Quick answer: A thin cut shot is when the cue ball barely touches the side of the object ball and sends it off at a sharp angle. To make thin cuts, aim your cue ball’s edge past the edge of the object ball, keep your head still, and use a smooth, steady stroke. Soft to medium speed usually works best. Avoid big side spin until you can make the shot with center ball. Then practice thin cuts often, because they need a good feel for the angle.
Thin cuts look scary, but they come up all the time. Learning them gives you more shot choices and fewer safeties.
What Makes Thin Cuts Hard
On a straight shot, you hit the middle of the object ball. On a thin cut, you hit just the edge. A tiny aiming change makes a big difference in where the object ball goes. That is why thin cuts need a still head and a straight stroke.
How to Aim a Thin Cut
- Stand behind the shot and look at the line from the pocket through the object ball.
- Find the contact point, the spot on the object ball that faces away from the pocket.
- Picture the ghost ball, where the cue ball must be when it touches that spot. Learn the basics in how to aim in pool for beginners.
- Aim the center of the cue ball at the center of that ghost ball. On thin cuts, it will look like you are aiming almost past the object ball.
- Trust the line and keep your eyes on the object ball as you shoot.
Stroke Tips for Thin Cuts
- Keep your head still. Even a small move changes the hit. Read how to stop jumping up in pool.
- Use a smooth stroke. Do not jab or steer. See how to improve your pool stroke.
- Use center ball at first. Side spin can push the cue ball off line.
- Do not hit too hard. Medium or soft speed gives the object ball time to grab the pocket.
- Follow through straight toward your aim line.
Speed and Thin Cuts
| Speed | Result on thin cuts |
|---|---|
| Soft | The ball can drift a little but has a better chance to drop |
| Medium | A good choice for most thin cuts |
| Hard | Hard to control, the cue ball may fly around the table |
Thin cuts also send the cue ball far, since most of its speed keeps going. Plan where the cue ball will travel so you do not scratch.
Using the Pocket
Pockets have some room. On thin cuts, aim to send the object ball into the side of the pocket that is closer to you, so a slight overcut or undercut still has a chance. Learn more on this idea in our page about how to hit the cue ball in the center, which helps you keep your hit true.
Thin Cut Practice Drill
- Place an object ball a short distance from a corner pocket, close to the rail.
- Place the cue ball so the cut angle is wide.
- Shoot ten shots and count how many go in.
- Make the angle thinner as you improve.
- Try the same drill from the other side of the table.
Common Thin Cut Mistakes
- Undercutting, which means hitting too much of the object ball
- Hitting too hard
- Moving the head during the stroke
- Using side spin too soon
- Not checking where the cue ball will go
When to Skip the Thin Cut
If the cut is very thin and the cue ball path looks risky, a safety may be the smarter choice. Our page on how to play safe in pool can help.
The Bottom Line
To make thin cut shots in pool, find the contact point, aim the cue ball at the ghost ball, keep your head still, and use a smooth stroke at soft to medium speed. Practice wide angles first, then thinner ones. With time, thin cuts will feel natural.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Shoot a Frozen Ball in Pool: Rail and Ball to Ball 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 is a thin cut shot in pool?
A shot where the cue ball barely touches the edge of the object ball to send it at a sharp angle.
Why do I keep missing thin cuts?
Common reasons are moving your head, hitting too hard, and undercutting the shot.
Should I use english on thin cuts?
Start with center ball. Add side spin only after you can make the shot without it.
What speed is best for thin cuts?
Soft to medium speed works best for most thin cut shots.