Pool Tips for Beginners: How to Improve Your Game

Whether you've been playing for a while, or starting out, we have some pool tips to improve your game.

Pool Tips for Beginners: How to Improve Your Game
Wade McElwain

Written by: Wade McElwain

(Senior Sports Writer)

Fact checked by: Umaima Saeed

(Sports Writer)

Last updated: 2024-02-21

Embarking on your journey into the world of pool can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you're a casual player looking to enhance your skills or a complete novice eager to learn, this comprehensive guide offers valuable pool tips for beginners, guiding you on how to improve your game and make a splash at the pool table. So if you’re looking for shooting pool tips, tips or tricks for pool, or pool basics, these should help you get it down. 

Understanding the Basics

Grip and Stance
To lay a solid foundation for your game, start with the fundamentals. Perfect your grip on the cue and adopt a stable stance. Ensure a relaxed grip, allowing for a smooth and controlled stroke. Try out leaning with your left, then right foot to find out the perfect footing stance for your shots.

Cue Ball Control
The key to success in pool lies in mastering cue ball control. Learn to strike the cue ball accurately to achieve the desired spin and position for your next shot. Practise hitting the cue ball over and over, get used to placing it around the table. 

Building a Solid Foundation

Practice Regularly
Consistent practice is the bedrock of improvement. Dedicate time to regular practice sessions, focusing on different aspects of your game, from basic shots to advanced techniques. Getting your triple p’s in (practice, practice, practice) will help you gain confidence as a player.

Understanding Angles
Pool is a game of angles. Invest time in learning how balls react when struck at various angles, enabling you to predict and plan your shots more effectively. Going back to your maths, and learning the angles of the table and shots will help you learn how to play pool. 

Tips for Better Shots

Aim Small, Miss Small
Improve your accuracy by aiming for a specific point on the target ball rather than the entire ball. This technique, known as "aim small, miss small," helps sharpen your precision. The opposite of this strategy can be detrimental to building up your billiards or pool game.

Mastering the Basics Shots
Start with mastering the fundamental shots, such as the stop shot, follow shot, and draw shot. These shots form the building blocks for more advanced techniques. Sometimes just sitting at a pool table and hitting balls will help you with the mastery of the game of pool. 

Advanced Techniques for Progress

English and Spin
Introduce ‘English' or spin into your shots to manipulate the cue ball's trajectory. Understanding how to apply spin can greatly enhance your ability to control the game. Mastering English can really help a new player become a better player.

Bank Shots and Caroms
As you gain confidence, experiment with bank shots (cushion shots) and caroms (hitting one ball to pocket another). These advanced techniques add versatility to your game-play. Plus you just learned the word ‘caroms’, if you didn’t already know it. 

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Strategies to Elevate Your Game

Think Ahead
Anticipate your next moves by planning your shots in advance. This strategic thinking not only improves your decision-making but also enhances your overall gameplay. Just like chess, a player needs to see how a whole game could play out.

Learn from Watching
Watch experienced players in action, either in-person or through online tutorials. Observing their techniques and strategies can provide valuable insights for your own improvement. YouTube is great resource, as is the World Snooker Tour and Matchroom pool.

Becoming proficient in learning how to play pool is a journey that requires patience, practice, and a willingness to learn. By incorporating these pool tips for beginners into your routine, you'll be well on your way to improving your game and enjoying the rewarding experience of mastering this classic cue sport. So, chalk up your cue, hit the tables, and embrace the exciting world of pool with newfound confidence! 

Wade McElwain

Wade McElwain

Wade McElwain is our Mr. NFL, a bona fide North American sports nut who knows about NBA, NHL, MLB, PGA plus MMA boxing and more. Originally from Canada, Wade is also an international award-winning stand-up comedian; host of numerous TV game shows; and a TV producer & writer. He also runs NFL in London-the largest NFL fan group in Europe, and has hosted NFL events at Wembley and around the world. Yes, he lives alone and does nothing but watch sports.

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