Quick answer: A frozen ball in pool is a ball that is touching the rail or touching another ball. For an object ball frozen to the rail, try to hit the object ball and the rail at the same time, or hit the object ball first with a soft to medium stroke. For a cue ball frozen to the rail, raise the back of your cue a little and hit the top half of the cue ball with a smooth stroke. For two object balls frozen together, a ball hit along the line of the two balls often goes in that direction, which can set up an easy combination.
Frozen balls show up in almost every game. Knowing what to do turns these tricky spots into chances.
Object Ball Frozen to the Rail
This is when an object ball sits right against the cushion and you want to send it down the rail into a corner pocket.
- Line up the shot down the rail.
- Aim to hit the object ball and the rail at the same time, or just a hair of the ball first.
- Use soft to medium speed. Hard shots make the ball bounce off the rail.
- Keep your stroke smooth. A steady stroke keeps the ball hugging the rail.
For more rail tips, read how to shoot off the rail in pool.
Cue Ball Frozen to the Rail
When the cue ball is touching the cushion, you can only hit the top part of it.
- Make a rail bridge with your hand on the rail.
- Raise the back of the cue a little.
- Aim at the top half of the cue ball. Center or a little above center is common.
- Shorten your stroke for more control.
- Do not try big draw. It is very hard from the rail and can cause a miscue.
Two Balls Frozen Together
When two object balls touch each other, they act a bit like one unit.
| Situation | What often happens |
|---|---|
| The line through both balls points at a pocket | Hitting the first ball almost anywhere tends to send the second ball along that line |
| The line points away from the pocket | The second ball is harder to make |
This is a great time for a combination shot. Read how to make a combination shot in pool.
Frozen Ball Rules
In many rule sets, when the cue ball is frozen to an object ball, special rules can apply to what counts as a legal hit. Some rules also say that when an object ball is frozen to a rail, you must drive it to a rail or into a pocket on your hit. Always check your league or house rules, as they vary.
Practice Drills
- Rail drill: Freeze an object ball on the rail about a diamond from the corner. Shoot it down the rail ten times. Move it farther back as you improve.
- Cue ball on the rail drill: Freeze the cue ball on the rail and shoot an easy ball in a corner. Focus on a smooth stroke.
- Frozen pair drill: Freeze two balls lined up with a pocket. Try hitting the first ball from different angles and watch the second ball.
Common Mistakes
- Hitting too hard on balls frozen to the rail
- Trying too much spin from the rail
- Not checking the line on frozen pairs
- Forgetting the frozen ball rules in a match
The Bottom Line
A frozen ball touches a rail or another ball. For rail shots, hit the ball and rail together with soft speed. For a cue ball on the rail, raise the cue a little and hit the top half with a short stroke. For frozen pairs, look at the line through both balls. Practice each one and know your rules.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Make Thin Cut Shots in Pool: Simple Aiming and Stroke Tips
- How to Make a Combination Shot in Pool: Aim, Speed, and Drills
- How to Hit the Cue Ball in the Center: Simple Drills for Beginners
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What does frozen mean in pool?
A frozen ball is touching the rail or touching another ball.
How do I make a ball frozen to the rail?
Aim to hit the ball and the rail at the same time and use soft to medium speed.
Can I draw the cue ball when it is frozen to the rail?
It is very hard. Aim center or above center and use a short, smooth stroke instead.
Are there special rules for frozen balls?
Many rule sets have special rules for frozen balls. Check your league or house rules.