a draw, when the partners put 7 balls each and agreed to a draw. When placing balls, they are placed towards the middle of the back edge of the table. The rules of the free pyramid game (American billiards also have this name) also imply a system of penalties. The player is charged a fine of one ball if the cue ball does not touch any ball after the hit, if he hits during an unfinished movement after the last hit, or if the ball goes off the table.
American billiards
American billiards has many differences from Russian. The rules of American billiards are much simpler, and they are usually followed in world tournaments. The differences begin with the fact that all American tables have certain standard sizes, differ in the material of the table base, the elasticity of the rubber edges, the marking of the tables, their synthetic covering and, most importantly, the size of the pockets. The size of the balls is significantly smaller than Russian ones, which, with a large pocket size, significantly affects the ease of hitting. Billiards is played with three balls (two cue ball and a red one), while snooker is played with 22 balls. Putting chalk on the table is strictly prohibited; Americans keep it in their pocket. The rules of playing American billiards also differ depending on the versions of the game.
Pool
Pool is an American pocket billiards with a small table size, large pockets and 16 small multi-colored balls that are pocketed according to certain rules. This game is very dynamic, simple and entertaining. Games with the participation of professionals last literally a few minutes, which corresponds to the commercial spirit of American billiards. In the 19th and 20th centuries, pool quickly spread throughout the world. This was greatly facilitated by American advertising about romantic image the lives of professional pool players, the size of their income and quick huge winnings. Later, interesting films were added about the life of billiard players who play pool professionally. In addition, the simplicity of the technique of playing pool increases the number of its fans. American pool is much simpler than Russian billiards, so it is suitable for any level of player - even a beginner.
Pool "Eight"
"Eight" is a game made to order. You can only hit with a white cue ball. One player tries to pocket only colored balls, the other - only striped ones. The winner is the one who was the first to place all the balls in his group and, according to the order, to place ball No. 8. Before the game starts, the balls are alternately placed in the form of a pyramid, ball No. 8 is placed in the center of the pyramid. On the first hit, one of two conditions must be fulfilled: to pocket the ball and bring at least 4 balls to the sides, but do not pocket the 8th ball or cue ball, otherwise it is a mistake. The rules of the game of eight-ball billiards in this case give the partner a choice: continue the game from this position, break again himself, or ask his partner to break. When striking, the following errors can be made: the cue ball does not hit the object ball, when hit, they do not touch the sides of the table, the cue ball falls into a pocket or leaves the table. Just like the rules of the game of American billiards, the pool prescribes a penalty for touching the ball with any object other than a cue and for hitting it again until the balls stop completely.
A player's loss is counted in cases where ball No. 8 is pocketed with violations, falls into a pocket prematurely or into a pocket not according to order, goes overboard, or falls at the same time as the last ball of its color.
Pool "Nine"
The rules differ from "Eight" in that the player does not announce an order. “Nine” is played with a cue ball and 9 balls numbered from 1 to 9. According to the rules, with any shot the cue ball must certainly touch the ball with the lowest number. But you can put balls with any number into the pocket. While the balls are falling into the pocket, the player can continue the game until he misses, breaks the rules, or wins by putting ball No. 9 in the pocket. The match ends after the agreed number of games won. The balls are placed in a diamond shape, with ball No. 1 at the top and No. 9 in the center, and the other balls at random. The rules are not much different from the Eight. But another push-out blow is introduced. It is performed immediately after the initial breaking shot with the aim of moving the cue ball to a more advantageous place from the point of view of the development of the game, if the cue ball did not fall into the pocket during the breaking. When performing this shot, the cue ball does not have to reach the wall or touch any of the balls. The player must report the execution of this strike before it is applied. Any balls pocketed during a push out do not count. For an incorrect push-out, the player receives a penalty. One more penalty is added to the usual pool penalties - for the fact that the first hit of the cue ball occurred with a ball that does not have the smallest number. If there are three violations in a row in one game, without intermediate “correct” strikes, the player is given an automatic defeat.
Playing billiards is interesting, educational, entertaining, brings pleasure and allows you to always be among friends. How to properly set yourself up for the game and concentrate your attention on winning?
Playing billiards: learning basics!
IN Lately There is an increase in the popularity of billiards, and therefore the number of people who want to learn how to play it is rapidly increasing. Of course, everyone knows that self-study will not bring quick results and will require a lot of time, patience and effort.
Today you can find many clubs and organizations teaching the game of billiards. The main thing is to have the desire and, accordingly, the opportunity. Typically, in such establishments, the first payment and subsequent payments are used to purchase billiard tables, cues and balls for training beginners and holding billiard tournaments.
If you turn to professional players for help, it will cost much more, but the results will not keep you waiting. They will share their experience and secrets of the game to achieve perfection. According to statistics, having learned to play billiards, people consider it prestigious and soon buy tables for home use - honing their own skills and tournaments with friends. In the future, by playing billiards, you can earn a good living by participating in competitions.
First steps to learning
First of all, you need to learn how to concentrate properly on the game. Hitting technique is also very important. Unfortunately, not all players pay the necessary attention to it, so they do not become professionals, but remain amateur players forever. This is the reason that not everything can be understood by re-reading the theory. It is better to take lessons from professional players at the beginning of your training, so as not to roll balls on the table, but to actually play.
The beginning of studies is divided into several stages:
- setting up a strike. Developing good movements is a long and hard work on yourself, but very necessary for a decent game;
- after some progress has been made, you need to move on to a more advanced technique: stopping the cue ball different ways(roll-ups, pull-ups), positional play;
- study of specific shots, boarding systems, role-playing;
- After studying the theory of billiards, you can begin to improve your technique.
Each player must develop his own tactics and approach to shots, because this is the only way to bring his game to stability.
Principles of Billiards
To play a quality game you need to know many factors:
- Sighting eye. It is wrong to think that every player aims with his left or right eye just because it is convenient. Of course, most often the aiming eye is the one that is used to aim, but sometimes this is a significant mistake. It happens that only the left or right eye is targeted, and sometimes both. To determine this for yourself, you need to put the chalk on the short side of the table, and stand on the opposite side. Then you need to point your finger at it and close your eyes one by one, focusing your gaze on it. If, when closing the left eye, the finger clearly points to the chalk, then the right eye is aimed, and vice versa. In the case when the finger moves slightly to the sides when closing one and the other eye, they are both aimed.
- Aim point.
- Before you make a shot, you need to determine the point on the ball where you need to aim in order to get into the pocket. To do this, you need to imagine a line that runs from the middle of the pocket you want to hit to the center of the ball. And on its reverse side is the true aiming point. When the cue ball and the ball come into contact right here, a “goal” in the pocket is guaranteed. True, it is very important to make an accurate strike here. For experienced athletes, this will not be difficult to do, but beginners still need to practice. To make the right shot, you need to concentrate well on it and confidently play with the cue, making only a few swings. If you make more than five swings, the blow will be incorrect. The reason for this is the relaxation of the eye muscles from excessive tension, which lasts only a few seconds.
Player stance.
There is no standard stance, it is different for each player. It depends on his physique, the type of billiards and the height of the table. But there are some recommendations regarding body position while aiming and striking:
Balance. The body is motionless, the load is evenly distributed on both legs, and the hand, which is the rest for the cue, does not experience the load;
The forearm is perpendicular to the table, this position is maintained during impact;
- The hand holding the cue should feel free and comfortable without affecting the thigh or other parts of the body;
The position of the cue should be parallel to the table.
Closed is based on wrapping the index finger around the shaft to be able to limit its vibration. This makes a huge difference in hitting the ball confidently. The hand should be palm down and all fingers should point to one o'clock. The cue is placed across the thumb and second joint of the middle finger. At this time, the shaft is grasped with the index finger, and the thumb reaches towards it, thereby forming a closed ring around the shaft. The arm is straightened at the forearm, the elbow is fixed, you just need to slightly loosen the grip of the shaft. This way, the cue can easily pass between your fingers, but not wobble in different directions. If inconvenience occurs, the shaft should be rubbed with chalk or a special glove should be worn.
The open bridge is used more by people who do not have sufficient joint flexibility. The hand again lies on the table, palm down, with all fingers pointing in one direction. Instead of forming a ring around the shaft with your index finger, you need to lift the tip of your thumb slightly, forming a V. If you want to raise the cue, just pull your fingers up so that your palm resembles an inverted bowl. Rarely, but still used, a bridge is used when the thumb is raised and the rest form a fist.
It is best to start training with beginners in order to get used to the table and cue, then the support of a more experienced player is needed. Special attention it is necessary to pay attention to the technology of the strike and remember well the best solutions in repeated situations. There is no need to be afraid to ask your mentor again in order to successfully get out of a situation in the game.
It is advisable not to rush, but to carefully plan your moves. At first, it is better not to play for more than two hours, since overwork usually reduces the performance of the game.
Have a wonderful time in the billiard room and good luck in the game!
A short tutorial on how to play billiards
The 21st century is the century of speed. People are always in a hurry to get somewhere, trying to get as much done in a day as possible. With such living conditions, we do not have time to attend billiards courses, and learning to play is not so easy. Professionals spend years honing their skills and often train to stay in shape. Dedicated to those who still want to teach how to play billiards, but belong to that part of our fellow citizens who always don’t have enough time!
Everyone can learn some basics, using which they can begin to train hard. Maybe this small benefit will even save you some money on courses for a young billiards player.
A little useful tips in the style of “where to start”
1. Initially, accept the fact that you need to start training with a beginner like you. Only in this case will you be able to learn how to correctly place your foot, guide your hand, and generally stand at the table. After you have managed to get used to the billiard table, start training with an experienced player. The main attention should be paid to the behavior of the cue and the technology of hitting the cue ball. Memorize the compositions and the best solutions. If the situation on the green is repeated, try to repeat the shot you have already seen. Watch a professional again and again. Only then, by evaluating your mistakes and copying the methods of a professional player, will you be able to gradually increase your level.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask your partner again. If the situation on the table has put you at a dead end, contact a mentor who will always help best solution. After all, you are just learning.
3. Don't think that a handicap will help you win. On the contrary, points that were simply added will instill a deceptive sense of superiority. This will only hinder your concentration.
4. You don’t always need to pot balls and try to get out of a difficult situation; sometimes you just need to win back. If you think carefully, you can lose a series and a point, but put your partner in a difficult position. It is very likely that by trying to cope with the position of the balls, the opponent will create an excellent gaming situation on the table, which will allow you not only to return the spent point, but to earn much more. Just don't use this technique too often. By constantly playing defense, you increase your opponent's chances of winning. A football team that never leaves its half of the field has little chance of winning, but a very good chance of losing. Play freely, sometimes making your experienced partner think hard and get a little nervous. Take moderate risks. Remember that the risk must be justified, otherwise your opponent may have a chance to end the game with an easy serve of your cue.
5. When entering the striking position, you should not pot the ball as effectively as you think. Excessive noise and the possibility of balls flying out will not lead to good things. A shot in which the cue ball reaches a new striking position looks much more impressive. On the other hand, winning back the expected effective shot when the cue ball rolls out to an inconvenient position for the opponent will be no less impressive.
6. Don't strike right away. It is necessary to carefully examine the current situation. Sometimes the comeback or strike that suggests itself turns out to be completely wrong. Billiards requires no less planning than chess.
7. Do not play for more than two hours in a row, otherwise your performance will begin to decline sharply due to overwork.
Professionalism in the game of billiards is a multifaceted concept, including not only the ability to strike an accurate shot, but the ability to plan for a long time and the banal skills of correct positioning near the table.
The proposed materials will help you become familiar with the rules of the main types of billiards, learn how to hold a cue correctly and make a shot. By the way, it is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the most common definitions before studying the canons of billiards.
During the training, everyone will be able to comprehend widespread techniques, combinations, as well as the subtle psychology of the game. After all, if there are equal players at the table, the one whose knowledge is more extensive will win.
Playing billiards is an interesting and exciting activity. Surely your friends have repeatedly invited you to “roll the balls”, but you refused due to lack of experience or interest. But if you have never played billiards, you need to learn how to do it and our article will help you take the first steps.
Absolutely anyone can master the rules of the game, which will help advance their training. Many people don’t play just because they don’t have the desire. We present to your attention a series of tips that you need to follow when getting used to the billiard table if you do not want to enroll in a sports school.
1. Where should a beginner start the game?
If you enroll in a billiards training school, you will be paired with a beginner just like you, so the conclusion is that you need to start training with an inexperienced partner. During this time (several days) you will learn to hold the cue in your hand more or less correctly, approach the table correctly, etc.
After you get used to the pool table, you can find a more experienced player. He will explain the technical aspects, but even after that, pay attention to how he holds the cue and how he hits the balls. Follow the game situation, remember the location of the balls on the table, the next time they stand approximately the same as you have already seen, make a shot previously performed in such a situation by an experienced mentor. Constantly watch the game of a professional, copy his playing methods and various techniques. This way you will begin to understand the “picture” of the game and everything will become easier for you over time.
2. Always ask your mentor, which ball is better to hit in this situation and, in general, what is the right thing to do? Don't be shy and don't think it's shameful. You are a beginner, and you simply must ask as many questions as possible. Moreover, this must be done in any field and profession.
3. There is no need to rejoice when an experienced mentor allows himself to be won. This will not add to your experience, and besides, you simply won’t be able to really concentrate on the game. You can even tell your partner not to do it.
4. Once it’s your turn, you don’t need to pot the balls as if you were a super player. What if you hit a lamp installed above the table with a ball flying overboard, or damage your equipment.
5. If the balls are “inconvenient”, it is not at all necessary to try to get out of the difficult situation. To do this, you can make a strike so that the situation does not change and it is also difficult for the enemy to make a choice. But when he tries to “score”, he can create such a position of the balls on the table from which it will not be difficult for you to roll them into the hole. Don't forget about the risk. There is no need to be afraid all the time that the balls will not fit “right”, so sometimes take risks. It also happens that after making such a decision, two balls “fly” into the pocket at once.
6. Don’t rush to hit the ball with your cue right away. First, look carefully at how the balls are positioned on the table. Sometimes you really want to throw a punch, but in reality it is far from optimal. Therefore, plan every blow.
7. There is no need to play for more than two hours without a break, attention will begin to decline, the result will worsen.
Another way to learn to play billiards is to enroll in a training school. For vocational training, children are sent there from the age of four to five, and you can come at any time. There they will teach you how to hold a cue correctly, stand near the table, “calculate” winning situations, and “read” the game.
To learn how to play faster, do it constantly. Many people spend the whole day at the table, honing their skills. You need to get excited about the idea, you should be very interested, then you will learn to play in one or two days, not at a professional, but at an amateur level.
It would seem that what could be easier than rolling balls? In fact, the game of billiards is one of the most difficult, since all elements are equally important: shot force, stance, angle, etc. To become a player high level, you need to train a lot and make every effort. However, you can understand the most basic techniques and the essence of the game in theory in a few minutes. How to play billiards correctly? First you need to come to the establishment and rent a table. You should be careful when choosing a cue and pay attention to the sticker that is glued to the end. It should be made in the form of a sphere and hold well. If there is chalk near the table, then you can start playing.
Rules of Russian billiards
There are two most popular types of this game all over the world: Russian and American. Let's look at them in order. How to play Russian billiards correctly? First you need to take a special triangle, position it so that the vertex stands at a certain point (it will be visible on the table). All balls except one are placed in a triangle. The game can be started from any side. The ball that is not in the triangle is intended for the first strike. It must be placed on another special point on the opposite side.
The player makes the first shot, and if any of the balls are pocketed, he continues. In case of an unsuccessful result, the right to shoot passes to another player. Here, two shots in billiards are distinguished: “alien” and “own”. The first looks like this: a player hits a ball, which, in turn, pushes another ball into the pocket. “Brother-in-law” is when the first ball hits another and flies into the pocket. Such a blow is typical only for the Russian type of game.
American billiards
The rules of the game (pool) differ significantly from Russian ones. Here the game is faster, easier and more fun. For a beginner, this type of billiards is the most suitable, since the pockets are several centimeters wider and, if desired, you can shoot several balls into one at once.
How to play American billiards correctly? To begin with, you also need to assemble a pyramid of balls, and place a white ball on the opposite side (all hits will be made on it). Then the player who got the first move breaks the triangle. The opponents need to decide which balls each of them will play. There are striped and colored balls here. Players must only pocket cue balls of their own type. In addition, there is a black ball that must be pocketed last. If it flies during the game, the player who hit is considered a loser. The game is considered correctly played if one of the opponents has rolled all his balls, and then the black one.
Basic mistakes of newbies
How to play billiards correctly? To learn this art, you must first of all have a strong desire. One of the most obvious ways is to visit a billiards club with friends. Just start playing, follow other, more experienced players, listen to advice and try to improve your level. About 95% of all beginners do this, and this is their main mistake. The fact is that not all people playing next to you are professionals, and their advice can be harmful.
To avoid such a development of events, you must immediately learn correctly, and for this you need to communicate only with high-level players. Playing on the level of intuition will not lead to success. No one has yet learned to hit the ball correctly, see the game and control it this way.
First steps
As in any other business, billiards has theory and practice. Of course, the process of playing is very important in order to become a professional. But no one has yet canceled the theoretical part. First you need to learn the rules of the game. As already noted, there are several types of billiards, the main ones being Russian and American. Everyone chooses for themselves the one that is closest to them.
In addition, there are billiard schools where, for a certain fee, they can make a good player out of any person. But you don’t have to visit this establishment to become a professional. Oddly enough, there is literature on billiards, and quite a lot of it. Most beginners are not interested in this and their skills will not be very effective. This is a very important step that will help you build the right tactics in the future. Thanks to books, you can learn the basics of this game, knowledge of which will make the learning process more interesting and faster.
Rack selection
The correct stance is half the success. This term refers to the position of the body during impact. However, to learn how to stand up correctly, you don’t have to hit the balls. First you need to take a cue and wrap your fingers about ten centimeters from its heavy end. The tool should not dangle, but you shouldn’t strain your hand either.
Then you need to go to the billiard table and place the thin end of the cue on its edge perpendicularly. The right leg should be placed under the hand right hand. The left leg needs to be pulled to the left and placed half a meter in front of the right. Then left hand need to be placed under the cue. It should go between the thumb and the knuckle of the index finger. The remaining fingers play the role of support. The palm should be on the table and the knuckles raised.
Then you need to put your head so that your chin is ten centimeters above the cue. Usually beginners always have shoulder pain, but this is a good sign. This means he did everything right, and with regular training the unpleasant feeling will go away.
Billiard shots
When answering the question of how to play billiards correctly, experienced players answer: first you need to learn how to hit the balls. It is recommended to use chalk before each action to help create friction. After this, you need to choose the ball that is best to hit and the direction where it will ultimately hit. Then you should use the rules for getting into a stance. It must be formed so that the line of impact passes through the center of the ball that should be hit and coincides with this direction.
Many establishments hold billiards tournaments, and it is better to attend them if possible. Professionals play there, and watching their actions, you can note something important for yourself. It should be remembered that before hitting you need to carry out several warm-up movements. The gaze should first be directed to the point where the cue ball will hit, then check whether the cue rests on the center of the ball, and finally pay attention to the aiming level.
Meaning of Impact and Stance
In any billiards school, the main focus is on these components. Whatever one may say, there is nothing to do in this game without the correct stance and the right shot. These skills deteriorate over time, so you need to constantly train them. Moreover, it is not necessary to do this during the game. You can come to the establishment yourself, rent a billiards table and practice your shots.
Before moving on to this component, you need to be able to stand up correctly. After all, it is almost impossible to make a good shot without the right approach. Therefore, in specialized schools they first train the stance. It is also recommended to watch video lessons and attend billiards tournaments. In most cases, entry to the competition is free, but the experience gained is invaluable.
Exercises for beginners
- Dry kick training. Here you need to move the cue along the line several times, you need to make sure that it does not go to the side.
- Hit “your” ball into the pocket. This is quite simple to do, but the process will build strength and precision.
- Hit someone else's ball. Little by little you need to try to introduce another cue ball into your training and try to hit it.
- Cut blows.
These steps represent a certain algorithm that must be followed when setting a shot. Even experienced players sometimes practice by placing two balls on the center line of the table. There are many ways out of this situation. The simplest one is to hit the “alien” ball into the middle pocket.
In this case, “one of our own” can bounce anywhere, and the next blow will be quite difficult to perform. Therefore, the position of the ball after impact is of great importance in the game. Professionals can make a klapstoss (a blow to the center of the cue ball), in which “their” ball will remain in place. If you hit with a backdrop, the cue ball will roll back and there is a chance of hitting the opposite pocket. If you hit with a roll, “your” will roll after the other and, perhaps, two cue balls will fly in at once. This training will help you hone your skills in different types strikes, if such a situation arises during the game, there will be many options.
Training with a trainer
Many people believe that working with a professional is necessary on the path to becoming a high-level player. There is some truth to this. We have already looked at how to play billiards correctly and what is needed for this. If the goal is to become, then self-study is not enough. In this case, working with a trainer is mandatory.
Playing constantly among experts is worth a lot. After all, by training with the best, your skills develop faster. Once all the basics are covered, you can learn different tricks. There are a huge number of them in billiards, just standing or screwing. Of course, it is very difficult to perform such shots, but if you try, you can become a master of the game.
Some tips from professional players:
- The first blow that breaks the triangle is called a "break". To successfully perform it, it is recommended to place the cue ball not at the central point, but 10-15 cm to the left or right.
- To punch strongly, you need to stand up correctly. Feet shoulder-width apart, right on the cue line, left toe at a right angle.
- To make a good blow, you need support. You cannot jerk your hand; the cue should be placed between the thumb and index finger.
- The height of the support must be adjusted so that the cue rests 1-2 mm above the center of the cue ball.
- For a soft blow you need correct location cue. It should lie on the pads of the striking hand. While aiming, the weight must be kept on the back leg, then suddenly transferred to the front leg and punched hard. If you do everything right, the blow will turn out great.