8-BALL 2nd-Ball Break Strategy ... How to POCKET THE 8 ON THE BREAK

Dr. Dave explores the 8-ball 2nd-ball break used to pocket a ball, get a good spread for a chance at a run-out, and give yourself a chance to pocket the 8-ball on the break.
Content:
0:00 - Intro
0:23 - Standard 8-Ball Power Break
0:55 - 2nd-Ball Break
3:07 - Bar Box vs. 9’ Table
5:20 - Break Statistics
6:26 - Wrap Up
---- 7:21 - break montage
Supporting Resources:
- Video Encyclopedia of Eight Ball (VEEB): drdavebilliards.com/videos/8-...
- “8-Ball RUN-OUTS and BREAK ADVICE” video: • Dr. Dave 8-Ball RUN-OU...
- “Best Pool BREAK SHOTS of All Time” video: • Best Pool BREAK SHOTS ...
- break technique advice: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/b...
- getting a tight rack resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/b...
- break shot resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/b...
- 8-ball break resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/b...
- bar box vs. 9-foot table strategy differences: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/s...
- 8-ball break statistics: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/b...
Subscribe to Dr. Dave's KZbin Channel:
kzbin.info...
Follow Dr. Dave on Facebook:
/ drdavebilliards
Show your Support (click on the donation button at the bottom of this page):
billiards.colostate.edu/
Purchase Dr. Dave's Instructional Videos and Merchandise:
DrDaveBilliards.com/stream/ (stream or download)
DrDaveBilliards.com/ (physical DVDs)
DrDaveBilliards.com/products/... (product info and purchasing advice)
drdavebilliardtshirts.com/ (T-shirts, polos, mugs, posters)
Find Answers to Any Pool Questions:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/
Look Up Definitions for Pool Terms and Phrases:
billiards.colostate.edu/gloss...
Get Your Pool Diploma:
billiarduniversity.org/
Attend a 3-Day Pool Boot Camp or Take a Private Lesson:
billiarduniversity.org/instru...
drdavebilliards.com/instructi...
Learn More About Dr. Dave:
billiards.colostate.edu/dr-dave
Good Luck With Your Game!!!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

*Content:* 0:00 - Intro 0:23 - Standard 8-Ball Power Break 0:55 - 2nd-Ball Break 3:07 - Bar Box vs. 9’ Table 5:20 - Break Statistics 6:26 - Wrap Up ---- 7:21 - break montage *Supporting Resources:* - Video Encyclopedia of Eight Ball (VEEB): drdavebilliards.com/videos/8-ball/ - “8-Ball RUN-OUTS and BREAK ADVICE” video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3ikdpl7bJaKhsU - “Best Pool BREAK SHOTS of All Time” video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJu8pXmshLqtmM0 - break technique advice: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/advice/ - getting a tight rack resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/racking/tight/ - break shot resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/ - 8-ball break resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/ - bar box vs. 9-foot table strategy differences: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/strategy/bar-box/ - 8-ball break statistics: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/stats/#8-ball

[@sandman7ac]

Thanks again for another great video. I have a 7’ table and a friend has an 8’. We play 8 ball almost exclusively. Getting a ball on the break definitely keeps me in control of the table. I will practice this technique. Thanks for covering all three sizes.

[@rumjack5286]

Monday is league night for me it's nice to see a Dr Dave video before I leave

[@zahidsalam5704]

Thanks for another timely video. Finally got myself an 8footer for the house, so I may actually be able to practice this.

[@alexaguilar4857]

Great video, thanks Dr Dave

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. I'm glad you liked it.

[@thesilversurfer285]

Another great video - why am I not surprised??? Thanks Dr. Dave!!!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome, and thank you! I'm glad you liked it.

[@jasonnieuwenhuis335]

Happy you addressed the bar box. I have beautiful 9 foot, my buddy has an 8, but we play league on 7 valleys and diamonds. They’re all different and similar.

[@Jesse_James_Dj]

Great Video!!!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks!!!

[@DaveSpicerUK]

Another classic, thanks Dr Dave 👏

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you, and you're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@nuggers23]

I love that ending compilation, soooooo satisfying!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

My arm hurt after that, but the montage was fun to watch for me too.

[@nuggers23]

@@DrDaveBilliards working on my break as well as much time invested in playing 9ball have finally brought me to my pool hall weekly tournament semifinal yesterday, after few fonsecutive quarter-finals. Back then I knew I had to improve my break and rotation game by few percents to move on. And it worked exactly as planned. Interestingly enough - I never see other people practicing breaks, that includes my colleagues from my pool hall team...

[@DBreeazyy]

I like the second ball break for a few reasons, for example: there are usually more clusters of balls that tie together to play safe with, especially if you can't get shape for the out.

[@STRAIGHTUPSTEAM]

I just made the 8 ball on break 2 days ago on a 9’ table for the first time ever, not uncommon on a bar table. Thanks doc keep up the great vids

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You’re welcome, and thank you.

[@incabey1]

i also watched this video and after 5 days made the 8 off the break. the pool hall went crazy!!!! the guy said he's been working there for years and only saw that one other time!

[@thegodofpez]

Thanks for the tutorial! I’ll give it a whirl. 🙌

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@CocoboloCowboy]

Anothe great video Dave,short, precise, and too point.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks.

[@giraffeapproved]

I always just assumed you had to hit the first ball on the break. This video is great!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you liked it. You do need to hit the first ball (the 1) in 9-ball and 10-ball, but not in 8-ball.

[@lazarkrcadinac1199]

Hvala gospodine Dive ja nisam obratio pažnju na tactick u biliaru a najviše sam gledao gospodju SANDY i vas i još 3. Vaša snimka a na tactick nisam video a znam da mora i tu da ima jer je biliar i cess dva ista sporta sa malim razlikama .hvala mnogo na dodatnim videima.😅😅😅😅.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome.

[@ericlouy]

great tutorial on breaking 🤘

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. FYI, more info and advice dealing with the 8-ball break can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/

[@maVerick--V]

Good point

[@rickcarson9423]

Thanks, Dr. Dave. Good info and demonstration. I use that break exclusively. However, I apply extreme low right to the cue ball. If you break from the left side you would apply extreme low left to prevent the scratch in the corner. Just the way I was taught. Eight ball breaks abound with this technique!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Center ball works fine if you hit the 2nd ball square enough.

[@rickcarson9423]

@@DrDaveBilliards Yes, I see that now. Getting a direct hit on that second ball is key.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@rickcarson9423 Bingo!

[@raygrinders3918]

@@DrDaveBilliards Hi, No-spin Ray, again. At the almost-extreme speed of the break shot, isn't adding any sidespin useless and error-prone? (Too fast for gear effect, eh?) My second-ball breaks scratch about 10% of the time, but I feel they are caused by an off-center cueing more than any intended English could have prevented them.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yes. Using sidespin (intentionally or not) on a power break shot is generally a terrible idea.

[@BackSeatHump]

Yes, I did learn more from this video but it brings me closer to suspecting that pool can be as predictable as tic-tac-toe and that doesn't make me very happy.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The break in 8-ball is far from predictable, even at the top level.

[@CharlesB147]

It's probably closer to chess. While you can learn a lot of theory on it, even at a high level, there's a lot that's unpredictable, and I think it comes down to the same reason in pool, chess, tennis, whatever you do - the human element. 🤔

[@myblacklab7]

My experience with pool makes me think the opposite. Something weird can always happen, but if you actually think the game is too simple, you can always play Honolulu Rules or even just bank pool. If you watch bank pool, you'll see that even the pros almost never run the table.

[@groovygrover190]

Is it with age we give away secrets, LOL. I tried this technique for years with some success, except for nipping the first ball. Now I aim for the back middle ball with some inside and slight draw from stun and get even better results.

[@stevenhilbourn4055]

Knowing what needs to be made an making what needs to be made are totally different!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You should be a writer for fortune cookies. :)

[@raferb]

Great video Dave. I play in the Longmont APA League. If you find yourself in the area on a Friday night, drop by the Moose Lodge and I’ll buy you a drink and we can practice our breaks against each other!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I haven’t been to the Longmont Moose Lodge before. I should change that some day.

[@curtispetit986]

When I started playing, I used to used the 2nd ball break from the side and it worked most of the time. Did make the 8 ball a couple of times that way. As I started playing more and more, I started using a head on break and broke the balls up better that way. I have made it a few times this way as well. Making the 8 on the break is more about luck than skill. When I play against high handicapped players, I do go for the side break more than the head on. I make the 9 ball on the snap more than I do the 8 ball.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed, at a make percentage close to 5%, making the 8 on the break definitely requires some luck.

[@cheflonniewhite2292]

I've been really working on my break and at first ball break on bar boxes with the regular racks is maybe 40%.

[@genejoe]

Nice video again. I have a question. I always have a problem with pocketing a ball at 10 ball. Can you make a video of that?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Done. See the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/10-ball/

[@exscalliber]

Great video as always, I play a local league that plays on bar boxes and I find that break shots are really 50/50. The rack is impossible to keep tight so you have to manipulate the rack in a predictable way. Do you have any videos on Barbox breaking that gets the most success when the rack is not tight? I'm going to give this center ball side break a Go and see if I get any more success.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I've had better success with the 2nd-ball break in leagues (on bar boxes that don't rack well) over the years.

[@donnieking5311]

I used to be able to make that 8 ball 5 out of 10 times on a 8 ft valley table. I quit for 25 years and started back recently, 3 out of 20 maybe now.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You should post a video showing us this. That would be impressive to see.

[@enigma3750]

The break shown with all stripes/solids together and opposite spread is the result of PATTERN RACKING as demonstrated by Corey Deuel

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I cover Corey’s 8-ball pattern-racking trick and other cheat codes in the 8-ball section here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/pattern/

[@brendabaker739]

I've been not shooting pool learning how for around 2 years now cuz I fiancé passed away April 1st 2020 and I had to get out and do something but I know the person will I played pool at I don't play with a team said help me keep on friends that act like it didn't want me on a team and I've been watching your tapes and your movies I wish I could get some books I love to have that but she was talking about them five books but I don't have the money I'm on the fencing and people been saying they were going to get me a pool stick but they never got me one yet and I need one till the ones I use is no good not to me it ain't I'm from Goldsboro North Carolina I need me a good pool stick that I can pin on I hope you keep on winning and practically show me your videos I enjoy them God bless you keep you and your family very safe and I'll keep you in my prayers in Jesus name amen

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm sorry to hear about your fiancé.

[@stefan3225]

I have a buddy who uses this break and it seems to cause more clusters and messy run outs. I believe this is an advantage for him since it limits run outs against him…

[@cheflonniewhite2292]

Clusters are good when you playing a run-out player. Not really good if you run our player

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good points. As I say and show in the video, the clusters seem to occur more with a poorly hit break (or bad rack), where you are also less likely to pocket a ball. But you want the table bad for your opponent when you don't pocket a ball!

[@caseysrodeo14]

Dr. Dave, thank you for all your informative videos here on KZbin. Quick question, do you have a hands on opinion in regards to balls most likely being pocketed for 8 ball breaks? 2nd Ball break, off center for the apex ball, etc, etc? I find personally I can be extremely inconsistent with the off center apex break. Also my level of frequency in scratching is very habitual... the only way for me to consistently break off center with out scratching is a more under speed break.... Just curious, Thank you....

[@DrDaveBilliards]

All the balls likely to go with various 8-ball breaks can be found in the illustrations and videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/

[@RadioTom103]

In our league, a scratch on the break does not result in a Ball-in-Hand. You must place the cue ball in the "Kitchen." After that, all fouls result in a Ball-in-Hand.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good point. Most leagues and tournament reward "ball in hand" in the "kitchen" after a scratch on the break.

[@RadioTom103]

@@DrDaveBilliards that's what I meant! Thanks for another great video!

[@infidel1993]

Same rules apply in APA league play, but only in 8-ball.

[@Quikshiver]

What a bout 8' tables? Also, when I try the 2nd ball break, I often send the cue ball flying off of the table. Why might that be? Thanks Dr Dave!

[@ericschneid3274]

If your cue is elevated the cb tends to skip , imho

[@DrDaveBilliards]

8' is between 7' and 9', so the results are somewhere in between. Concerning the CB flying off the table, that is probably due to not having your cue as level as possible (as Eric mentioned), or from using too much speed.

[@Quikshiver]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@jasonsanders9054]

Hey on the 9 foot table. I've seen a lot of people have success hitting in between the second on third ball. About half a tip of low. On a bar box you can't draw out of the scratch but on a 9 foot you can. It's about a 16 Mile an hour break

[@shawjoe71]

Third ball break on a barbox can work really well. Its illegal in some tournaments.

[@therealthreadkilla]

On another note. Most people don't rack parallel with the foot rail so whichever way they tilt the rack gives a big advantage for 8 ball breaks as that 2nd ball sticks out a bit more on the one side.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I've seen people use this "trick" before. It doesn't always help (since it can change the direction of the far corner ball that goes with a good parallel rack).

[@erinschlameus3628]

Quite interesting.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Give it a try.

[@Soxruleyanksdrool]

If the second ball break is not a good choice on a 9' table, then what is an 8-ball break that IS effective on a 9' table? Maybe you have another video for that and if so can you link to it? Thanks. Great video. Subscribed.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The break I show briefly in the first section (standard 8-ball power break) is best on a 9' table. For more info, see the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/

[@Soxruleyanksdrool]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks. I just bought your "Illustrated principles" book and I look forward to learning and improving my game. Keep the great info coming.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. I hope you enjoy and benefit from my book.

[@ivanyang2022]

Hi Dr Dave, where should I put the cue ball? like a ball away from the rail? for a 9 feet table. thanks!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

This break doesn’t work very well on a 9’ table. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/

[@mosesng6050]

That sounds interesting (’cause I usually break from the top rack). Okay, I’ll give it a try…Oh and uh… here’s my question, if you pocketed the 8 ball on the break and other balls are covering or interfering with the foot-spot, what should be done? I know that if you pocketed the 8 ball on the break, the 8 ball is placed back on the foot spot (unless no balls cover the foot spot).

[@groovygrover190]

The game is over You win. Unless your league has a no win rule. I suppose it would spot like snooker. As close as possible without touching another ball along the spot

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Under the WPA "official rules of pool," you have the option to spot the 8 or re-rack. If balls are in the way of the spot, you place the 8 as close as possible to (but behind) the foot spot. If there are ball(s), in the way, the 8 will be frozen to the back of the ball(s) in the way, along the centerline of the table.

[@jackmack1061]

Very interesting; but the tables I play on (7') are much tighter with rounded corners. They seem to play very differently to the kind of tables you demonstrate on.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Everything is tougher (including the break) if the table has tight pockets (rounded or not).

[@keworder]

What is the best way to break in 8 ball on a 9ft table when there are gaps in the rack? I usually break from the centre but even a hard break leaves a large cluster around the foot spot. Would a 2nd ball break give a better spread?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

It depends where the gaps are. I will be doing a follow-up video soon that will cover some gap stuff. In general, I think the 2nd-ball break is a little better with a non-tight rack (on 9' tables or bar boxes).

[@murphyolivier312]

See and this is the issue I was having 4 years ago. Everytime well almost if I don't hit the second ball.right ??🤦.. Scratch !! But if hit it right that 8 moves every time.. Notice if they have a gap between balls on your break if they do don't say anything break from the side of the gap.. 6 out 7 that 8 either moves or you will drop something on the break

[@danimal107]

I was wondering what dr,daves best finish was in a pro pool tournament.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I have never played in a pro tournament. I am not a professional player. I am an instructional author and a professional instructor. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/dr-dave My best finish to date in a national amateur league tournaments is 9-16 in the VNEA singles open division.

[@jackslover107]

For a second ball hit for 8 ball do you use just center cue ball stroke?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I use a center-ball hit. If you hit a little thinner on the 2nd ball, slight outside draw might be helpful.

[@johnnyroc]

You didn’t mention to not put too much power or the cb will fly off the table. Head ball break power is too much for 2nd ball break.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good point. Although, with the cue as level as possible and an accurate hit, you can still use a fair amount of power.

[@fixitrod4969]

I started playing APA this year (very mixed feelings). I have had people tell me if the edge of the ball is in front of the 2nd diamond it is to far forward. Others agree is the contact point, not the edge. Is there an official answer on how far forward the cue ball can be on the break?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Sorry. I don’t play APA, but you can look up the rule here: www.poolplayers.com/apa-rulebook-team-manual-scoresheets-and-other-materials/ It doesn’t matter what people say. It only matters what is written.

[@fixitrod4969]

@@DrDaveBilliards thank you... found the answer. "The cue ball’s point of contact with the table is used to determine if it is behind the head string, also referred to as being in"

[@crazylegson2]

I played in cities a few years back on 7ft diamonds. The guy made three eights from the second ball break on me. But they all went in the corner pocket on the side he was breaking from. Is there a way to manipulate the results from most likely side to the corner instead? (P.S. From watching your videos I know tip hardness doesn't really effect deflection. Does that still hold true for CF shafts? Thanks.)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I experimented with many gap locations and combinations and didn't find any to send the 8 to corner, but I didn't try every possible combination. Concerning the effect of tip hardness on squirt, I haven't tested a CF shaft, but I wouldn't expect the results to be different than what I describe here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-tip/hardness/

[@crazylegson2]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks Dr Dave. I always appreciate everything you do for pool, and your replies to our questions.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@crazylegson2 You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@stevenagele9373]

Where do you hit the cue ball? Center ball or do you use bottom English or side spin?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Center ball, hitting as much of the 2nd ball as possible without risking hitting the head ball.

[@stevenagele9373]

@@DrDaveBilliards ok thanks, I’ll try this. I used a similar break with good success but my aim point was the point where the 8 ball touched the ball next to it. But there were a lot of scratches (probably because I was hitting the head ball) so I used inside spin to get rid of scratches.

[@WolfVdME]

Difference between Bar box and 9ft. The balls being heavier? Also maybe less clean?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, that topic is covered here (and via the links on the page): billiards.colostate.edu/faq/strategy/bar-box/

[@williamklenk2815]

You explain for both a 7’ and 9’ however the 8’ tables are most popular, any insight on breaking on an8’ table

[@DrDaveBilliards]

An 8' table is "most popular" only in homes, not in pool halls and bars. Results on an 8' table are between those of 9' and 7', so I would try both approaches.

[@shubinternet]

@@DrDaveBilliards -- the pool halls I've been to here in Austin (TX) tend to be primarily 8 ft tables for 8 ball, and 9 ft tables for 9 ball. At least as far as the leagues are concerned, both APA and NAPA. Outside of league play, once you've got a given table, you can of course play any billiard game you want.

[@BrianEHoover]

What device was used to rack? Why did you move your break position during your videos?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

My 9' table is "trained," so no racking device is used. See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/racking/tight/ On the Valley bar box, I just used the a plastic racking triangle.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I tried both sides of the table to see if there were any differences. The Valley bar box was giving slightly better results from the left side of the table (right on the screen).

[@jerrysnowden1097]

On break using the second ball break strategy where must you hit the que ball for success?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

As shown in the diagram at the beginning of the video, I recommend a center-ball hit. Some people prefer slight outside draw, but it is unnecessary and more difficult to control.

[@jerrysnowden1097]

@@DrDaveBilliards i missed that when u said it. Thats alot man. I will be practicing that shot

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@jerrysnowden1097 No problem. Most of my videos contain lots of info, and most require multiple viewings to absorb everything.

[@markomm5571]

I aim at 2nd ball and hit cue ball at around 7 o’clock. Cue ball comes back off the rail straight into 8 and often kicks it in side pocket or corner . I mostly play on the 9ft table. Once made 8 ball 3 times in a row in a match and 4th time it hit corner of the side pocket. The key I find the tip should be leather not phenolic and shot should be accurate

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You should post a video. 3 in a row is impressive. Can you do it again on video?

[@markomm5571]

I wish it was filmed lol. I was playing in a local league where you play each opponent 10 8-ball and 10 9-ball games. I've done it on occasion before but this surprised me as well. Now you giving me a challenge :) I will try filming next practice session !@@DrDaveBilliards

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@markomm5571 Awesome! Good luck.

[@titanlim8303]

What was the size of the green-cloth table?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

One is a 7' Valley bar box. The other really green one was an 8' Connelly.

[@gagefoltz4110]

How come when I try to do that shot the cue ball flys off the table every time?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

... probably because you are hitting down on he CB too much (with the back of the cue elevated too much) or using too much speed.

[@matthewlincoln6682]

Hitting the 8 in while playing bca rules is a respite of the 8 ball so only good in leagues like apa or vna

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The APA is the only league system that awards a win with the 8 on the break. VNEA gives the option to spot the 8 or re-rack, just as with the WPA "official rules of pool" and other league systems.

[@grandpaganja8507]

I would rather play the game out than make a 8 ball break

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Under the WPA "official rules of pool" (and in most non-APA leagues), you have the option of spotting the 8 or re-racking. You don't get the win making the 8 on the break.

[@myblacklab7]

That's sort of like saying you'd rather putt than hit a hole in one.

[@grandpaganja8507]

@@myblacklab7 not at all