Tips For 8 Ball Pool - Playing Defense

In this video, professional pool players Andy Segal and Bruce Barthelette explain how to play the game of 8-ball. This video is intended for the beginner and intermediate players. It covers topics such as how to break, what to do after the break, running the table, playing defense, and how to get out of a defensive shot.


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Origins Of The Pool Game

Nobody really knows the origins of billiards. The common belief is that the game originated as a game that was played outdoors which was a bit different from croquet that was played early in the 14th century in France. Its said it became quite popular and when the cold weather did not allow the game to be enjoyed outside, it moved indoors and was played on a table that was covered with green felt.

Do you know that when Mary, Queen of Scots, died, she was wrapped in a billiard cloth? Did you also know that pool was the first sport to have a world championship game in 1873? Interesting huh

Billiards Through The Centuries

Although it is an older sport than you might think, billiards is still in its prime. With sponsors for competitions viewed on channels such as ESPN, there is still an abundance of attention and focus on this sport. The United States Professional Pool Players Association is the ranking men's group within the states that moderates competitions and aficionados. In this article, we'll go over a brief history of the sport, an understanding of the diversity therein, and some common concerns for home installation.

The history of the sport of billiards goes back to Louis the XI of France who had lawn brought indoors and placed on an everyday table. This early form did not take hold with the public, but remained in the limelight of royalty. As the game became increasingly popular, the sport and specifically the pool tables were reengineered with rails, cloth over wood, and soon cushions, often made of felt or straw. By the 1840s, the tables were made of slate and the bumpers were beginning to take the shape they have now with rubber.