The standard cannon is played to double kiss the white, leaving the pot white. Different contacts and different amounts of side may be used, depending on the position of the balls.

Standard cannon

The standard cannon is played with a touch of check side. Aim to double kiss on the white at a slow pace, to leave a pot red.

Thin cannon

The thin cannon is played with a lot of check side and slightly thinner than normal. Again, aim to double kiss on the white at a slow pace, to leave a pot red. The shot can also be played another way, by taking the red very thick with lots of check side, running through the red to just reach the white.

Wide cannon

The wide cannon needs running side to make the double kiss. If it is very wide, you can use a bit more pace and strike the cue ball a bit lower than normal. Taking the red off the side cushion gives a wider throw of the cue ball due to the faster pace of the shot.

Remember

• Play the cannon slowly

Common Mistakes

• Playing the cannon too hard and moving the white
• Not adjusting the contact and side to contact the white full ball