TLDR: New players should learn eight basics in order: the gear, the grip, the stance, the bridge, the stroke, aiming, the cue ball, and a simple game. Learn one at a time. Practice each one before moving on.

What you will learn:

• The eight basics of pool
• What to practice for each one
• How to keep improving after the basics

I have played pool for more than 50 years. I have played in leagues and tournaments for more than 38 years. If I could go back and give myself one lesson, it would be this. Learn the basics first, and learn them well. Everything else is built on them.

Basic 1: Know Your Gear

You need a cue, chalk, and a table with balls. A house cue is fine to start. Roll it on the table to check that it is straight. Look at the tip. It should be round and not flat or cracked. Use chalk on the tip before most shots.

Basic 2: The Grip

Hold the cue near the back with a relaxed hand. When the tip is near the cue ball, your forearm should hang straight down. Do not squeeze. A light grip helps the cue swing straight.

Basic 3: The Stance

Stand behind the shot. Step in with your back foot near the shot line. Put your front foot forward. Bend at the waist. Bring your chin over the cue. You should feel balanced and still.

Basic 4: The Bridge

Your front hand guides the cue. For an open bridge, lay your hand flat, lift your knuckles a bit, and rest the cue in the “V” between your thumb and first finger. Press the hand down so it stays put.

Basic 5: The Stroke

Swing only your forearm. Take a few slow practice strokes. Pause at the back. Then hit through the ball and let the cue follow through. Stay down until the balls stop.

Basic 6: Aiming

Find the spot on the object ball that faces away from the pocket. Picture another ball touching it there. This is the “ghost ball.” Send the cue ball to that spot. Start with straight shots, then try small cuts.

Basic 7: The Cue Ball

Hit the center of the cue ball at first. Learn how hard to hit to make the cue ball roll where you want. Later you can learn follow (hit above center) and draw (hit below center).

Basic 8: A Simple Game

8-ball is a great first game. One player takes the solids, the other the stripes. Sink your group, then the 8-ball. Games teach you to think ahead.

A First Month Practice Plan

• Week 1: Grip, stance, bridge, stroke. Shoot the cue ball up and back.
• Week 2: Straight-in shots. Keep score.
• Week 3: Small cut shots and speed control.
• Week 4: Play games and practice the shots you miss.

Mistakes New Players Make

• Hitting too hard
• Jumping up after the shot
• Squeezing the cue
• Trying spin too soon
• Not chalking

Each of these is easy to fix once you know about it.

Keep Learning

My Pool School has free lessons for every basic on this page. My YouTube channel shows them in action. Joining a league is also a great way to learn. I have learned a lot from teammates over the years.

FAQ

What is the first thing to learn in pool?
The grip and stance. A still body and loose hand set you up for everything else.

Is pool hard to learn?
The basics are easy to learn. Playing really well takes years of practice.

What game should beginners play?
8-ball is a good first game.

Do I need lessons from a teacher?
Not to start. Free lessons and practice go a long way. A teacher helps when you get stuck.

Summary

Pool lessons for beginners should cover eight basics: gear, grip, stance, bridge, stroke, aim, cue ball, and a simple game. Learn them in order, practice each one, and keep it fun.

About the Author

I am Ted Mauro. I have played pool for more than 50 years and in leagues and tournaments for more than 38 years. I share free lessons in my Pool School and on YouTube.