How to Shoot a Stop Shot in Billiards or Pool

When playing billiards or "pool," talented players put English on the cue ball to make it go where they want. Looking ahead to the next few shots is an important element in playing pool, and controlling the cue ball will keep you at the table longer. The stop shot is a cue-ball control shot that requires you to stop the cue ball in its tracks on a straight shot after it hits the object ball. Stop shots take some patience and practice to master but are not overly difficult.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold your cue stick level with the table, and ensure the butt end is not higher than the tip.

    • 2

      Aim the tip of the cue stick in the center of the cue ball and strike it with medium force if the object ball is close. This makes the cue ball slide toward the object ball with no spin.

    • 3

      Aim the tip of the cue stick about one cue tip below the middle of the cue ball with the stick still level, if the object ball is farther away. Use a bit more force than if the object ball is close to create a slight backspin and make it stop after contact.

    • 4

      Practice the stop shot every opportunity you have, to experiment with different distances and force on the cue ball.