Quick answer: To hit the cue ball in the center, set your cue tip right at the middle of the ball while you aim, keep the cue as level as you can, and use a smooth, straight stroke that does not swing side to side. Keep your head and body still until after the hit. A simple drill is to shoot the cue ball straight up the table over the spots and see if it comes back on the same line. If it curves or comes back off line, you are not hitting the center.
A center ball hit is the base of a good pool game. When you can hit the center on purpose, you can then learn to hit above, below, and to the side for spin.
Why the Center Hit Matters
| Hit | What the cue ball does |
|---|---|
| Center | Goes straight and reacts in a predictable way |
| Above center | Rolls forward more (follow) |
| Below center | Spins back (draw) |
| Left or right | Adds sidespin and can curve |
If you think you are hitting center but are really a little off, your shots will miss and you will not know why.
Step 1: Set Up Your Stance
Stand with your feet steady and your body balanced. Your chin should be over the cue. Our page on how to stop jumping up in pool explains how to stay down.
Step 2: Line Up the Tip
Set your tip right at the middle of the cue ball. Look at the ball from straight behind. Many players think they are in the center but are slightly to one side because of their dominant eye.
Step 3: Keep the Cue Level
Raise the back of the cue only as much as you need to clear the rail. A level cue helps the tip hit where you aim.
Step 4: Stroke Straight
- Grip the cue loosely
- Move only your back arm from the elbow
- Follow straight through the ball
- Hold your finish
For more help, see our post on how to improve your pool stroke.
Drill 1: The Straight Back Drill
- Place the cue ball on the head spot.
- Shoot it straight up the table to hit the far rail over the spots.
- Watch if it comes back on the same line.
- If it comes back to one side, you hit off center or your stroke curved.
Drill 2: The Stop Shot
- Set an object ball a short distance in front of the cue ball in a straight line.
- Hit the cue ball with a firm, center ball hit.
- On a short straight shot, a good center hit often makes the cue ball stop dead or roll only a little.
- If it spins sideways, you hit left or right of center.
Drill 3: Use a Dotted Cue Ball
Practice cue balls with dots or stripes show you where you hit. If you see the dots wobble, you are off center. These balls are sold as training aids.
Common Problems
| Problem | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Cue ball curves | Hitting left or right or cue not level |
| Ball jumps a little | Cue raised too much or hit too low |
| Misses to one side | Tip not lined up with center or stroke swings |
The Bottom Line
To hit the cue ball in the center, line the tip up with the middle of the ball, keep the cue level, stroke straight, and stay still through the hit. Use the straight back drill and stop shots to check yourself. Once you own the center hit, learning spin gets much easier. When you are ready, see our page on how to use sidespin in pool.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Plan Your Next Shot in Pool: Easy Tips to Think Ahead
- How to Play Safe in Pool: Safety Shots for Beginners
- How to Use Sidespin in Pool: A Simple Guide to English
- How to Aim in Pool for Beginners: 6 Simple Steps to Make More Balls
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am hitting the center of the cue ball?
Shoot the cue ball straight up the table and back. If it returns on the same line, you likely hit the center.
Why does my cue ball curve when I hit it?
You may be hitting off center or raising the back of the cue too much.
What is a center ball hit?
It is hitting the cue ball in the middle so it goes straight without spin to the side.
Do training cue balls help?
Yes. Dotted cue balls show if you are hitting off center.