TLDR: Drills are shots you repeat on purpose. They build skill faster than just playing. Here are six easy drills for stroke, aim, speed, and cue ball control. Keep score so you can see yourself improve.
What you will learn:
- Six simple drills and how to set them up
- What each drill teaches
- How to score yourself
I have played pool for more than 50 years and in leagues and tournaments for more than 38 years. Drills are a big part of how I still practice. They are not exciting. But they work.
Drill 1: Up and Back
Teaches: A straight stroke.
Put the cue ball on the head spot. Shoot it straight to the far rail so it comes back to your tip. If it comes back to you, your stroke is straight. If it drifts to one side, something moved. Do ten. Count how many come back straight.
Drill 2: Straight-In Shots
Teaches: Aim and stroke.
Put an object ball about a foot from a corner pocket. Put the cue ball straight behind it, about a foot back. Shoot ten. Count makes. When you make eight of ten, move the cue ball farther back.
Drill 3: The Stop Shot
Teaches: Cue ball control.
Set up a straight-in shot. Hit the cue ball a little below center with a firm stroke. The goal is for the cue ball to stop right where it hit the object ball. Score a point for each stop.
Drill 4: Speed Ladder
Teaches: Touch and speed control.
With no object balls, shoot the cue ball to the far rail. Try to have it stop near the near rail on the way back. Then try to stop it in the middle of the table. Then near the far rail. This trains your feel for speed.
Drill 5: Cut Shot Circle
Teaches: Aiming at angles.
Put an object ball near a corner pocket. Place the cue ball in five spots around it, from straight to a wide angle. Shoot each spot twice. Count makes. Do both sides of the table.
Drill 6: Three Ball Run
Teaches: Thinking ahead.
Toss three balls on the table. Take ball in hand. Try to make all three in a row. Plan where the cue ball needs to go after each shot. When it gets easy, use four balls, then five.
How to Keep Score
Bring a notebook. Write the date, the drill, and your score. Do the same drills each week. You will see your numbers go up. That keeps you going.
A Simple Practice Session
- Up and Back: 5 minutes
- Straight-In Shots: 10 minutes
- Stop Shot: 5 minutes
- Cut Shot Circle: 10 minutes
- Three Ball Run: 10 minutes
That is about 40 minutes. Shorter is fine, too. Doing it often is what counts.
Tips for Better Drills
- Chalk before each shot.
- Take your time. A drill is not a race.
- Stay down after every shot.
- If you get frustrated, take a short break.
More Help
I have more drills and lessons in my Pool School. You can watch me shoot them on my YouTube channel.
FAQ
How often should I do pool drills?
A few times a week is a good start. Short sessions work well.
What is the best drill for beginners?
Straight-in shots. They build aim and stroke together.
Should I drill or play games?
Do both. Drills build skill. Games teach you to use it under pressure.
How long before I see results?
Many players see better scores within a few weeks of steady drills.
Summary
These pool drills for beginners build a straight stroke, good aim, and cue ball control. Keep score, practice often, and move on to harder versions as you improve.
About the Author
I am Ted Mauro. I have played pool for more than 50 years and in leagues and tournaments for more than 38 years.