About
The story and perspective behind After the Break.
What is After the Break?
After the Break is about understanding pool beyond just making the next shot.
We cover the equipment, terminology, strategy, practice, and mental side of the game—the things that can help you understand what's happening at the table and make better decisions when you play.
Some topics are simple. Some go a little deeper. The goal is the same: practical information you can actually use the next time you pick up a cue.
Where does the perspective come from?
I've been around pool for a long time.
I've played casually for roughly 40 years and spent more than 20 years playing league pool, with well over a thousand matches along the way. I've played in bars, pool halls, leagues, tournaments, qualifiers, and plenty of practice sessions.
I'm not a professional player, and After the Break isn't about pretending I have all the answers. A lot of what I've learned came the same way most players learn—playing, practicing, watching other players, asking questions, making mistakes, and figuring out what works.
That's the perspective behind After the Break: experience from actually spending a lot of time at the table.
Who is After the Break for?
After the Break is for players who want to understand the game better.
Maybe you're just getting started and trying to figure out what all the terminology and equipment actually mean. Maybe you've been playing league for a while and want to improve your strategy, practice more effectively, or become more consistent. Or maybe you just enjoy playing pool and want to learn a little more about the game.
You don't have to be trying to become a great player. If understanding the game better helps you play better—or simply makes pool more enjoyable—then you're in the right place.
The ATB Philosophy
There isn't one piece of equipment, one drill, or one way of thinking that's going to make you a better pool player overnight.
Playing and practicing aren't the same thing. Expensive equipment isn't automatically better for you. Strategy changes with the table in front of you, and sometimes the mental side of the game matters just as much as the physical side.
After the Break isn't about telling you there's only one right way to play. It's about understanding your options, figuring out what works for you, and making better decisions at the table.
Because ultimately, getting better should make the game more enjoyable.
And it's always more fun when you're winning!