Pool Shot Tips

Pool is a fantastic game that seems simple at first, but is very difficult to master. Certain techniques and shots can elevate your game beyond that of the average joe, and with a bit of practice you may become a pool shark yourself.

  1. Cut Shots

    • According to EasyPoolTutor.com, these are the most common shots in the game of pool. Cut shots rely on angles and aiming to put the ball in the pocket, and certain angles are easier than others. Zero to 45-degree shots are the easiest, with the difficulty increasing the closer to 90 degrees the shot becomes. Shots with cuts of 90-degrees and beyond are next to impossible, and generally should not be attempted.

    Follow Shots

    • Follow shots are shots in which the cue ball "follows" the ball it hits after stopping momentarily. To achieve this shot, strike the cue ball slightly above center to create topspin. The harder the cue ball is struck, the more distance it will roll forward after hitting the object ball. According to EasyPoolTutor.com, the optimum striking point on the ball is 1 to 1 1/2 cue tips above center.

    Draw Shots

    • The draw shot is the opposite of the follow shot, in which the cue ball "draws" away from the ball it hits after stopping momentarily. This is achieved through striking the ball to create back spin. The back spin is created by hitting the cue ball below center. The longer the distance to be covered, the more powerful the stroke must be to counteract the friction of the table.

      The draw shot is more difficult than the follow shot because it is easier to miscue hitting the underside of the cue ball. To reduce that chance, keep the cue level and try to strike the ball one pool cue tip below center.