'Hold it and I'll let it go"
 

Mike Dechaine showing off his fast break speed. The instruction was to hold the table lights out of the way to avoid getting smashed with a flying ball. 33.5 mph measured by a smart phone. It measures the time between the cueball being struck and the head ball being hit. I've heard that Charlie Bryant still holds the record at 36.

"Smash 'em" breaks not really used in major tournaments these days. Pros vary the speed depending on the table and other conditions in order to knock the wingball in a corner pocket and have the 1 end up near another pocket. Usual speeds today vary between 16 and 22 MPH.

Video itself? 32 seconds...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy_vt_M5X48&ab_channel=freedog69

I forget the rules...but doesn't the cue ball flying off the table count against him? :eek:

Oh yeah...in a match, very much a foul, opponent get cue ball in hand, can place it anywhere on the table. At the pro level, pretty much a guaranteed loss of game.

Here's an old analysis of how the #1 player in the USA breaks for 9 ball. About 3 minutes. Knowing how he breaks is one thing. Doing it is another.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAEnKCL3stU&ab_channel=DrDaveBilliards

^^^ interesting..a lot of concentration involved.
If I moved up while hitting the cue ball...it would end up going over all the others..lol

Amen on concentration. Now imagine being in the finals of a major tournament, with the added pressure of $50K or so to the winner...knowing full well one lapse in concentration could cost you the match.

It's a far different game than the one played by buddies out having a few beers.