Week 1: Opening lecture

The first lecture — what the course is, why it is shaped this way, and what happens in week 1

22 February 2027

Open the slides

An orientation to the table and the game: what a complete beginner needs before technical stroke instruction begins. See Week 1 for the full session.

Outline#

• The table and equipment — the cue ball, object balls, pockets, cushions and the basic parts of the cue.
• The beginner course rules — the basic objective of pool and how turns pass between players.
• Etiquette and safety around the table and other players.
• Reading the table before shooting — identifying the cue ball, the object ball, the target pocket and the rail before every shot.