Buddy Hall's Clockwork – The “Rifleman”~By Patrick Sampey

The Great Buddy Hall Photo by The Late Great Robert Ross

Buddy Hall, also known as "The Rifleman," was a renowned American professional pool player celebrated for his exceptional skill and accuracy. Born on May 29, 1945, in Metropolis, Illinois, Hall dominated the pool scene for over four decades, earning over 100 professional titles.

Hall died May 22, 2025, at the age of 79 – just recently, sending a rift through the world body of pocket billiards, may he rest in peace – always, Buddy “The Rifleman” Hall.

Career Highlights

- U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship: Won in 1991 and 1998, showcasing his mastery of the game.

- International Pool Tour: Hall was a member and considered a "living pool legend" by the tour.

- Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2000, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the sport.

- Player of the Year: Awarded in 1982, 1991, 1997, and 1998 by prominent pool media outlets.

Notable Tournaments and Wins

- Caesars Tahoe Billiard Classic: Won in 1982 and 1984, with a record-breaking $35,000 prize in 1982.

- Dayton Open: Won in 1974, taking home $6,800 and claiming his first major title.

- Derby City Classic One Pocket: Won in 2001, demonstrating his versatility in various pool disciplines.

- Senior Masters 9-Ball Championship: Won in 2005, solidifying his reputation as a top player.

The Clock System

Hall is credited with developing the "clock system," a technique for cue ball control that has become a staple for players learning positional play. This system involves visualizing the cue ball as a clock face and striking it at specific positions to achieve the desired outcome.

Legacy

Buddy Hall left behind a legacy of excellence, humility, and a deep love for the sport of pocket billiards; his impact on pool is immeasurable, inspiring players around the world with his remarkable skills and contributions.

Mastering the Clock System: A Breakdown of Buddy Hall's Cueing Technique

Buddy Hall's "clock system" is a renowned cueing technique used to control the cue ball and play for shape – position for the next shot – in pool. This system involves visualizing the cue ball as a clock face and using specific English positions to dictate the cue ball's trajectory after contact with the object ball.

Understanding the Clock System

The clock system is based on the concept of applying English to the cue ball to control its direction and speed after contact with the object ball. By visualizing the cue ball as a clock face, players can better understand how to apply English and predict the cue ball's trajectory.

- 12 o'clock English: This position refers to striking the cue ball at the top, which results in a follow shot.

- 3 o'clock English: This position refers to striking the cue ball on the right side, which results in a right-hand English shot.

- 6 o'clock English: This position refers to striking the cue ball at the bottom, which results in a draw shot.

- 9 o'clock English: This position refers to striking the cue ball on the left side, which results in a left-hand English shot.

Applying the Clock System

To apply the clock system, players need to understand how to use English to control the cue ball's trajectory. This involves visualizing the cue ball as a clock face and striking the cue ball at specific positions to achieve the desired outcome.

- Playing shape: By using the clock system, players can control the cue ball's trajectory and play shape more effectively. This involves visualizing the cue ball's path and applying English to achieve the desired outcome.

- Controlling the cue ball: The clock system allows players to control the cue ball's speed and direction, making it easier to play shape and position for the next shot.

Tips for Mastering the Clock System

To master the clock system, players need to practice and develop their skills.

To apply the clock system, players need to understand how to use English to control the cue ball's trajectory. This involves visualizing the cue ball's path and applying English to achieve the desired outcome.

- Playing shape: By using the clock system, players can control the cue ball's trajectory and play shape more effectively.

- Controlling the cue ball: The clock system allows players to control the cue ball's speed and direction, making it easier to play shape and position for the next shot.

Conclusion

The clock system is a powerful tool for controlling the cue ball and playing shape in pool. By mastering this technique, players can improve their game and become more effective shooters. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, understanding the clock system can help you develop a more strategic approach to the game.

Mastering the Clock System

To master the clock system, players need to practice and develop their skills. Here are some tips to help you get started:

- Practice regularly: Regular practice will help you develop your cueing technique and improve your ability to control the cue ball.

- Focus on your English: Understanding how to apply English to the cue ball is crucial to mastering the clock system. Practice applying different types of English to develop your skills.

- Visualize the clock face: Visualizing the clock face will help you understand how to apply English and control the cue ball's trajectory.

- Analyze your shots: Take the time to analyze your shots and think about how you can use the clock system to improve your game.

The Benefits of the Clock System

The clock system offers several benefits for pool players, including:

- Improved cue ball control: By mastering the clock system, players can develop better control over the cue ball, making it easier to play shape and position for the next shot.

- Increased accuracy: The clock system can help players improve their accuracy by allowing them to apply the right amount of English to the cue ball.

- Strategic advantage: Understanding the clock system can give players a strategic advantage over their opponents, allowing them to play more effectively and make better decisions during the game.

By mastering the clock system, players can take their game to the next level and become more effective shooters. With practice and dedication, anyone can develop the skills needed to master this powerful technique.