Pot Reds
General Points
The pot reds in Easy Top are easy to make but it is important to get on the correct side of the red. If the cue ball is left on the wrong side of the red, this signals the end of the Easy Top part of the break.
Standard pot
This is a relatively simple pot red, which can be played either with stun or with follow through. Stun is best as it leaves the balls closer together. It is important to leave a good angle for the next cannon.
Screw pot
It is easy to be lazy on this shot and not screw the ball back enough. Remember that the next pot off the spot must take the cue ball towards the top cushion.
Stun/screw pot
This shot needs to be played with below centre striking, but not too low. By using some stun on the cue ball you will make an angle, to leave a good position for the next cannon.
Run through pot
It is important to run through enough so that the next pot off the spot is at the correct angle. In this case the shot has not been played hard enough and the potting angle takes the cue ball the wrong side of the red, signalling the end of an Easy Top break. So when you play this shot, it is better to hit the shot too hard than too soft.
Stun pot to leave a white to red cannon
This shot is necessary when the cue ball is in the wrong position for the pot off the spot. The best option is to pot the red to leave a cannon from white to red.
Practice Targets
| Beginner | 4/10 | Success rate for pot reds should be based on the position and will be surprisingly low at first but should quickly improve as you practice the shot. |
| Club Player | 6/10 | An average player will get out of position for quite a few of these shots. |
| Professional | 9/10 | Top players will almost always get in the correct position for the next shot after the pot red. |
Remember
- For pots off not the spot, position the cue ball so that the next pot takes you towards the top cushion
- For pots off the spot, position the cue ball nicely for the next cannon
- Leave the balls close together if the next shot is a cannon
Common Mistakes
- Getting on the wrong side of the red
