Drop Cannon from red to white
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General Points
The Drop Cannon from red to white has many variations. For simplicity, it is best to think of three types of shot:
Shot 1. With the white close to the spot area it is normally best to play a gathering Drop Cannon.
Shot 2. With the white on the same side as the red, and a large distance between the red and the white it is normally best to push the red over a corner pocket.
Shot 3. When the white is on the opposite side to the red, the shot becomes quite dangerous as it is often difficult to either gather the balls or push the red to the pocket. The cue ball will often end up between the red and the white and it is important to try to leave the balls off the top cushion.
Gathering Cannon
The following is a standard red to white drop Cannon that you should start with. Set the white on the spot and the red just past the middle pocket and away from the side cushion so that you can make the cannon from about the middle spot in the D. Play the shot with a touch of check side to gather the balls near the top. Practice the shot from both sides of the table.
Cannon to push the red to a pocket
Set the white about one third of the distance from the spot to the side cushion and level with the spot. Set the red on the same side as the white and in about the same position as for the previous shot. Play the shot to push the red to the opposite corner pocket. Practice the shot from both sides of the table.
DangerousCannon!
Set the red and white on opposie sides of the table.
Practice Targets
| Beginner | 3/10 | Success rate for a 'standard' Drop Cannon will be variable. You should be able to make the shot but the key is to gather the balls. |
| Club Player | 5/10 | An average player will get good results for only about half of their attempts.. |
| Professional | 8/10 | Top players do get 'covers' on these shots. |
Remember
- Choose the correct shot
- Try to finish with the balls away from the top cushion
Common Mistakes
- Trying to gather the balls every time
