Quick answer: A kick shot in pool is when you send the cue ball into a rail first, and it bounces off to hit the object ball. You use it when another ball blocks your direct path. A simple way to aim is the mirror method: picture the object ball’s mirror image on the other side of the rail, and aim the cue ball straight at that image. Use a medium speed and center ball hit at first, since spin and speed change the angle. With practice, you can also learn diamond systems for more accuracy.

Kick shots help you escape safeties and avoid fouls. Even if you do not make the ball, a good kick can leave a tough shot for your opponent.

Kick Shot vs Bank Shot

	Kick shot	Bank shot
What hits the rail	The cue ball	The object ball
When used	Your path is blocked	No direct pocket line
Goal	Hit the object ball	Pocket the object ball

For bank shots, read how to bank a ball in pool.

How a Ball Comes Off the Rail

A basic rule: the angle in is close to the angle out, like a mirror. But in real play, speed, spin, and the cloth and rails all change the path a little. That is why practice matters.

The Mirror Method, Step by Step

1. Find the rail you want to kick off.
2. Picture a mirror image of the object ball the same distance behind that rail.
3. Aim the cue ball straight at that image.
4. Use center ball with no side spin. See how to hit the cue ball in the center.
5. Use medium speed. Hard shots can shorten the angle off the rail.
6. Stay down and follow through. See how to stop jumping up in pool.

Use the Diamonds

The diamonds on the rails help you aim. Many players learn kick systems that use the diamonds to find where to hit the rail. Start with the mirror method, and add a system later as you improve.

How Spin and Speed Change the Kick

• Running english (spin toward the direction of travel) makes the ball come off at a wider angle.
• Reverse english makes it come off shorter.
• More speed tends to shorten the angle.

Learn spin basics in how to use sidespin in pool.

Aim for the Fat Part

When kicking, aim to hit the fattest part of the object ball. Even if you are off a little, you still make a legal hit. If you want to pocket it, that is a bonus.

Practice Drills

Drill 1: One rail to a spot. Put a coin on the table. Kick off one rail and try to hit the coin.

Drill 2: Blocked ball. Set up a blocker between the cue ball and an object ball. Kick off one rail to hit the object ball.

Drill 3: Change speed. Repeat the same kick at soft, medium, and firm speeds. Watch how the angle changes.

When to Use a Kick

• You are hooked and cannot see the ball.
• A jump shot is not allowed or is too risky. See how to make a jump shot in pool.
• You want to make a legal hit and leave a safety. See how to play safe in pool.

Build Your Skills

Kicking well depends on a smooth stroke and good cue ball control. Work on how to improve your pool stroke and how to control the cue ball in pool. For more ideas, try our pool drills for beginners.

The Bottom Line

To shoot a kick shot in pool, send the cue ball into a rail so it bounces to the object ball. Use the mirror method, center ball, and medium speed at first. Aim for the fat part of the ball, and practice with simple drills. Kicks help you escape safeties and avoid fouls.

Keep Reading on This Site

• How to Make a Jump Shot in Pool: Simple Steps for Beginners
• How to Make a Straight In Shot in Pool: 7 Simple Steps
• 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a kick shot in pool?

It is a shot where the cue ball hits a rail first and then hits the object ball.

What is the difference between a kick shot and a bank shot?

In a kick shot, the cue ball hits the rail. In a bank shot, the object ball hits the rail.

How do I aim a kick shot?

Picture the object ball's mirror image behind the rail and aim the cue ball at it.

Does spin change a kick shot?

Yes. Running english widens the angle, and reverse english shortens it.

Quick answer: To control the cue ball in pool, focus on two things: speed and where you hit the cue ball. Hit above center to make it roll forward, below center to make it stop or come back, and at center for the most control. Use the softest speed that gets the job done. Before every shot, pick a target zone where you want the cue ball to stop for your next shot. Practice a few simple drills, and your cue ball control will improve fast.

Making balls is fun. Getting the cue ball where you want it is how you run racks. Here is how to build that skill.

The Two Keys: Speed and Tip Position

Key	What it controls
Speed	How far the cue ball travels
Tip position	Which way the cue ball moves after contact

Where to Hit the Cue Ball

Hit	Result
Center	Most control, little spin
Above center	Follow, the cue ball rolls forward
A little below center	Stop, on a straight shot
Well below center	Draw, the cue ball comes back
Left or right	Side spin, changes rail angles

Learn each one: how to hit the cue ball in the center, how to do a stop shot in pool, how to draw the cue ball, and how to use sidespin in pool.

Speed Control Is Most Important

Most position mistakes come from hitting too hard. Softer shots are easier to control and make fewer mistakes. Try to use the softest speed that still makes the ball and moves the cue ball where you want.

Pick a Target Zone

Before you shoot, choose where the cue ball should stop. Make the zone big, like the size of a dinner plate, so you have room for small errors. Then choose speed and tip position to get there. Planning ahead is covered in how to plan your next shot in pool.

Understand the Tangent Line

On a cut shot where the cue ball is sliding with no spin at contact, called a stun shot, the cue ball leaves the object ball at about a right angle. This path is called the tangent line. Follow bends the path forward, and draw bends it back. Knowing this helps you predict where the cue ball goes.

Drill 1: Speed Ladder

Shoot the cue ball up and down the table off the far rail. Try to stop it near the near rail, then near the side pocket, then near the far rail. This builds a feel for speed.

Drill 2: Stop, Follow, Draw

Set up a short straight shot. Shoot it three ways: stop the cue ball, follow forward a foot, then draw back a foot. Repeat 10 times each.

Drill 3: Target Zone Drill

Set an object ball near a pocket. Place a coin or chalk where you want the cue ball to stop. Shoot and see how close you get. Move the target around.

Common Cue Ball Control Mistakes

• Hitting too hard
• Using spin when you do not need it
• Not picking a target zone
• Moving during the stroke
• Forgetting about scratches

A smooth, straight stroke makes all of this easier. See how to improve your pool stroke and practice your stroke with how to make a straight in shot in pool.

Using Rails

Sometimes the best path for the cue ball goes off a rail. Fewer rails usually means more control. When you use a rail, watch how speed and side spin change the angle. Read how to shoot off the rail in pool.

When Control Means Playing Safe

Good cue ball control also helps you play safe. If you can not make a ball, you can leave the cue ball where your opponent has no good shot. See how to play safe in pool.

The Bottom Line

To control the cue ball in pool, master speed first, then learn stop, follow, and draw. Pick a target zone before every shot, use the softest speed you can, and practice with simple drills. Better cue ball control means easier shots and more runouts.

Keep Reading on This Site

• How to Make a Straight In Shot in Pool: 7 Simple Steps
• 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

How do you control the cue ball in pool?

Control your speed and where you hit the cue ball. Pick a target zone before every shot.

What is the most important part of cue ball control?

Speed control. Most mistakes come from hitting too hard.

Should beginners use side spin?

Beginners should learn center ball, stop, follow, and draw first, then add side spin later.

What is the tangent line in pool?

It is the path the cue ball takes after hitting an object ball on a stun cut shot, about a right angle from the object ball's path.

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.

1. Line up the shot down the rail.
2. Aim to hit the object ball and the rail at the same time, or just a hair of the ball first.
3. Use soft to medium speed. Hard shots make the ball bounce off the rail.
4. 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.

1. Make a rail bridge with your hand on the rail.
2. Raise the back of the cue a little.
3. Aim at the top half of the cue ball. Center or a little above center is common.
4. Shorten your stroke for more control.
5. 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.

Quick answer: To shoot off the rail in pool, build a steady rail bridge by laying your hand on the rail and guiding the cue between your fingers or along your thumb. When the cue ball is touching or very close to the rail, raise the back of your cue slightly and hit a little above center. Keep your stroke short and smooth, stay down, and do not try to use much spin.

Rail shots feel awkward at first, but they get easier with practice.

Why Rail Shots Are Hard

• You cannot hit low on the cue ball
• Your bridge is on a hard, narrow surface
• Your cue must be raised a little
• Mistakes show up more

Rail Bridges

Bridge type	When to use
Rail bridge with index finger over the cue	Cue ball a few inches off the rail
Rail bridge with cue along the thumb	Cue ball very close to the rail
Closed bridge on the rail	When you want extra control
Open bridge on the rail	Soft, simple shots

How to Shoot Off the Rail

1. Place your hand on the rail. Fingers flat and steady.
2. Guide the cue. Run it between your index and middle fingers, or along your thumb.
3. Raise the back of the cue just a little.
4. Aim a little above center on the cue ball.
5. Use a short, smooth stroke.
6. Stay down until the ball is gone.

Tips for Better Rail Shots

• Shorten your bridge length for more control
• Do not hit too hard
• Use less spin than normal
• Follow through straight

If you are not sure about your stroke, see how to improve your pool stroke and how to hit the cue ball in the center.

Shooting a Ball Along the Rail

Sometimes the object ball sits on the rail. For many of these shots, aim to hit the object ball and the rail at the same time, which helps the ball hug the rail. Slower speed often helps.

Drills

Drill 1: Rail stop shot. Put the cue ball near the rail and an object ball a short way out. Try to pocket it and stop the cue ball. Read how to do a stop shot in pool.

Drill 2: Rail follow. Same setup, but follow forward a few inches.

Drill 3: Long rail shots. Shoot a ball along the rail into the corner from the far end.

Add these to your pool drills for beginners routine.

Avoid Rail Leaves

The best fix for a rail shot is not leaving one. Plan your position. See how to plan your next shot in pool.

Fix Common Rail Shot Problems

Problem	Likely cause	Fix
Miscue	Hitting too low	Aim at or a little above center
Shot goes off line	Bridge moved	Keep your bridge hand still
Too much speed	Long backswing	Shorten your stroke
Cue ball jumps	Cue raised too much	Raise only a little

Build Confidence

Practice rail shots a few minutes every session. Over time, your bridge will feel steady and you will stop fearing these shots.

The Bottom Line

How to shoot off the rail in pool: build a steady rail bridge, raise the cue slightly, aim a little above center, and use a short, smooth stroke. Use less spin, stay down, and practice rail drills. Better position play helps you avoid rail shots in the first place.

Keep Reading on This Site

• 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
• How to Stop Jumping Up in Pool: 6 Ways to Stay Down on Your Shots

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you bridge on the rail in pool?

Lay your hand on the rail and guide the cue between your fingers or along your thumb.

Can you use draw off the rail?

It is hard because you cannot hit very low on the cue ball. Hit near or above center.

Should I hit hard on rail shots?

No. A short, smooth stroke with controlled speed works better.

How do I shoot a ball that is on the rail?

For many shots, aim to hit the object ball and the rail at the same time and use slower speed.

Quick answer: To plan your next shot in pool, decide where you want the cue ball to stop before you shoot the ball in front of you. Look at the next ball you want to shoot, picture a spot that gives you an easy angle on it, and then choose the speed and spin that will send the cue ball there. Keep it simple: use as little spin as you can and leave yourself a small angle, not a perfectly straight shot. Thinking one ball ahead is the first step to running more balls.

Many beginners just make the ball in front of them and hope for the best. Planning the next shot turns hoping into a plan.

Step 1: Look Before You Shoot

Walk around the table and look at where every ball is. Ask yourself:

• Which ball do I want to shoot next?
• Which balls are in the way?
• Which pockets are open?

Step 2: Pick a Landing Spot

Choose an area, not an exact dot, where the cue ball should stop. A big target is easier to hit than a tiny one.

Step 3: Leave a Small Angle

A small angle on your next shot is often better than a dead straight one. With a slight angle, you can send the cue ball to the next spot more easily. Straight shots make it harder to move the cue ball sideways.

Step 4: Choose Speed First

Speed is the biggest part of position. A soft or medium speed is easier to control than a hard hit. Practice so you know how far the cue ball rolls with different strokes.

Step 5: Add Spin Only When Needed

Spin	What it does
Follow	Cue ball rolls forward after contact
Draw	Cue ball comes back toward you
Stun	Cue ball stops or slides sideways
Sidespin	Changes the angle off a rail

Start with a center hit when you can. Our post on how to draw the cue ball and our page on how to use sidespin in pool explain spin more.

Common Traps to Avoid

• Scratching. Check if the cue ball’s path goes near a pocket.
• Getting stuck on a rail. Frozen to a rail makes the next shot harder.
• Hitting other balls. Know where the cue ball will travel.
• Going too far. Hitting too hard is a common reason for bad position.

A Simple Practice Drill

1. Put three balls on the table in easy spots.
2. Before each shot, say out loud where you want the cue ball to stop.
3. Shoot and see how close you got.
4. Repeat until you can run all three.

This is a great way to build the habit of planning. A steady center hit helps too. See our page on how to hit the cue ball in the center.

Think About the Whole Rack

As you get better, think two or three balls ahead. Look for problem balls, like two balls touching or a ball on a rail, and plan when to handle them. Our page on how to aim in pool for beginners covers the aiming side.

A Quick Pre Shot Routine

Step	Ask yourself
1	Which ball is next?
2	Where should the cue ball stop?
3	What speed gets it there?
4	Do I need spin, or will center ball work?
5	Is there a scratch or a blocker in the path?

The Bottom Line

To plan your next shot in pool, look at the table, pick a landing area for the cue ball, leave a small angle, and control your speed. Use spin only when you need it. Practice saying your plan before each shot, and you will start running more balls.

Keep Reading on This Site

• 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
• 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

What does playing position mean in pool?

It means controlling where the cue ball stops so your next shot is easy.

Should I leave myself a straight shot?

Often a small angle is better, because it makes it easier to move the cue ball to the next spot.

What matters most for position play?

Speed control is usually the biggest part.

How far ahead should beginners plan?

Start by planning one ball ahead, then work up to two or three.

Ready to plan a whole rack? See how to run out in 8 ball.

Quick answer: To break in pool, start with a tight rack. Place the cue ball behind the head string, often a little off center. Use a solid bridge and a relaxed grip. Hit the cue ball near center or slightly below and drive it into the head ball as full as you can. Use controlled power, not all out power, and keep your body balanced. A good break spreads the balls and leaves the cue ball near the middle of the table.

The break starts every rack. A better break gives you more shots and better chances to run out.

Step 1: Get a Tight Rack

A loose rack makes a weak break. Make sure the balls touch each other. On many tables, the person who racks matters, so check your rack or watch it closely.

Step 2: Place the Cue Ball

Put the cue ball behind the head string. Many players break from close to the center for 8 ball, or from near a side rail. Try different spots and see what works on your table. Always follow the rules where you play.

Step 3: Use a Solid Bridge

The break uses more power, so your bridge must be firm. A closed bridge or a firm open bridge both work. Plant your bridge hand so it does not move.

Step 4: Stance and Grip

• Stand a little taller than normal if it helps balance.
• Keep a relaxed grip. A tight grip slows the cue.
• Stay balanced so you do not fall forward.

Step 5: Aim for a Full Hit

The most important part is hitting the head ball square. A full hit sends the energy into the rack. A thin hit wastes it.

Step 6: Use Controlled Power

More power is not always better. Many players find they break better a little below their top speed, because they can hit more squarely. Speed you cannot control often leads to misses and scratches.

Step 7: Control the Cue Ball

Try to leave the cue ball near the middle of the table. Hitting near center or slightly below can help stop the cue ball after it hits the rack. Hitting too high can send the cue ball flying, sometimes off the table.

Common Break Mistakes

Mistake	Fix
Loose rack	Check and tighten the rack
Moving bridge hand	Plant the bridge firmly
Too much power	Use controlled speed
Thin hit on head ball	Focus on a square hit
Cue ball scratches	Hit near center or slightly below

Break Drills

1. Break 10 racks in a row.
2. Count how many balls drop each time.
3. Note where the cue ball ends up.
4. Try a new cue ball spot and compare.

Our post on pool drills for beginners has more practice ideas.

Does the Game Change the Break?

Yes. In 8 ball, players often aim for a powerful break that spreads the balls. In 9 ball, many players look for a controlled break that makes a ball and leaves a shot at the 1. Our sister site has a page on how to break in 9 ball.

A Word on Break Cues

Some players use a separate break cue with a hard tip, so they do not wear down their playing cue tip. A break cue is not required, but many players like one.

The Bottom Line

To break in pool, use a tight rack, a firm bridge, and a relaxed grip. Hit the head ball as full as you can with controlled power, and try to keep the cue ball near the middle. Practice your break and track your results to see what works best.

Keep Reading on This Site

• 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
• Pool Lessons for Beginners: 8 Basics Every New Player Needs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I place the cue ball on the break?

Behind the head string, often near center or near a side rail. Try spots to see what works.

Should I break as hard as I can?

Usually no. Controlled power with a square hit often works better.

Why does my cue ball scratch on the break?

Hitting too high or hitting the head ball off center can send the cue ball into a pocket.

Do I need a break cue?

No, but many players like one so they do not wear out their playing cue tip.

Playing 8 ball? Read my 8 ball break tips.

Quick answer: To bank a ball in pool, picture the rail as a mirror. Find the point on the rail halfway between the object ball and the pocket, then hit the object ball so it heads to that point. Use medium speed and center ball on the cue ball. Hitting harder often makes the ball come off the rail at a shorter angle, so practice to learn how your table plays.

Bank shots look hard, but they follow simple patterns. Once you learn the basics, you will start seeing banks as real options.

What Is a Bank Shot?

A bank shot is when the object ball hits a rail before going into a pocket. Banks are useful when a direct shot is blocked or when the angle is better off a rail.

Step 1: Pick the Pocket

Choose the pocket on the far side of the rail. Cross corner and cross side banks are the most common.

Step 2: Use the Mirror Method

Imagine the rail is a mirror. For a simple bank:

1. Find where the object ball is.
2. Find the target pocket.
3. Find the spot on the rail halfway between them, measured along the rail.

The diamonds on the rail help you find that spot.

Step 3: Aim the Object Ball at the Rail Spot

Figure out how to cut the object ball so it heads toward that spot on the rail. It is like aiming a normal cut shot, but your target is a point on the rail instead of a pocket.

Step 4: Use Medium Speed

Speed matters on banks.

Speed	Effect
Soft	Ball may come off a bit longer
Medium	Closest to the mirror line
Hard	Ball often comes off shorter

Start at medium speed while learning.

Step 5: Hit Center Ball

Sidespin on the cue ball can change how the object ball comes off the rail. Keep it simple with center ball.

Step 6: Watch for Kiss

Make sure the cue ball and object ball will not hit each other again after the object ball comes off the rail. This is called a kiss or double kiss, and it is common on straight on banks.

Step 7: Stay Down

Stay still through the shot. Jumping up is a common reason banks miss.

Bank Drills

1. Cross side drill. Place a ball one diamond off a long rail, near the side pocket. Bank it into the opposite side pocket.
2. Cross corner drill. Place a ball near the side pocket on a long rail. Bank it into the opposite corner.
3. Speed test. Shoot the same bank at three speeds and note where the ball hits.

Take notes so you learn your table.

Common Mistakes

Mistake	Fix
Hitting too hard	Use medium speed
Using English	Start with center ball
Ignoring the kiss	Check the cue ball’s path
Jumping up	Stay down until the ball stops

When to Bank

• When the direct shot is blocked
• When the bank is easier than a thin cut
• When missing the bank leaves your opponent a hard shot

Learn From Every Miss

When you miss a bank, look at where the ball hit the rail and where it ended up. Did it come off too long or too short? Was it the speed or your aim? Set it up again and try once more. Each miss gives you a clue.

The Bottom Line

To bank a ball in pool, picture the rail as a mirror, aim at the halfway point, use medium speed and center ball, and watch for the kiss. Practice simple banks often and you will start making them with confidence.

Keep Reading on This Site

• 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
• Pool Lessons for Beginners: 8 Basics Every New Player Needs
• How to Draw the Cue Ball: 7 Tips for a Better Draw Shot in Pool

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you aim a bank shot in pool?

Use the mirror method. Aim at the rail point halfway between the object ball and the pocket.

Should I hit a bank shot hard?

Medium speed is best while learning. Hard shots often come off the rail at a shorter angle.

What is a kiss on a bank shot?

A kiss is when the cue ball and object ball touch again after the bank, which can knock the ball off line.

Should I use English on bank shots?

Start with center ball. English changes how the ball comes off the rail.

Quick answer: To draw the cue ball, hit it below center with a smooth, level stroke and follow through. Hitting low puts backspin on the cue ball. When it hits the object ball, that backspin makes the cue ball roll back toward you. Keep your bridge low, chalk your tip, stay down, and do not jab at the ball. Start with short, straight shots and slowly move the balls farther apart.

The draw shot is one of the three basic shots in pool, along with the stop shot and the follow shot. It lets you pull the cue ball back after you make a ball. That gives you much more control over where you end up for your next shot.

What Is a Draw Shot?

A draw shot is when the cue ball spins backward and comes back toward you after hitting the object ball. You create it by hitting the cue ball below its center. The backspin is still on the ball when it reaches the object ball, so it pulls back.

7 Tips for a Better Draw Shot

1. Hit Below Center

Aim your cue tip below the middle of the cue ball. Start about one tip width below center. Going too low can cause a miscue, where the tip slides off the ball.

2. Chalk Your Tip

A draw shot needs good grip between the tip and the cue ball. Chalk before every draw shot. Many miscues happen with a dry tip.

3. Lower Your Bridge

To hit low, your bridge hand needs to be lower too. Flatten your bridge so the cue is close to level. If you raise the back of the cue, you will be hitting down on the ball, which can make it jump or curve.

4. Keep the Cue Level

Try to keep the cue as level as you can. A level cue sends the spin straight back. A tilted cue can make the cue ball swerve.

5. Use a Smooth Stroke

Many beginners try to jab or punch the draw shot. That usually makes the cue ball stop or slide instead of coming back. Use a smooth, relaxed stroke and let the cue do the work.

6. Follow Through

Follow through after you hit the cue ball. Let your cue keep moving forward a few inches past where the cue ball was. A short follow through often means less draw.

7. Stay Down

Keep your head and body still until the cue ball comes back. Jumping up during the stroke is one of the most common reasons a draw shot fails.

Why Is My Draw Shot Not Working?

Problem	Likely Cause	Try This
Cue ball stops instead of drawing	Not hitting low enough, or jabbing	Hit lower and follow through
Miscue	Dry tip or hitting too low	Chalk and move up a little
Cue ball jumps	Back of the cue raised	Lower the back hand, level the cue
Draw dies on long shots	Spin wears off over distance	Use more speed or a shorter shot

Draw Shot Drills

Short Straight Draw

Place the object ball about one foot from a corner pocket. Put the cue ball about one foot behind it, straight in. Try to make the ball and draw the cue ball back six inches. Then try one foot, then two feet.

Move It Back

Once you can draw on short shots, move the cue ball farther away from the object ball. Draw is harder the farther the cue ball has to travel, because the backspin wears off as it rolls.

Draw to a Target

Put a piece of chalk or a coin on the table behind the cue ball. Try to draw the cue ball back to it. This builds control, not just power.

Stop, Draw, and Follow

The draw shot works best when you also know the stop shot and the follow shot. A stop shot hits a little below center so the cue ball stops dead. A follow shot hits above center so the cue ball rolls forward. See our post on how to do a stop shot in pool to learn that one too.

Watch the Lesson

The video below shows the stop shot, the draw shot, and the follow shot, so you can see where the tip hits the cue ball for each one.

Practice your draw a few minutes every session. Over time you will feel how low to hit and how hard to stroke for the distance you want.

Watch: How to Play Billiards: Stop, Draw and Follow (3 Basic Shots) | Pool Skool

Keep Reading on This Site

• 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
• 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

Where do you hit the cue ball to draw it back?

Below center. Start about one tip width below the middle of the cue ball.

Why does my cue ball stop instead of draw?

You may not be hitting low enough, or you may be jabbing instead of following through.

How do you draw the cue ball without miscuing?

Chalk your tip, do not go too low, and keep the cue as level as you can.

Why is draw harder on long shots?

The backspin wears off as the cue ball rolls, so less spin is left when it reaches the object ball.

Quick answer: A good pool stroke is smooth, straight, and relaxed. To improve yours, hold the cue loosely, swing from the elbow like a pendulum while your upper arm stays still, pause briefly at the back of your stroke, then accelerate smoothly through the cue ball and follow through. Practice with simple drills, like shooting the cue ball straight up and down the table, to see and feel a straight stroke.

Aim matters, but a crooked stroke can send a perfectly aimed shot off line. Most pool instructors spend a lot of time on the stroke because it affects every shot you take. Here are seven tips that help.

What Makes a Good Pool Stroke?

• Straight: the cue moves back and forth on one line.
• Smooth: no jerks, jabs, or sudden speed changes.
• Relaxed: a loose grip and a calm arm.
• Repeatable: it feels the same every time.

7 Tips to Improve Your Pool Stroke

1. Loosen Your Grip

Hold the cue with your fingers, not your whole fist. Think of holding a small bird: firm enough that it does not fly away, loose enough that you do not hurt it. A tight grip makes the cue twist and jab.

2. Swing Like a Pendulum

Your forearm swings back and forth from the elbow. Your upper arm and shoulder stay still. When the tip is near the cue ball, your forearm should hang close to straight down.

3. Keep the Cue Level

Keep the back of the cue as low as the shot allows. A cue that points down at the ball makes it easier to hit off center by mistake.

4. Take Smooth Practice Strokes

Take a few practice strokes before each shot. Use them to check your line and get your rhythm. Do not take too many. Two to four is common.

5. Pause at the Back

Many good players pause for a moment at the end of the backswing. This makes the change of direction smooth instead of jerky. It also gives you one last chance to check your aim.

6. Accelerate Through the Ball

Speed up smoothly through the cue ball. Do not slow down at contact. Think of hitting through the ball, not at it.

7. Follow Through and Freeze

Let the cue keep going past the cue ball. Then stay down and freeze for a moment. A good follow through shows that you did not stop or steer the stroke.

Simple Drills for a Straight Stroke

End rail and back. Put the cue ball on the head spot. Shoot it straight down the table so it hits the far rail and comes straight back to your cue tip. If it comes back off to the side, your stroke or your hit is off. The video below shows this drill.

Cover the seam. Many tables have a line where two slates meet, or you can use the long string line. Stroke your cue along that line and see if it stays on it.

Bottle drill. Some players practice stroking a cue in and out of the neck of an empty bottle without touching the sides. It shows right away if your stroke wiggles.

Common Stroke Problems

1. Jabbing. A short, quick poke. Fix it with a longer, smooth follow through.
2. Steering. Twisting the cue during the stroke to “help” the ball. Trust your aim.
3. Dropping the elbow early. Some drop is natural at the very end, but a big drop before contact can change your hit.
4. Gripping tighter at contact. Stay loose all the way through.

How Often Should You Practice?

Short, regular sessions are great. Even 10 to 15 minutes of stroke drills before you play can help you feel straight and smooth. Over time, a good stroke becomes automatic.

A better stroke is one of the best things you can do for your game. Work on it a little every time you practice.

Watch: How to Develop a Straight Stroke, End Rail and Back (Pool Skool with Ted)

Keep Reading on This Site

• 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 Do a Stop Shot in Pool: 5 Steps to Stop the Cue Ball Dead
• What the 14.1 World Record Runs Teach Pool Students
• Pool Drills for Beginners: 6 Easy Drills to Get Better Fast

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my pool stroke straighter?

Hold the cue loosely, swing from the elbow, and practice drills like shooting the cue ball straight down the table and back.

Should I pause at the back of my stroke?

Many good players pause briefly at the back. It helps make the stroke smooth and gives a final aim check.

How tight should I grip the cue?

Loosely. Hold it with your fingers so the cue can swing freely.

What is follow through in pool?

It is letting the cue keep moving past where the cue ball was, instead of stopping at contact.

Quick answer: To do a stop shot in pool, shoot a straight in shot and hit the cue ball a little below center with a smooth, firm stroke. The goal is for the cue ball to be sliding with no spin when it hits the object ball. Then it stops dead. The farther away the object ball is, the lower or firmer you need to hit.

The stop shot is one of the first position shots every player should learn. It is simple, and it gives you control on straight shots. Here is how to do it.

What Is a Stop Shot?

A stop shot is a straight in shot where the cue ball stops right where it hits the object ball. It does not roll forward, and it does not come back. It just stops.

Why Does the Cue Ball Stop?

When the cue ball hits an object ball straight on, it passes its forward speed to the object ball. If the cue ball has no spin at that moment, it has nothing left to move it, so it stops. If it is rolling forward, it follows. If it has back spin, it draws back. A stop shot is all about getting zero spin at contact.

How to Do a Stop Shot in 5 Steps

1. Set up a straight shot. Put an object ball one foot from a corner pocket and the cue ball two feet behind it, in a straight line.
2. Aim a little below center. Hit the cue ball about half a tip below center.
3. Keep your cue level. Keep the back of the cue as low as you can.
4. Use a firm, smooth stroke. Not a slam, just a confident stroke that goes through the ball.
5. Stay down and watch. Did the cue ball stop, roll forward, or come back? Adjust next time.

How to Fix It

• Cue ball rolls forward: Hit a little lower, or a little firmer.
• Cue ball draws back: Hit a little higher, or a little softer.
• Cue ball goes off to the side: Your shot was not quite straight, or you hit with some side spin.

Stop Shots at Longer Distances

As the cue ball travels, the table friction turns its back spin into forward roll. On a long shot, you need to hit lower or harder so the cue ball is still sliding when it gets to the object ball. Practice at one foot, then two, then three.

The Stun Shot

When the shot is not straight, the same hit is called a stun shot. The cue ball goes off at about a right angle from the object ball path. This is a great shot to know for position.

A Quick Drill

Shoot ten stop shots at each distance: one foot, two feet, and three feet between the balls. Count how many stop within a few inches. Write your scores down and try to beat them next time.

Keep Reading on This Site

• Pool Pre Shot Routine: 6 Steps to Shoot With More Confidence
• Pool Lessons for Beginners: 8 Basics Every New Player Needs
• Sample Page
• What the 14.1 World Record Runs Teach Pool Students
• Pool Drills for Beginners: 6 Easy Drills to Get Better Fast
• Hello world!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you hit the cue ball for a stop shot?

Hit a little below center, about half a tip, with a level cue and a firm, smooth stroke.

Why does the cue ball stop on a stop shot?

If the cue ball has no spin when it hits the object ball straight on, it gives up its speed and stops.

Why does my cue ball keep rolling forward?

It is rolling at contact. Hit a little lower or a little firmer.

What is the difference between a stop shot and a stun shot?

A stop shot is on a straight in shot. The same no spin hit on an angle is called a stun shot.