Pool Tutorial - Stop hitting the ball so hard! | Pool School

In this pool tutorial we look at why it is so important to not hit the ball too hard. We examine the shape of the pockets and why from certain angles the ball has to hit a cushion before falling into the pocket and how pace effects that. We look at how hitting the ball hard effects the straightness of our cueing. Finally we look at how add pace on the cue ball makes it harder to predict it's final position so makes positional play more difficult.

The shots are carried out on a 7ft UK 8 ball table

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Products used in this video

Elkmaster Pro Tips

Super Aramith Pro Cup pool balls (with carry case)

Balls without case

Triangle ProChalk

8 Ball Cue Rack

[johnstorton]

I was playing pool with a buddy (not AT ALL an experienced player), and he was slamming every shot as hard as he could. He couldn't understand why the balls would bounce out of the pockets. I explained to him that he wasn't hitting the ball hard enough; that if he were to hit the ball just a little bit harder, the ball would crash through the pocket, through the table and across the room, making it impossible for the ball to return to the table (unless it happened to bounce off a few walls and back onto the table.

[markbaker]

Much appreciated. Just started playing spin for cue ball control and noticed more pocket rattle outs. I thought it was side spin transferred to the the object ball that was causing it to spin out. I'll need to work on getting cue ball position with softer shots especially for sharp angles into the corners.

Love your videos. I consider myself quite knowledgeable in pool but still really enjoy watching your videos. They're always very informative and pedagogical. Great work!

[Ocean]

This is very helpul, and a great reminder; I have a tendency to hit the ball too hard especially on a draw shots. Thanks so much for sharing!1

[ZombiesMyPizza]

I've noticed you can play the extreme majority of shots with 3/10, 4/10 and 5/10 strokes, in terms of shot power. My cue ball control improved dramatically when I did the up-and-down-the-table cue ball drill at these 3 different stroke speeds until I could play each one the same way each time, having a target to stop the cue ball in for each one.

[afterhoursautomotive]

Been waiting for you to upload!! Need more tips 😂😂

[andreaseastrand]

Oh did I ever need this video…
Thank you!

[kaygee]

content is solid and relevant. thats just my two cents

[dlumbreras]

This is a game changer for me much thanks 🙏🏽🎱

[charlesdavis]

Outstanding video! Good job!
I liked the “soft game” better, and now I understand why.
It’s lots of fun to do a sharp stun shot! But when it comes to making balls, I love the art and results of the soft shot.
Again: excellent video for both info and production value. Showing the 3 ball results in transparency is an incredibly effective training tool. Kudos who every thought of and who executed the video production.

[gurdeepchumber]

Must say what a great tutorial video.... Absolutely 💯 agree...I try to hit the ball around medium pace & try to work the white ball rather than hitting the ball harder.... sometimes I fall foul of hitting the ball hard & missing....great video & keep up the good work 👍🏽💯

[alfiepenfold]

Thanks this help because im starting summer league in pool

[DanP-ve]

You make some great little videos. I discovered I was hitting to hard the other day. Been playing for 5 months and had not had a break and dish. I slowed everything down including shot pace and all of a sudden the game seemed 5 X easier. I'm completely self taught. Hard to find YouTube vids for English pool. Thanks

[brockseals]

You would typically not be striking balls in the center pockets hard for any reason other that getting out of a scratch or ball position up the table that is a no brainer and of course the sliding pocket line on a side shot is going to roll up and down the table farther that is a given. I like to strike many of my shots harder than most. You are correct the pocket is shallower at faster speed you just need to identify which shots need to be slowed down . Sometimes I rattle one but so does everyone. I find I am more accurate on most shots and I find the percentage of some shots go way up when I get the ball there. I don't have to adjust for cut induced through and seemingly know where to hit the ball for the direct angle and try not to use the rails. I would say 75% of my shots are stun and the I find my white position on regular shots not side shot to be very manageable and travel far less distance than if the stun wasn't carried to the ball. Many shots with specific angles require a certain speed to be pocketed fast or slow. My low deflection shaft helps the swerve of the ball and delivers a nice crisp hit. Some shots not just straight ones with some technique it doesn't seem to matter if how hard they are hit. I agree with you but I don't play like that. If i were to roll every shot at a snails pace like most people, Personally I believe I would make far far less shots. And once you have pocketed a shot a thousand times or more and with a little body mechanics to refine the aim, it becomes increasing easy to pocket balls at faster speed. I hit about 500 balls a day, I am scratching less, I'm making more balls then ever and my game has actually skyrocketed from the low deflection shaft and striking the ball a bit harder. Your stroke must be solid thought. I can pocket most shots on the table and i really enjoy the challenge and i like the feel. I am very competitive and I wouldn't do it if it didn't work for me. The fact is not all balls can be hit hard and some cannot be hit hard at all like the side pockets. Good stuff though

[alfiepenfold]

Have you got a video that shows you how to control the cue ball

[brandonriordan]

I've been super aware that I need to shoot softer this season I ended up in the running for 1st right now sitting comfortably in 2nd currently...just because I'm hitting softer

[dnbmania]

Could you make a video about a thought process when picking a pattern? I think what I'm looking for is quite advanced though. When I am watching pros play blackball I'm trying to see the pattern in my head but they have a greater vision for the shots (ie when to play for something, when to develop). Is there a specific thought process I could learn to improve? Thanks in advanced

[leestockdill]

As soon as i see people hitting it hard on every shot i get my 10er out 🤣

[kingkitchener]

This is something that I am very guilty of! Quite often once I think I have overcome this issue and forced it out of my game, I find that the old habits creep back. I think it is because I am a very aggressive player and that slight aggression shows in the way that I play. Perhaps you could make a video on keeping a stable and calm frame of mind while playing, I feel that this is the biggest issue within my game at the moment. I let my emotions dictate how I play!

[ahmedrahmouni]

do you play pool using a snooker cue
i do too cause i like the thiner shaft, but as i'm looking for a new cue just for pool i'm wondering if i should stick with snooker one or get a decent 13mm one ??