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,
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, whilst
moving reds into the open.
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 relating to how
to play this shot>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Frank
Callan Suite - 282 Ribbleton Lane, Ribbleton, Preston, Lancashire,
England - PR1 5EB - tel.
+ 44 (0) 1772 702211 - info@fcsnooker.co.uk