How can I get better at playing 8 ball pool ?

Question

Hi all,

how can I get better at playing pool e.g. aiming etc.... also is jumping the cue ball a legal shot ?

any advice is most welcome :)

Answer 1

Practice, practice, oh...... PRACTICE!

And no, I do not think that it is an illegal shot.

Answer 2

Jumping is legal and all you can do is practice.

Use a lazer pointer or chalk to mark your guide marks.

math helps for the angle shots

Answer 3

Practice and spend time watching experienced players.

A jump shot is perfectly legal if performed correctly. If it is done by striking down on the cueball and not by pushing your stick under the cueball.

Answer 4

Practice is indeed the most important part of getting better at anything. However it sure helps if you know what and how to practice. Having the help of an instructor or a good instructional book can be a huge asset. I don't know if you have any good instructors in your area, but as far as books go, Robert Byrne or Phil Capelle both have very good books.

As far as jumps go, it is legal to jump the cue ball as long as you do it by hitting down on the cue ball NOT scooping under it. Check out the link below to see 2 videos showing  the difference.

Answer 5

The most helpful thing i ever found out,is putting my right foot on the imaginary line through the cue-ball and object ball.It makes everything else easier and more consistent.

If you mean english eightball rather than american,try a book called on cue.by mark shepherd.

Answer 6

Well practice a lot and watch people who you feel are better than you. Go online and look for 8 ball tips.

Jumping the cue ball is legal if you do it the right way. You must come down on the ball and jump it. There is a series of videos on youtube called Deans pool tips. Look for Deans tip on the jump shot. Also in my opinion it is better to have a jump cue

Answer 7

According to the WPA jumps shots are allowed in 8-Ball and 9-Ball, but Im a foreigner who plays in team league in the Philippines and Jumping is never allowed. Pratice ofcourse can help anyones game, but I recommend finding a couple good videos.  Learning good ball control was what turned my game around. Anyone can make shots but good ball control is what keeps you at the table and your opponent warming his A$$. There are four basic aiming points on the cue ball which can control speed and direction; top, bottom, right side (english) and left side (english), with variations like top right, center right, bottom right etc etc. Learning how to use those is half the battle. You need to learn the how to stop the cue ball or make it run, or to draw it back, and even make it swerve (called the masse') around other balls. Thats about all I can tell you.