Improve At 8-Ball Pool
You’re interested in buying a pool table but worried you won’t be any good? Don’t worry. It’s not a hard game and we’re here to help iron out any of those early mistakes so you can quickly become adept at pool, snooker or billiards.
Avoid these mistakes to improve faster and protect your table!
1. Poor Stance & Grip
Mistake: Leaning awkwardly, gripping the cue too tight.
Solution: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, bend slightly at the waist.
Hold the cue loosely (fingers, not palm) for smoother strokes.
Pro Tip: Imagine holding a bird—tight enough to keep it, loose enough not to crush it.
2. Ignoring the Importance of Chalk
Mistake: Skipping chalk or applying it incorrectly.
Solution: Chalk before every shot to prevent miscues.
Twist the chalk (don’t rub) for even coverage.
Pro Tip: You can order chalk or any other accessories you need from our extensive range.
3. Hitting Too Hard
Mistake: Power ≠ accuracy (keep the balls on the table!)
Solution: Focus on controlled, medium-speed shots.
Follow the motion through after hitting the cue. Don’t jerk it up and away on contact.
Use soft hits for position play.
Pro Tip: Like an excellent golf putt, precision over power.
4. Not Planning Ahead
Mistake: Only thinking about the current shot.
Solution: Scan the table for what you think the next few shots will be.
Position the cue ball for future angles.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure if you’ll pot then hit the ball gently enough to leave it near the cushion and restrict their shot.
5. Using the Wrong Cue
Mistake: Borrowing a warped/cheap cue or using a house cue.
Solution: Invest in a proper cue.
Pro Tip: Generally if you’re over 5 foot 7 you’ll be best suited for a 57″ cue. If not then opt for something shorter for better control.
6. Neglecting Pool Table Maintenance
Mistake: Letting felt get dirty or not levelling the table.
Solution: Brush felt weekly. Keep drinks away (it’s easier to avoid a spill than undo one).
Use a carpenter’s level to check for unevenness, adjust the pool table levellers till perfectly flat.
Pro Tip: Our expert fitters will ensure a flat surface so you won’t need to worry about a flat setup if you buy from us.
Emergency: We offer a recovering service if the worst happens and the pool table felt or cushions are damaged.
7. Misjudging Spin
Mistake: Overusing side spin without understanding its effects.
Solution: Start with centre cue ball hits until comfortable.
Practice simple top/bottom spin first.
Pro Tip: A pro cue ball has small red dots on the surface that make it much easier to visualise the applied spin.
No one becomes a pro overnight but these are a few of the small things you can implement in order to rapidly improve at pool (or other cue sports) from 0. We hope you feel more confident to pick up a cue and if you want to practice at home we have you covered. Choose and customise your table and we’ll deliver and install it for you and provide all the free accessories necessary to start playing immediately!
