Quick answer: A straight in shot is when the cue ball, the object ball, and the pocket are all in one straight line. To make it, stand so your cue lines up with that line, aim at the center of the object ball, hit the cue ball in the center, keep your head and body still, and stroke straight through the cue ball with smooth speed. Most misses on straight in shots come from a crooked stroke or moving during the shot, not bad aim.
Straight in shots look easy, but they show every flaw in your stroke. That makes them one of the best shots to practice.
Why Straight Shots Are Hard
On a cut shot, small errors can hide. On a straight shot, any wobble in your stroke shows right away because the ball must go exactly down the line. That is why good players use straight shots to test their stroke.
7 Steps to Make a Straight In Shot
- Check the line. Stand behind the shot and look from the pocket through the object ball to the cue ball. Make sure all three are in one line.
- Step into the line. Walk into your stance with your cue already on the line. See pool pre shot routine.
- Aim at the center. On a straight shot, the cue ball hits the object ball dead center.
- Hit the cue ball in the center. Center ball removes side spin errors. See how to hit the cue ball in the center.
- Take smooth practice strokes. Keep them straight and level.
- Stay down. Keep your head still until the ball is in. See how to stop jumping up in pool.
- Follow through straight. Let your cue finish down the line.
Choose Your Cue Ball Action
On a straight shot, the cue ball can only go forward, stop, or come back.
| What you want | Where to hit the cue ball |
|---|---|
| Stop | A little below center. See how to do a stop shot in pool |
| Roll forward | Above center |
| Come back | Below center. See how to draw the cue ball |
Plan where you want the cue ball to stop before you shoot. Learn more in how to control the cue ball in pool.
Common Mistakes
- Steering the cue during the stroke
- Gripping too tight
- Lifting your head too early
- Hitting too hard, which makes small errors bigger
- Using side spin by accident
The Straight Shot Drill
This classic drill builds a straight stroke.
- Place the object ball about a foot off a corner pocket.
- Place the cue ball in a straight line behind it.
- Shoot 10 shots and count how many go in.
- Move the cue ball farther back for harder shots.
- Track your score each week.
| Level | Distance between balls | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | About 1 foot | 9 out of 10 |
| Medium | About 3 feet | 7 out of 10 |
| Hard | Long, table length | 5 out of 10 |
These goals are just starting points. Set your own and beat them over time.
Use the Stop Shot Test
Try to stop the cue ball dead where it hits the object ball. If the cue ball drifts left or right, you likely added side spin or your stroke was crooked. This is a great way to check your stroke. More stroke help is in how to improve your pool stroke.
Long Straight Shots
Long straight shots are some of the hardest in pool. Slow down, keep a smooth speed, and trust your line. If you are new, build up from short shots first. For more aiming help, read how to aim in pool for beginners.
The Bottom Line
To make a straight in shot in pool, line up the cue ball, object ball, and pocket, aim at the center of the object ball, hit the cue ball in the center, stay down, and follow through straight. Practice the straight shot drill and the stop shot test to build a stroke you can trust.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Control the Cue Ball in Pool: Speed, Spin, and Simple Drills
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a straight in shot in pool?
It is a shot where the cue ball, object ball, and pocket are all in one straight line.
Why do I miss easy straight shots?
Most misses come from a crooked stroke, side spin by accident, or moving your head during the shot.
Where do I aim on a straight shot?
Aim the cue ball at the center of the object ball.
What is the best drill for straight shots?
Line up a cue ball and object ball with a corner pocket and shoot 10 in a row, moving farther back as you improve.