General Points

This shot is quite a critical and difficult shot and is often played badly. Although the shot looks very simple it is important to both control the direction and strength of the object ball, to leave a shot on.

Keep the object ball out of baulk

Set for a wider than normal loser to allow for the wider throw due to the extra pace required to bring the object ball in and out of baulk. Aim for a thick half-ball to give the most leeway with the shot.

You must imagine hitting the ball poorly and getting a thin contact (this is possible over a long distance like this). Even with this contact, you must still have enough pace in the shot to get the object ball in and out of baulk. Therefore, this shot is not about perfection, it is about making sure that you have a score for your next shot.

The shot can be played slowly (not in and out of baulk) to bring the object ball for a middle pocket loser, but this can be risky on some tables. When the object ball is close to the top cushion it will often 'spring', giving that extra bit of pace to push it into baulk. If the object ball is still skidding when it hits the cushion, on rebounding off the cushion it will start to roll much more quickly than normal. (With stun/skid there is no rotation at contact with the cushion so ball-cushion friction does not apply). If in doubt, bring it in and out of baulk.

Controlling the object ball path

As this is a long distance shot, it is normally too risky to vary the contact. Playing with right side will make the object ball go further to the left and left side will make it go to the right, partly due to the throw of the object ball but mainly due to a small amount of transmitted side. This effect is very similar to that seen when doubling a ball in snooker. Therefore, side can be used effectively to position the object ball.

Standard shot

Start with the cue ball 2/3 of the way from the middle spot to the right spot in the D. To get the red position, place a marker ball where a line from the right spot in the D through the middle spot intersects with a line level with the Billiard spot. Now place the red touching that ball and on the top cushion side. Remove the marker ball and make a small chalk mark at the red's position so that you can replace the red easily.

Address the cue ball above centre with no side. Push your cue through the line of the shot and play the red in an out of baulk. The red should follow a path crossing somewhere near the middle spot in the D.

Variations

Move the red to various different positions and try the different shots, setting the cue ball yourself. The path of the red will change. Remember the red paths from the different positions.

Slow shot

Try the slow shot (not bringing the object ball in and out of the D). As the cue ball has less speed, the angle will need to be narrowed to make the shot. With the original red position the cue ball will need to be on the right spot in the D . Play the shot gently to bring the red back for a middle pocket loser. Although it may seem as if this is easier than the shot above, many tables are unpredictable and the slow shot can be dangerous as the cue ball can roll off and also the red may ‘spring’ off the top cushion, causing the red to end in baulk.

Practice Targets

Using running side

Now try using various amounts of running side; you will be surprised how much effect you will get. You will need to set the shot wider than for the standard shot. With the original red position the cue ball will need to be 1/2 way between the middle and right spots in the D .

Using check side

Now try using some check side; again you will be surprised how much effect you will get. You will need to set the shot narrrower than for the standard shot. With the original red position the cue ball will need to be on the right spot in the D .

Remember

• Set for the slightly wide loser
• Address above centre
• No side
• Play a thick half-ball
• Push your cue through the line of the shot
• Bring the object ball in and out of baulk
• Adjust the path of the object ball with side

Common Mistakes

• Leaving the object ball in baulk
• Not controlling the path of the object ball