BILLIARDS TIPS

TEACHING KIDS TO PLAY POOL

Playing pool is fun for people of all ages and skill levels, including kids! As long as they can hold a cue and reach up on to the table, playing billiards can be a great way to build friendships, learn some geometry, and begin developing skills that will last a lifetime!

For total beginners though, especially the young ones, the depth of the game can be a little overwhelming. For teachers with years of experience, it can be tough to know where to start. These two problems combine, and can sometimes drive kids away from learning about pool – simply because they don’t feel like they’re catching on, and because the instruction may be to advanced.

With that in mind, let’s look at some basic starting points that will help kids fall in love with the game of pool, and let you and your family get even more use out of the pool table in your home.

Helping Young Ones Learn a Fun and Educational Game – Billiards!

1. Start SIMPLE

The best place to start is with just a cue ball and an object ball. Line up straight, basic shots, and show your kids how to strike the cue ball to put the object ball in the corner pocket. You can simplify this further by not even using a cue! Show your child how to roll the cue ball into the object ball, and talk about what they observe. They may notice how the object ball reacts differently depending on the force of the cue ball, variations in angles, etc.

It’s good to let them make note of these things, but don’t get too far into the theory just yet. Let them get the feel for making single shots, getting comfortable holding a cue, and just experimenting with velocity.

2. Learn by Doing

Playing normal 8 ball (stripes vs. solids) is pretty straightforward, and simple enough for young kids to learn and remember the rules. Before you get into strategies or more advanced concepts, simply play a round of 8 ball! Better yet, have the kids play against each other, and watch to give them small pointers or answer questions.

By playing in real time, they’ll start to build some of their own ideas, develop their own interests, and find their own reasons to enjoy the game. Deeper practice can come later, this is all about having fun!

3. Special Equipment

Getting a few speciality items can also help teach young ones the fundamentals of pool – while also protecting your home.

For smaller kids, child sized cues are available in shorter lengths. For the extremely young, investing in rubber balls (the size of billiard balls) is a great way to show the the basics of the table and pockets, without worrying about damaging windows or other items in the room – in case the balls go flying off the table.

Start slow, be patient, and remember that this game is supposed to be fun! If your kids really fall in love with playing pool, you can work with them to develop good habits, proper stance and bridge, and all of the other mechanics that make for high level billiards players.

For any questions about the right youth cues, accessories, and all things billiards, stop by or contact Emerald Spas and Billiards today!