Reading Your Table

Objective: Recognise table size, cloth type and condition, and how they change the way the balls behave.

Why it matters: The same shot plays differently on a fast competition table and a worn pub table — adjusting to the table beats memorising fixed power.

Watch: 2-minute video comparing a 6ft pub table and a 7ft competition table in play.

Learn: Guide: table dimensions, cloth nap direction, pocket sizes by table type.

See it: Diagram comparing pocket shapes/sizes across table types.

Practise: On any table you play, roll a ball the length and see how far it travels — get a feel for that table's speed before playing seriously.

Test yourself: n/a

Challenge: Play one frame on an unfamiliar table and describe how its speed differed from your usual table.

Common mistakes: Hitting every table at 'home table' power and blaming bad luck for the results.

Coaching cue: Feel the table before you fight it.

Completion criteria: Can describe, in their own words, one way table size and one way cloth condition affect play.