Once the balls are in the rack, squeeze them together with your fingers. You want them so tight that they feel like they’re in a crowded Tube carriage at 8am. No gaps. If there’s a gap, the break will sound like a wet fart instead of a satisfying crack.
Now, here’s the tricky bit: lifting the rack. You want to pull it straight up and away, like you’re lifting the lid off a hot pot. If you wiggle it sideways, you’ll scatter the balls like startled pigeons. Do it gently, with confidence. If you mess up, just sigh, say “typical,” and reset them. Nobody judges you for trying again—we’ve all been there.
