Question: Why should I use a break stick to break? How would it improve my break? –Rick

Answer:
Hi Rick,

There is no rule that you need to use a break cue. Until about fifteen years ago, none of the pros did either. However, most break cues have a harder tip, one not really conducive to shooting with english, etc. Since you hit the break with a lot more power, the regular tip tends to “mushroom” quicker when breaking. Also, break cues normally have a stiffer shaft, which is a plus when breaking.

How to improve your break is a tougher question since I haven’t seen your break, so I’m not sure what you need to work on. However, a couple of basic suggestions are to stand up a bit more than you do on your normal shots. This allows more clearance on the follow through.

Also, I would suggest hitting the cue ball in the center, or close to it. Finally, remember that a solid hit on the 1-ball (if you play 9-ball) is more important than power. Good luck!
~Ewa

–Ewa Mataya Laurance is one of the most visible superstars in the history of pocket billiards. Known as The Striking Viking, she took the billiard world by storm since she moved to the US from her native Sweden.

Following her childhood dream of becoming the best in the world, she continues to be a dominant presence on the international billiard scene.  Ewa is the current International and World Cup Trick Shot Champion, the holder of multiple World and US Open 9-ball titles, and has also won the Swedish, European and US National Championships in her incredible career. A former # 1 ranked player in the world, Ewa has received Player of the Year honors, been named WPBA Sportsperson of the Year, and in 2004, was inducted into the prestigious Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame.

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