Where to hit the ball for an Eight Ball Break

[sonnic]

I have been hearing about and seeing players hit from different spots and aim for different spots as well. What is your favorite position and which ball to you aim for when breaking?

[parrothead]

I generally hit the head ball full on, from about 10-12 inches to the right of table center. I have also been playing around with the second row, although I tend to hit my cue ball off the table if I hit it really hard so I don't use that break at league.

[dhammis]

I hit just off center of the first ball. I used to do the Miz break but then decided that was a cheap win and started breaking on the headstring, one dot over and aiming for the head ball. This will usually drop a ball or three and leave me with a good spread and decent position for an opening shot.

--Damon

The best place is the second ball. You can do it from the side hitting between the 1st and second ball. I use draw to bring the cue back. it worked for me many times. Seriously, it happened twice in a row a couple of times:)

[sanj]

dags-lax posted about a second ball break.i have now started using it.it works great for me.thanks.

[pikejl]

I definitely hit the second ball from the head stripe (second diamond) and the first diamond of either side. Use a subtle-moderate draw; heavy draw is not necessary and it will not work. Aim for to hit the second ball directly into the 8-ball. If the rack is tight and sqaure and you are fortunate enought that non of the other balls hit the 8-ball on it's path.... the 8-ball should go into the side pocket opposite the side you broke from. If not, maybe all the way up the table in the corner to the same side that you broke from. I'm not sure how all the interplay between the balls works, but that's what happens with a little skill and a lot of luck!

[New Kid In The Hall]

Break from the side bridging off the rail and smack the 2nd ball in the rack head on with low outside. Cue will draw to the side rail and rebould right back through the rack area again. Really spreads the balls and generally a ball or two will just fly into the back corner pockets.

Playing a better player, use the more controlled break so maybe you won't spread the balls as much in case you don't pocket one. You won't leave an easily runnable table.

[sonnic]

Sounds like a good stategy 8)