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It is the start of a serious game of 9-ball and you must successfully break the rack. Yes, the balls are packed tight, you're nervous, and you don't know if you can maintain control of that wild cue ball, but you shallow your breathing and line up the shot.

Amazingly enough, breaking the rack in 9-ball is different than breaking the rack in 8-ball. In 9-ball, your main goal is to sink at least one ball so that you may have a chance to shoot right after the break. It isn't like doing a straight shot to block your opponent. This is a whole different bowl of cherries. So now you're holding your breath remembering these facts about that 9-ball rack that you're ready to make or break:

- All of the balls in the rack are packed tight. It isn't like in straight pool where the back five balls are packed tight. This time, it is tight all the way around. That 9-ball is in the middle and you need to move it, which can't be done if the rack is loose. The ball will just stay put if the rack is packed too loosely, but you know this particular rack is packed tight and that is a good thing for you.

-Control is also an issue. You must have control of that cue ball. An uncontrolled cue ball can ricochet off of that tight rack, so keeping the cue ball from going wild will benefit you in your break since you know this break is one of the most important aspects of your pool game. You certainly don't want to have to make excuses for why you messed up the first move of the game.

Now that you have established that you need to have some control and move that 9-ball to avoid embarrassment, you also have to remember how to put that necessary control into action:

-Don't hit the 1 ball in the rack straight on.

-You have the option to move the cue ball anywhere along the head-string. Use that option. Some do better shooting from the right of the head-string and some do better shooting from the left. It depends on what side you're more comfortable with, but either way you want to hit the cue ball a cue tip higher than the center and hit the ball flush with the 1 ball. This will place the cue ball exactly where you want it.

-Also, you can always sacrifice speed, but don't ever sacrifice control. Too much speed can cause a loss of control. Getting as close as you can to the rack on the head-string can help you in your break. Now that you've remembered this fact, you break your stance to place the ball as close as you legally can to the rack.

After remembering these are some of the necessary facts in breaking that 9-ball rack, you resume your stance and aim the tip of your cue at the magic spot on the cue ball. You move the cue smoothly through your index finger and with a smooth stroke from the left side of the head-string; you hit flush with the 1 ball and watch the balls roll. You have now accomplished a beautiful break and are ready to take your next shot. Now be nice, hustler. Don't get too cocky, but have some fun and be proud of your game.

Learn more about this author, Ginger Gillenwater.
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