Shane Van Boening Break Technique Analysis by Dr. Dave

[@cavidaslanzade6921]

Finally someone made this video.. soo grateful to you .

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, much more technique advice (and other videos) can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/threads/break.html#advice and lots of 9-ball break strategy advice (with videos) can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/threads/break.html#9-ball Enjoy!

[@mikefixac]

A thing of beauty. Like watching a great golf swing.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed.

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

So smooth, effortless, and effective. When Shane breaks it's like watching poetry in motion. The first time I watched Shane break I couldn't believe my eyes. I was like, "what the hell just happened here?" Look how relaxed and without movement he is right after his break. There is no one that I've seen anywhere who breaks with such stunning efficiency. This, in sharp contrast to almost everyone else, reminiscent of people who were just scared out of their wits by someone sneaking up behind them unsuspectingly and then yelling into their ear during their break shot. Great video as usual from Dr. Dave. If there is anyone, anywhere, putting out as high a quality or as many videos as Dr. Dave I would be flabbergasted One thing Shane does here that is not mentioned is he loads up his wrist and fingers with as far back a natural motion as is possible without losing accuracy at the back end of his stroke and while moving through the shot he unloads/unwinds it creating substantially more energy than is possible only using arm motion. I learned to do this early on and my break, no exaggeration, was as hard as they come. I still have a Very strong break but Father Time spares no one.

[@dnbmania]

All about keeping your body tense which I found reversely intuitive at first. Faster and smoother cue delivery when there's less body tension

[@mr.s1961]

@Blade Runner 666 1.) he is very efficient because he practices his break 6-10+ hours a day, and though just a 9-ball break, he could still get a lot more if he polished his technique, like using his body more. The way he moves forward possibly creates 1+ more mph (imagine throwing a baseball 90 mph on a truck moving 90 mph... the ball is going 180 mph), but if he put his body more into it you could get 3-5 mph+ added on easily. There are more techniques as well to get even more, but what he does works well because again, it doesn't matter how you break if you're practicing the same thing 6-10+ hours a day, it will become great. 2.) I can flabbergast you.

[@trumanhw]

This really is a gem Doc.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad you liked it. FYI, I have many more videos dealing with break technique here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/advice/ Enjoy!

[@thecincykid408]

The champ. A true professional.

[@VinciCS]

This comment aged really well

[@BakerNo.9]

Thanks Dave. I’ve watched this many times and always impressed. Oh, and tell svb thanks too.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You’re welcome. FYI, a lot more good break technique advice can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/advice/ Enjoy!

[@zanethind]

My friend showed me this break and now I rarely use it but damn do I love it

[@mrpoolplayer6379]

I really like the stroke that he uses. As he drops from the shot line, just a bit, he pulls it back, then he rotates it up to go forward for the delivery. That way, there is no backward, forward & no need for the Pause. Just a Smooth delivery.... Just my observation.

[@mrpoolplayer6379]

I actually came up with that take away, for my play stroke, in 2010, at the BCA. It's true, the take back's slightly angled downward move & the turnaround upward move to return to the correct delivery attitude, is smooth & uninterrupted.. It helped me a lot. It reminds me a chicane in racing or a baseball pitcher's "sliding move" to throw hard with control...

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

Dr Dave mentions that Shane hits the one ball slightly to the left of center. From the camera angle used here that does not appear to be the case. It looks like Shane hits that one ball extremely close to center. Now here's the deal with that. The one ball does come off the rack and travel to the left side of the table so it's very possible that either I'm seeing it wrong or the camera angle is causing me to think he's hitting it square. Either way, Dr. Dave is giving good information. Hitting the one ball slightly off center and to he left with an accurate above center cue ball hit should bring it back down table and to the left.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, the "center" of the one is relative to the shooter, referring to a square hit (i.e., a center-ball hit). With a square hit, the CB would come straight back. With a hit just to the left of square (or center-ball), the CB goes to the left, which is the case with Shane's break in this video.

[@Mr-ed1pe]

Awesome stroke ‼️‼️‼️

[@donkeydiehard879]

One thing I'm surprised you didn't mention was how still his head is!!! Even when as raises for power, his head is perfectly in line with where it was at the start, which is probably the hardest part of replicating his break. Have to go up and forward, from the waste, in perfect time.😳

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good point. I should have mentioned that. I also should have mentioned how focused his eyes are on the target.

[@samrton8487]

doctor dave knows shane van boening thats so cool

[@msmith4012]

Great video Doc! What cue (for a reasonable cost) would you recommend for someone (like me) who's been playing pool for a while, and just now starting to take the game more seriously (thanks to your videos)? Also, should I invest in a jump cue right away? I've only played at home with friends and family, but I'm joining an APA league soon.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Jump cues are not allowed in APA. Concerning a regular playing cue, it doesn't really matter that much. The player is much more important than the cue (assuming the cue has a tip that holds chalk). But some good purchasing advice can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/selecting/

[@mr.s1961]

@Streamin` Willie Beamen it would be better to invest in kicking skills and your knowledge of safety play. That could mean paying an instructor the costs of a jump cue. I've never seen Efren Reyes jump a ball, and doesn't need to because he has great kicking and safety skills. Earl Stickland does too but learned to jump to keep up with the Jones. Better to know how to hit a ball anywhere than just jumping over balls.

[@donkeydiehard879]

@@mr.s1961 different strokes for different strokes. Quite literally. Lol That being said, Dr. Dave gave him the correct answer when considering APA. Sure Efren didn't use jump cues but not there are not many Efren's in the world. If playing at a higher level, outside of APA, youd be doing a huge injustice not to learn to jump. Anything that can be done to reduce variables is something worth learning. Rails don't all play the same. Jumping takes that variable away. Not using a jump cue because it's not allowed makes sense. Not jumping because "real men don't jump," is dumb.

[@procrastinator6902]

Efren has jumped balls and used jump cues. I remember a match against Oliver Ortmann for sure where he used one.

[@neoalexy2k]

Hey dr.dave I love your videos, I have question and i hope you can answer it. In golf we measure the difference between clubhead speed and ball speed. For example a driver travelling at 100 mph striking a golf ball solidly will result in the ball traveling at 150 mph. The ratio between the two numbers is called the smash factor. In this case it is 1.50 which is optimal. Smash factor=ballspeed/clubhead speed. I was wondering what would the smash factor be of a cue and a billiard ball. I've heard the cue ball during a break travels around 25 mph but how fast does the cue tip travel just before impact? and how much will english affect the smash factor for the cue and cue ball?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

With typical pool equipment, and a center-ball hit, the CB speed is about 1.5 times the cue speed. The full math and physics analysis (for those with the necessary background and interest) can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/technical_proofs/new/TP_A-30.pdf Tip efficiency also has an effect. For example, a phenolic tip delivers more speed to the CB than a typical leather tip (especially a softer leather tip). For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/threads/cue_tip.html#efficiency

[@gaville901]

Amazing analysis

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. FYI, a lot more can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/advice/

[@fingerlakescuesports9889]

I know that SVB has HAMB but wouldn't his break be as powerful if he swung from the elbow and was at the bottom of his stroke when contacting the ball as it appears he does end up almost there on his break but with a lot of additional body movement with the inherent possibility of missing the mark with so many more muscle groups thrown into the stroke. It would be interesting to chart the cue speed attained at contact from both types of break.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I agree that using a pure pendulum stroke, with no elbow drop, has advantages for most pool shots, per: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/elbow-drop/#disadvantages I also agree that Shane could easily hit the break shots in the video (which are not that powerful) with a fixed-elbow pendulum stroke. However, for a power break, the elbow drop adds a significant advantage allowing more power to be generated with less effort (and potentially more control). For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/advice/ and billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/elbow-drop/#advantages And if one chooses a break cue with a natural pivot length well matched to one's preferred bridge length, stroking errors are not as much of a concern on the break as one might think (assuming the initial aim alignment is good). For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/natural-pivot-length/

[@intothepark]

Thanks for making this. Thumbs up

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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

[@steveasli]

Dr. Dave, I really love your videos. Could you make a video on how to do the 10 Ball Pop Break? I'm still confused because some people use a really tall closed bridge and aim on the stop ball, but others use a normal close bridge and aims center/a little above center. I tried both but my technique is still not good so I dont get a consistent pop break.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@steveasli See the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/advice/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/ball-hop/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/10-ball/

[@Peropero337]

Hey doc quick question. Do different break tips deliver different power? If so what break tip would you suggest? Thanks!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Break cues and tips can deliver a little more power than a typical playing cue and tip, but I wouldn’t expect much difference among phenolic-like break tips.

[@shawnpierce9748]

I would like to know what cue Shane is using ?

[@Arnie.Y]

Would love to learn SVB’s eye pattern on this.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m pretty sure it is the same as his normal “best practices” eye pattern described and demonstrated here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/pattern/

[@trumanhw]

Lets get Jeff De Luna and Chang Yu Lung in here. :) Great work, as always dave. What a benefit you are to all of us.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

+trumanhw Thank you for the kind comments, and good suggestion concerning Jeff and Luna and Lung. FYI, a general break-technique-analysis video and links to videos showing the breaks of many other pro players can be found on the break technique resource page here: billiards.colostate.edu/threads/break.html#advice Enjoy!

[@evansebast]

and Jeffrey Ignacio please, his breaks are effortless but the results are aweome

[@Peropero337]

Hey doc, i was trying new ways to break bcs im bored of using the same way. And when i tried this, i particularly had a hard time lifting up my body during the final stroke without misscuing. Do you have any solutions on how i can fix this ? Thanks alot doc

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I have some advice in the videos here (especially the 1st video): billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/advice/ The body lift is not recommended if it cannot not be done consistently with control.

[@Peropero337]

@@DrDaveBilliards alright doc, thanks alot n

[@muhweziblessings4397]

Wish Dr. Dave knew how he has taken ma pool game to the next level

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I just read your message, so now I know. :) I'm glad to hear it. Thanks for the comment.

[@arpeemac]

i wish there was an analysis like this back when Bustamante was the best breaker of the game.

[@ParagraphGurr]

No one is mentioning that his backstroke pulls the tip further back than his bridge length. Im assuming its to gain more time for acceleration before cue ball contact

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@ParagraphGurr Good observation. It definitely helps to use as much stroke length as you can control for more cue speed.

[@ParagraphGurr]

What is your opinion on breaks for different size tables? Is a good break the same for all tables, considering smaller tables lead to more contact with rails and other balls. Is consistent or pattern breaking a thing or even possible to intentionally do because of varying racks?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@ParagraphGurr In general, an accurate a powerful break is good on all tables and in all games, but there is different strategy for the 8-ball break on different tables: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/ Pattern breaking is a thing only with a tight rack. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/pattern/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/racking/

[@ParagraphGurr]

@@DrDaveBilliards just from the title alone, I agree with you about a tight rack. I’m assuming that having your opp rack your balls is to prevent cheating but in my experience players are careless about making a tight fair rack

[@zanethind]

Best breaker of all time

[@DrDaveBilliards]

… definitely the break GOAT.

[@finrestry9203]

Good tutorial

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, there are many other good videos, articles, and other info dealing with break technique here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/advice/ Check it out.

[@nibblenibblenomnom]

Would you make a 10 ball break analysis by Shane next? Would love to see his stroke.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

+nibblenibblenomnom I would be happy to. The next time he comes through town, I'll work on that.

[@TrillionTalents777]

DrDaveBilliards what an 8 ball break!!!??

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I have some 10-ball break info here: billiards.colostate.edu/threads/break.html#10-ball And the 8-ball break (similar to 10-ball) is covered in more detail here: billiards.colostate.edu/threads/break.html#8-ball

[@TrillionTalents777]

DrDaveBilliards instagram.com/p/BJxa5I4DUF1/ How's my break?

[@danreeder1704]

hi dave,why do players always seem to be aiming very low on the cue ball ?(like at the bottom) but when they hit,they dont actually hit the bottom. any videos about this? thanks

[@DrDaveBilliards]

See the section at the bottom of the page here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-tip/height/

[@danreeder1704]

@@DrDaveBilliards thank you

[@ballerbilliards]

⁠@@DrDaveBilliardsOne more reason not mentioned on your site: to hide what type of spin they’re using on shots, a tactic common amongst Filipino players back in the day to avoid sharing “secrets” with less skilled opponents or observers.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@ballerbilliards That might be a bit of a stretch, but possible.

[@ballerbilliards]

@@DrDaveBilliards Busty admitted it in an interview. Don’t think it’s a stretch. I’m DeadStick on AZB btw.

[@RichardsWorld]

You missed something Dr Dave. I only noticed it because Earl Strickland noticed Shane learned it from him "Earl". Earl said it is very hard to do, but Shane can do it. He applies a lot of spin on the cue ball while breaking, but he can still hit the 1 ball very accurately. According to Earl applying a lot of spin on the cue ball gives more action on the break. This is Earl's words. Now look at this break and you will see the cue ball has a lot of side spin on it. Remember, this is Earl's words, and Shane was standing next to him. Shane just smiled.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Richard's World Traveler I don’t care whose words they are ... they don’t apply to Shane, and they don’t make any physical sense. I can assure you that Shane never applies sidespin on purpose on a power break. In this example, the slight sidespin is due to the stroke being off very slightly, which is why he didn’t get a perfectly square hit on the 1. When Shane hits the break we’ll, especially a 10-ball break, the CB squats in the center of the table with absolutely no sidespin.

[@minhken5229]

2 years already, but hope i can ask, how to make wing ball (3 ball) easy as shane did?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Minh Kèn The wing ball is automatic with a good rack and fairly square hit from the side. See: billiards.colostate.edu/threads/break.html#tight and: billiards.colostate.edu/threads/break.html#9-ball

[@mikemcnamara3750]

I've been searching all over and I can't seem to find how much his break cue weighs. Do you have any idea Dave how much his break cue weighs Dave? I know his cue is around 23oz, I'm assuming it must be around that..

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Sorry, but I don't know. FYI, the optimal weight varies for each individual. And a range of weights close to the optimal very nearly as good, so small changes in weight really don't matter much. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/weight/

[@mikemcnamara3750]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks Dave. I found out last night his break cue is 20 oz. Just for anybody wondering. Pretty heavy for me, I was just curious.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@mikemcnamara3750 Thanks for posting that.

[@eugenethoo44]

Dr Dave, I've noticed that you mention Shane applies slight top spin on the cue ball, however when I did that, my cue ball scratches, any advice?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

+Eugene Thoo Yes. Use only as much power as you can control. If you get a square and accurate hit on the lead ball, you won't scratch. And if the CB goes forward too much, you are hitting the CB too high; and if the CB comes back too much, you are hitting it too low.

[@eugenethoo44]

Thanks Dr Dave!

[@bandit7498]

Another word of advice, if you'll notice, Shane is actually aiming low on the cue ball. But the rest of his stroke cause the cue to elevate just upon impact. If you're stroking like Shane is here for the break try aiming lower on the cue ball. If you notice to cue ball roll forward a little then you are indeed hitting the cue above center. If it backs up, as long as you are hitting the 1 ball flush try adding a little more power until you notice the cue ball hop back slightly then roll forward just a little or stop all together.

[@eugenethoo44]

+bandit7498 thanks dude

[@mrpoolplayer6379]

It's only a slight bit of forward, maybe a 1/16 of an inch over center.

[@lastfragger1685]

Is he useing his playcue?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yes. This was filmed during his BU Playing Ability Exam II: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZWknK2Zgtqra80 He didn’t need to use his maximum power break for the scored break drill (S10), so the break cue wasn’t necessary.

[@Drewdownkali]

shouldn't you avoid crossing the rack on a break? it simulates breaking from the other side. what are your thoughts on Johnny archer not liking the idea that his cueball jumps. he says if your cue ball jumps up than your not making as much contact with the 1 ball as you could?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

+Drewdownkali Generally, it is best to "squat the rock" in the center of the table. However, here, SVB is playing for position on the 1. Concerning the CB jumping, I agree with Johnny that this is not desirable. For much more info on this topic, see: billiards.colostate.edu/threads/break.html#hop

[@Drewdownkali]

+DrDaveBilliards Cool. Thank you for your swift and awesome response. I have always told my players to play a stop shot on the break. I am hearing some people actually use top and when the cue ball jumps it moves back toward the shooter a bit and the top spin stops it. So they are not intending to use top as a means of going back into the rack after it has been originally struck. Seems to work pretty good. I am not a power breaker so I stay away from that method and have learned based on my personal observation that sometimes even though you hit the crap out of it and balls scatter everywhere, nothing drops. I have learned that if you reduce the power sometimes balls will drop easily. Guess maybe Corey Duel taught me that. lol

[@collinsmcrae]

I have a question that is not entirely relevant to this video, but herd goes. I've got a pretty shoddy, cheap taboo at my house that a friend gave me. Do you think it'll do more harm than good to run drills like these on this table? I think it helped my guitar playing learning on cheap guitars growing up, because they are more difficult to play. The idea that I have to play with more power on this table, because the balls don't roll true, leads me to worry that I might pick up some bad habits this way.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

+Collins Russell Obviously, you should do your best to level the table (or have somebody help with this). Then I think the practice can be good.

[@colbyking1097]

DrDavesBillards could you do an analysis of Johnny archers break and a more detailed explanation of shane's break

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I'm writing a feature article right now that will appear in the July issue of Billiards Digest. The article will also appear online here: billiards.colostate.edu/bd_articles/index.html It will cover SVB's technique in great detail. It will also cover all of the "best practices" of great breakers. And if you don't want to wait, lots of videos and analysis is available here: billiards.colostate.edu/threads/break.html#advice

[@724riff]

Colby , I was a friend of shawn Putnam who plays on tour with a great break and also rooms with johnny most likely he showed johnny even well possibly , what works for one doesn't always work for another , but being around shawn and others I had to play well to hang around and not loose my ass ,,,,,,,,,,, despite me having the worst absolute break in 9 ball you will ever witness , until one day a guy who owned a pool hall seen I just threw balls out and asked why I didn't rack them up an d I explained its just hopeless .,,,,,,,, so he said well you need to get yer hip into the shot my right hip after 3 attempts I was keeping whitey almost dead center of the table making ya know 1 to 3 balls and burning through racks , yeahh a few months after moving away I lost that 9 ball break , what a bummer , that is the most important shot for sure in 9 ball . but he made me hit ever so slightly downward , ever so slightly offcenter and use my hip you could hear the crack like a car wreck and with control every single time , but I cannot find any videos that address the hip in the break . anyways good luck

[@TrillionTalents777]

Why does his cue ball hop then when he breaks in 8 or 10 ball?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

It is unavoidable with a square hit at speed, due to the elevation of the cue. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/ball-hop/

[@eugenethoo44]

Is the 1 ball on spot?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yes.

[@RainingArtillery]

I've always been taught to have the angle in the elbow be 90 degrees at the point of impact. Shane seems to completely ignore this, why is that?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I explain this in the video. The added leverage at the shoulder allows him to deliver more power with less effort.

[@RainingArtillery]

he does seem to practice this with non-break shots as well (at least I believe I've noticed watching him play). I assume some control is lost by doing that, and beginners should stick to the classical stance, no?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You are correct. Having the forearm be perpendicular to the cue at CB contact is the best approach for most people and most shots.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Check out Shane in the following video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6m6aICYbpx7oK8m18s His angle looks very close to 90 degrees to me here.

[@maxwatson4545]

What is the difference between forced and unforced errors?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

An "unforced error" is where you miss a shot or safety for no legitimate reason (i.e., you miss an easy shot). A "forced error" is where your opponent leaves you with a tough shot or safety that you miss.

[@benasastrauskas5255]

what program are you use to edit videos?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

+Benas Astrauskas I use Pinnacle Studio.

[@trumanhw]

+DrDaveBilliards Holy shit -- someone needs to get this man a mac. :)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

+trumanhw What would be different with a mac? What suggestions do you have for how things could have been done different or better?

[@inycepoo]

+DrDaveBilliards Pretty sure he's just talking about the UI of different Mac programs...better shortcuts and faster rendering (though this is a processor issue) in particular are usually what Mac geeks tout. Final Cut Pro is the program du jour but idk the differences among any of them.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

+inycepoo Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere are definitely the packages of choice of video professionals, but I wanted something cheaper and easier to use (while still allowing me to do pretty much everything I need to do with my instructional DVD productions).

[@yrhonecollin]

why's shane breaking with playing cue?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

... because he was using only moderate speed and didn't want to bother to take his break cue out of his case.

[@yrhonecollin]

thanks dr.dave but i watched shane played against kho in the 9balls finals 2015 in qatar his also using his playing cue and he lost that match

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Again, if he doesn't plan to crush the break, he prefers his playing cue. It think it offers him better control since he plays with it all of the time.

[@yrhonecollin]

but a lot of players like pagulayan orcullo using soft breaks but using the their break cues I'm just curious why Shane preferred his playing cue over break cues

[@Kmuggle]

Surprising amount of cue movement ...

[@DrDaveBilliards]

+Kmuggle Although, it comes straight through when it counts.

[@raymondphillips7107]

Take notice of how still his head is,and his eyes staying focused on the target! Keeping your head still is so crucial in pool! Watch the worlds best players and they hardly ever have head movement!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I have noticed that. Very impressive ... and educational!

[@donkeydiehard879]

Should have looked through comments before I made mine. This was definitely the first thing I noticed. Definitely surprised Dr. Dave didn't address it. By far the hardest part of replicating svb's break.

[@maxwatson4545]

Dr. Dave! I have a question I hope you can answer. I just saw on youtube that there's a new game out called saratoga. I watched a couple pro matches they've already had this year. I want to find out how to play it but I think because of its recent genesis that there's nothing online about the rules yet. If you're not familiar with it here's a match video kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXO5mmp3n96NfZI. It's basically a 9ball/8ball hybrid. There are even special balls for this format. Basically you start out with a normal rack, but take out a stripe and a solid. After the break you decide which one you want, but from there you have to pot your balls in order before you get to the 8. That's all I know so far, I'm not sure if it's legal to combo the 8 or anything like that, and any info you have on the subject will be appreciated.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

+Max Watson I have seen it, but I don't know any more than you do. It seems like a good game, but I honestly doubt its popularity will spread.

[@724riff]

you can thank faster cloths and rails for people breaking the balls better , years and years ago you had to hit the cue hard as possible and usually you were lucky to pocket a ball ,,,,,,, I am just saying control of the cueball was less a priority than hitting the rack hard as possible .

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Racking templates are also a new and big factor.

[@724riff]

yeah I truly never have given those much credit sheesh and so obvious ,,,,,,,, thanks il have to add that to the arsenal of why I still have a crappy 9 ball break , ,,,,,,,,,,,, while we are on the subject of 9 ball breaks ,,,,,,,,, have you ever heard of using the hip in the break ? a guy with a pool hall showed me just 3 times and I went from no cue ball control to the center of the table and making 1 to 3 balls every time usually the 1 was always down by the short rail with excellent position I just cannot find anything on that .

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I have another video with generally-recommended break technique advice. Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6eVdYGajN-tn6M Check it out. Here's a video of Charlie Bryant discussing the hip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJylqn15rLmkidE I personally think this would do more harm than good for most people.

[@keebie2]

notice his hand doesn't really go past his back foot....the hand doesn't ever need to really go fartherback than that

[@rafaelvillamor9702]

I still prefer the explosive PRIME FRANCISCO DJANGO BUSTAMANTE and PRIME JOHNY ARCHER Break in 90s. Their break sounds like grenade.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Johnny’s back leg-lift and body-hop theatrics were also fun to watch.

[@johnaugliera8313]

One point that also needs to be noticed here is how SVB flexes his wrist forward at the end of this power swing. Look at the bend. If he did not flex his wrist forward, the cue would have remain high off the table rather than pointed downward at the end of the swing. The possibility of miss cueing is higher and also less power is achieved.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I think his wrist is totally relaxed during the entire stroke and follow through. Everything the wrist does is just a consequence of everything else. The wrist is just "along for the ride". For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/wrist/

[@johnaugliera8313]

@@DrDaveBilliards When you extend the wrist that far forward on a power shot ( break or otherwise) and then "grab" the butt at the end with your whole hand, the tendency is for the cue shaft to rise up. Now SVB is elevated a bit for the break, so maybe you are right that he is relaxed through the entire shot because he is elevated. But check this point out when you are just hitting the CB hard for position around 3-4 rails and not elevated. I will check the link you sent. . Thanks for all efforts to make us better players.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@johnaugliera8313 Agreed. When you tense up the grip and wrist, the cue tip will rise up, especially with an open bridge.

[@Smittyonthabeat]

I wish you could over lap his normal stroke to compare the two.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

On many shots, he is close to a pendulum stroke: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/pendulum-piston/

[@kooliosis47]

my break shot is 1/8th of center with 60 to 80% power.

[@thegodofpez]

SVB is already one of the best of all time.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed.

[@JW-sm1sy]

powerfuljre brought me here

[@logic368]

i've worked on emulating this break for years. still break like crap. you know why? lack of talent ;)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Natural talent is definitely a big piece of the puzzle, but following technique advice can help. For more info, see the videos, articles, and other info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/advice/

[@bossmustang9615]

Dr. Dave; why doesn't pro players bridge off the rail?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Boss mustang You can’t get the cue as level when bridging on the rail if the CB is closer to the rail.

[@MrSacman88]

@@DrDaveBilliards Yet - Shane does break off the rail on occasion. Saw it at the Mosconi cup too.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@MrSacman88 Many pros break off the rail in 9-ball, assuming "break from the box" rules are not in effect. In 10-ball, most break from the head string close to the center. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/threads/break.html#9-ball billiards.colostate.edu/threads/break.html#10-ball

[@benlou3758]

It's all just one motion. It may seem like many complicated parts when you break it down but it's just one motion. I bet Shane doesn't even think about how he should break, he just does it because it's pure muscle memory for him. It just comes down to practice after all.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. It is muscle memory resulting from an extensive amount of smart practice.

[@xdecemberguy1]

This didn't age well..svb had some of the worst luck with breaks.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I assume you are referring to the recent US Open. Regardless, the video is ageless. Shane has the best break shot technique.

[@bobbyjojo]

Your description is not entirely true.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

What things do you think are wrong? FYI, much more info dealing with break technique is available here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/advice/

[@bobbyjojo]

@@DrDaveBilliards He is using an acceleration stroke to speed up the cue. His wrist is tight and locked during his practice strokes and then he loosens his grip and allows his wrist to bend during the final stroke. This is very similar to how a whip works. He is basically adding an extra joint to his arm.

[@shawnpierce9748]

I would like to know what cue Shane is using???

[@DrDaveBilliards]

He is sponsored by Cuetec, so he always uses Cuetec cues. He recently switched to their carbon fiber shaft. For more info, see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6jcpXqpg9FlrMU

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm not sure what he uses for his break cue.

[@watchingfailure8570]

Cuetek r 360