Quick answer: To play safe in pool, you make a legal shot on purpose with the goal of leaving your opponent a hard shot, instead of trying to pocket a ball. The most common ways are to hide the cue ball behind other balls, send the cue ball or object ball far apart, or freeze the cue ball to a rail. Always make a legal hit so you do not foul. Play safe when your shot is low odds and a miss would leave your opponent an easy run.
Many beginners try to make every shot. Learning when and how to play safe will win you more games than you might think.
What Is a Safety?
A safety is a shot where you give up the chance to make a ball to make things hard for your opponent. In most games, you must still make a legal hit. That usually means hitting a legal ball first and then having a ball reach a rail or a pocket.
When to Play Safe
| Situation | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Easy shot with good position | Shoot it |
| Hard shot, miss leaves easy run | Play safe |
| No clear shot at all | Play safe or kick |
| Blocked balls you cannot run out | Play safe and wait |
Types of Safeties
Hide the cue ball. Leave the cue ball behind another ball so your opponent cannot see their target.
Distance safety. Send the cue ball to one end of the table and the object ball to the other. Long shots are harder.
Rail safety. Freeze the cue ball against a rail. It is harder to get a good bridge and stroke.
Lock up the object ball. Push the object ball behind other balls so it has no clear path to a pocket.
How to Play a Safety: Step by Step
- Look at the table. Find spots where the cue ball could hide.
- Pick a target spot. Choose where you want the cue ball to stop.
- Plan the object ball too. Where will it end up?
- Choose speed and spin. Most safeties are soft. Stop shots and soft draw help.
- Make a legal hit. Be sure a ball reaches a rail after contact if your rules need it.
- Stroke smoothly. Safeties need touch. Use your pool pre shot routine.
Speed Control Is Key
Good safeties depend on speed. A safety that rolls a foot too far can leave an easy shot. Practice soft shots so you know how far the balls roll. Our post on how to do a stop shot in pool helps with cue ball control.
Common Safety Mistakes
- Forgetting the rail rule and fouling.
- Hitting too hard.
- Hiding the cue ball but leaving the object ball by a pocket.
- Playing safe when an easy shot is open.
- Not having a plan for your opponent’s reply.
Safety Drills
Hide drill. Put two balls near each other. Place the object ball nearby and try to hide the cue ball behind them after contact.
Length drill. Shoot the object ball softly to a rail and try to send the cue ball to the far end.
Freeze drill. Try to stop the cue ball touching a rail after a soft hit.
More drills are in our post on pool drills for beginners.
Is Playing Safe Fair?
Yes. Safeties are part of the game in every major pool game. Good players use them all the time.
The Bottom Line
To play safe in pool, make a legal hit that leaves your opponent a hard shot. Hide the cue ball, use distance, freeze to a rail, or lock up the object ball. Use soft, controlled speed, and play safe when your shot is low odds and a miss would hand over the game.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Break in Pool: A Simple Guide for a Better Break
- 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
What is a safety in pool?
A safety is a legal shot played on purpose to leave your opponent a hard shot instead of trying to pocket a ball.
Do you have to hit a rail on a safety?
In most games, after hitting a legal ball, a ball must reach a rail or go in a pocket, or it is a foul.
When should I play a safety?
Play safe when your shot is low odds and a miss would leave your opponent an easy run.
Is playing safe allowed in pool?
Yes. Safeties are a normal part of the game.