Quick answer: To aim in pool, first find the spot on the object ball that faces away from the pocket. That is the contact point. Then picture a “ghost ball,” an imaginary cue ball touching the object ball at that spot. Aim the center of your cue ball at the center of that ghost ball. Line up your body behind the shot, keep your head still, and stroke straight through. Start with straight in shots, then move to small cut angles as you get better.
Aiming is the first thing most new players want to learn. The good news is that you do not need a hard system to start. You need a simple picture in your head and a lot of practice. Here is a beginner friendly way to aim.
Step 1: Find the Contact Point
Look at the object ball and the pocket. Draw an imaginary line from the center of the pocket through the center of the object ball. The spot where that line comes out the back of the ball is the contact point. That is where your cue ball needs to hit.
Step 2: Picture the Ghost Ball
Now picture a cue ball sitting right next to the object ball, touching it at the contact point. This imaginary ball is called the ghost ball. If your real cue ball rolls to the exact spot where the ghost ball is, the object ball will go toward the pocket.
So your target is not the object ball. Your target is the center of the ghost ball.
Step 3: Line Up Your Body
Stand behind the shot, looking down the line from the cue ball to the ghost ball. Then step into your stance on that line. Many players find it helps to:
- Put your back foot on the shot line
- Bring your chin down over the cue
- Keep your bridge hand steady on the table
If you set up off the line, you will have to twist your arm to hit the shot, and that causes misses.
Step 4: Keep Your Head Still
A lot of misses come from moving your head during the stroke. Keep your head down and still until after the cue ball hits the object ball. Some coaches say to stay down until the object ball drops.
Step 5: Stroke Straight Through
Aim does not matter if your stroke goes sideways. Use a smooth, straight stroke and follow through toward your target. Do not jab or jerk the cue. See our pages on how to improve your pool stroke and how to stop jumping up in pool for more help.
Step 6: Start With Easy Shots
Begin with straight in shots. The cue ball, object ball, and pocket are all on one line. These teach you to hit where you aim. Then try small cuts, then bigger cuts. Thin cuts are the hardest, so save those for later.
Where Do Beginners Miss?
| Miss | Common Cause | Simple Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Overcutting | Aiming too thin | Aim a little fuller |
| Undercutting | Aiming at the object ball, not the ghost ball | Picture the ghost ball |
| Missing straight shots | Head moving or crooked stroke | Stay down, stroke straight |
| Missing long shots | Small aim errors grow over distance | Practice shorter shots first |
A Simple Aiming Drill
- Place an object ball about a foot from a corner pocket.
- Place the cue ball about a foot behind it, lined up straight in.
- Shoot it ten times. Count how many go in.
- Move the cue ball a little to the side to make a small cut. Shoot ten more.
- Keep a score sheet so you can see yourself get better.
What About Spin?
When you use side spin, also called english, the cue ball can curve and push the object ball off line. Beginners should aim with a center hit first. Once your aim is steady, you can learn how spin changes things.
Be Patient
Aiming gets better with repetition. Your eyes and body learn what a good shot looks like over time. A few minutes of focused practice each day can help more than one long session once a week.
For more beginner lessons, see our page on the pool pre shot routine.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Draw the Cue Ball: 7 Tips for a Better Draw Shot in Pool
- How to Stop Jumping Up in Pool: 6 Ways to Stay Down on Your Shots
- Pool Pre Shot Routine: 6 Steps to Shoot With More Confidence
- Pool Lessons for Beginners: 8 Basics Every New Player Needs
- How to Improve Your Pool Stroke: 7 Tips for a Smooth, Straight Stroke
- How to Do a Stop Shot in Pool: 5 Steps to Stop the Cue Ball Dead
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ghost ball method in pool?
It means picturing an imaginary cue ball touching the object ball at the contact point, then aiming your cue ball at that spot.
Where should I look when I shoot in pool?
Many players look at the object ball contact point last, just before and during the stroke.
Why do I keep missing easy shots in pool?
Common causes are moving your head, a crooked stroke, or standing off the shot line.
Should beginners use spin when aiming?
It is best to start with a center hit until your aim is steady, then learn spin later.