The Break Off

The first shot of a frame and one that often sets the tone of events throughout. The opening exchanges in any frame are vital and may affect the eventual outcome.

The break off is is a very important shot to be able to play well, as a well executed shot can provide a player with an immediate advantage over their opponent. If played well the professional break off leaves the white tight on the baulk cushion somewhere behind the green or yellow.

Reds are disturbed from the triangle and may become 'on' should your opponent play a poor safety shot.

There is nothing worse than allowing your opponent an easy opening pot with more points to follow, simply because you did not execute the break off correctly. Physchologically you feel much worse, whilst your opponent is allowed to settle their nerves, get their hand on the table and get their cue arm going.

Matches are not the time to experiment with your break. Practise breaking off in your own time, until you are confident of starting each frame with a well executed opening shot.

In Fig 1, the player has broken off by hitting the end red without side. The white comes off two cushions back towards the safety of the baulk end of the table.

In Fig 2, the professional break off is shown. The white has been struck with right hand side forcing it off three cushions in behind the green and brown.

(Please see Breaking Off for more detailed information).

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