Lagging for the Break - Billiard Term Definition
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Definition of Lagging for the Break
Lagging for the Break is a billiards term that is a part of Game Rule Terminology.
Lagging for the break is an exercise that is performed by each player or team before each frame begins. It's purpose is to determine which player or team will perform the opening break shot.
Players simultaneously shoot a cue ball or other ball down the table, off the top tail, and back toward the bottom rail. The goal is to have the ball come to rest as closely as possible to the bottom rail, either on its way back to, or after softly rebounding off of, the bottom rail.
Normally, the player whose ball comes to rest closest to the bottom rail has choice of break.
The following are the rules for the lag from the World Pool-Billiard Association (as at 2018-09-05):
1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play
The lag is the first shot of the match and determines order of play. The player who wins the lag chooses who will shoot first.
The referee will place a ball on each side of the table behind the head string and near the head string. The players will shoot at about the same time to make each ball contact the foot cushion with the goal of returning the ball closer to the head cushion than the opponent.
A lag shot is bad and cannot win if the shooter’s ball:
- crosses the long string;
- contacts the foot cushion other than once;
- is pocketed or driven off the table;
- touches the side cushion; or
- the ball rests within the corner pocket and past the nose of the head cushion.
In addition, a lag will be bad if any non-object-ball foul occurs other than 6.9 Balls Still Moving.
The players will lag again if:
- a player’s ball is struck after the other ball has touched the foot cushion;
- the referee cannot determine which ball has stopped closer to the head cushion; or
Source: wpapool.com/rules-of-play/#12Lagging-to-Determine-Order-of-Play
See: lag for more on the meaning of "Lagging for the Break".
Lagging for the Break - Usage
We'll decide who will take the break shot by lagging for the break.
Billiards - Lagging for the Break
Forum questions and answers mentioning the billiard definition of "Lagging for the Break":
- Title: Lagging for the Break
- Author: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)
- Published: 12/21/2007 5:29:07 AM
- Last Updated: 9/5/2018 2:30:27 PM
- Last Updated By: billiardsforum
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