How to Shoot the Pool Cue Ball

The most important technique in pool involves striking the cue ball correctly. The aim, stance and ball contact are vital to any billiards game. You can hold the pool stick in various ways, but the best method is what is most comfortable. Beginners learn to shoot the ball in the center of the cue ball to make straight and bank shots. More experienced billiard players can begin using English in the shots.

Instructions

    • 1

      Arrange the shot. Crouch down to view the cue ball at eye-level. Determine the angle of your shot, depending on the ball you wish to sink. Stand up and move into that position.

    • 2

      Put your hand on the pool table and slightly push your finger up. Allow the pool stick to slide between your thumb and pointer finger. Move the stick back and fourth to get use to the feel.

    • 3

      Position the stick by pulling back. The further back the stick comes, the stronger the shot. Bank shots require more power than straight pocket shots.

    • 4

      Push forward with the stick and hit directly in the center of the cue ball for a regular shot.

    • 5

      You can also use English on the cue ball. Hitting the cue ball below the center will spin the ball backward after striking the target ball. Striking the cue higher than center will move the cue ball forward after hitting the target ball. Knocking the cue on the left or right side from the center allows a spin move. Once the cue hits the target ball, it spins to the side. English allows you to set up subsequent shots or keep the cue from rolling into the pocket.