1. CHOOSE YOUR EQUIPMENT

In order to learn how to play pool, you'll need to start with some basic equipment.  Your cue is an extension of you and it's going to be the most important piece of equipment you own.  The prices can range anywhere from fifty to thousands of dollars.  Cues over $1000 are typically well crafted pieces of art and collectors items. All you need to start is a basic cue that won't warp, has a good tip and you feel good playing with.  I recommend heading to your local pool hall or billiard supply shop and shoot with a few different cues until you find one that feels right to you and design that you like.  You can probably find a decent cue in 150 to 200 dollar range. While you're there, pick up a case, some chalk, a tip maintenance tool and shaft cleaning tools to keep your cue in good condition.

2. WHERE TO PLAY

If you're fortunate, you can pick a pool table for your home.  Tables come in different sizes generally between 7 feet and 9 feet.  7 foot tables are generally used in barrooms to take advantage of space. Tournaments are typically play on 9 foot tables.  Home tables are usually a compromise of the two at 8 feet.  If you can't play at home there are plenty of places to play around you at local taverns and pool halls.

3. WORK ON FUNDAMENTALS

In order to play at a decent level you must have solid fundamentals. First, your stance must be rock solid. Keeping your feet spread apart and having your bridge hand on the table will establish a tripod effect. Next, your shooting hand should hold the cue in a position so your forearm is straight up and down and can move in a natural pendulum type motion. Your bridge hand guides the cue and should be stable enough to keep your cue from wavering.  Consistency is all about muscle memory.  Take a few few practice strokes before striking the cue ball.  Use a smooth motion.  If it's jerky your accuracy is going to suffer.

4. LEARN THE PHYSICS

There are many physics involved with the game of pool. As a beginner you should learn the basic angles that the balls will take when the collide.  In order to pocket a ball you need to know that the object ball is going to go in the opposite direction from the contact point the cue ball strikes it.  This may be hard to visualize at first.  One popular aiming method for beginners is called the Ghost Ball Method.  Imagine the position that the cue ball must be in order to send the object ball in the direction you want it to go.  Now shoot the cue ball into that position.  

There are many other factors that will come into effect.  The friction of the table cloth, the speed of the shot and side spin on the balls are all small variables that effect every shot.  We can cover these in later lessons.  For now just be aware of them.  Even the best players do not calculate every small variable when making a shot.  They are aware of the effects and tend to shoot by feeling and memory.  There is no substitute for practice and experience.

5. PRACTICE

When I say practice I don't mean practicing the same mistakes.  Your practice must have structure.  Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes you better.  Choose one thing to work on whether its aim or bank shots or side spin or part of your form.  For example, if you want to work on aiming. Set up the same shot over and over, make adjustments until you start making it consistently and and burn it into your memory.  I could give you drills to work on but honestly you can come up with any drill you want as long is your learning from it.  That's how all the pros got the the level they are at.

6. CHOOSE A GAME

There are several games you can play.  Many professionals and top players play one-pocket or 14.1 straight pool. The most common games are 9-ball and 8-ball. The game you're most familiar with is probably 8-ball.  8-ball is played with fifteen balls, eight solids or low balls, eight stripes or high balls and one 8-ball. One person breaks. If no balls are pocketed the opponent gets to shoot next and the table is considered open whereas stripes and solids have not been established yet. Also if at least one from each set of balls is pocketed then the table is still open and the player who broke shoots again. Once a single ball is legally pocked whether its stripes or solids, that player is established has having that group of balls. They will then continue shooting at those groups of balls until they miss. Their opponent will then shoot at the alternate group of balls until they miss. Once all the balls in a set are pocketed the player will choose a pocket for the eight ball and pocket it to win the game.

7. COMPETE

Practice is one thing, but when it comes to having to make shots under pressure there is no substitute for competition.  Competition can mean a friendly game against a friend or family member.  You could enjoy hours playing pool and socializing with closest friends.

Join a league. You'll meet lots of new friends.  You'd be surprised just how much fun you'll have.  Leagues are designed to make a level playing field by using handicap systems.  That means people of all skill levels are able to compete and have a chance to win.  They are also set up so that the better players can coach the newer players.  You'll learn a lot from our teammates.  You can also learn by playing people better than you just by observing the shots they choose and how they play them.  If you loose, don't worry about.  It's a learning experience.  Pay attention to the parts of your game that you need to work on and bring them back to the practice table.  Repeat this cycle and you'll become a better player.

8. WORK ON YOUR MENTAL GAME

I always believed the the game of pool is 80% mental. I've seen many talented players loose because they didn't have a strong mental game. I've also seen players play with so much heart that they would come back and win from seemingly impossible situations.  Keep a positive attitude.  Tell yourself you will make this shot or you will win.  If think about losing, you will.

Keep your mind focused on the shot.  Visualize the ball going in the pocket. Clear your mind of any other thoughts especially those about your form or score.  Those things don't matter.  They are only distractions. The time to think about your form is on the practice table.  Practice good form until it becomes natural and you won't have to think about it in competition.

9. STUDY THE GAME

When learning how to play pool, the cycle never ends. Keep reading books and watching instructional videos to learn the game.  If you lose ask yourself why you lost and work on those weaknesses. Stay positive and most of all…..  

10 . HAVE FUN