Run Through Loser
General Points
It is usually possible to get the shot quite comfortably by addressing the cue ball below centre (at 4.30 or 7.30) and this is the best way to play the shot because you will get more side on the cue ball. However, at close distances and on some tables with responsive cloths, addressing below centre can be risky as the cue ball can stun slightly.
The run through generally needs to be played with a thicker contact than you may think and is commonly missed by aiming too thin on the object ball.
Different distances
When the cue ball is close to the object ball you need to address the cue ball above centre to avoid any stun effect. As you get very close to the object ball you will need to address very high on the cue ball.
Different positions
Straight Positions
There are occasions on fairly straight run throughs when the object ball will tangle with the pocket and therefore possibly get in the way of the cue ball as the cue ball travels towards the pocket. In these cases you must use judgement as to whether the shot is on or not. Probably the easiest method of playing this type of shot is to try to get the object ball to jaw and move away from the pocket. You can adjust the path of the object ball slightly by playing with more or less side and it is even possible to play a stun run through, but all of these methods are dangerous and should be left to only the advanced player.
Wide Positions and the Double Kiss
There comes a point when the run through is not on by playing with a standard strength, as a double kiss will occur. In this case the run though is still possible, but it becomes a very advanced shot indeed. The shot needs to be played with a lot of pace and top; the object ball then gets out of the way of the cue ball because the cue ball recoils at the initial impact before driving forward again.
Standard shot
Set the balls approximately as shown and practice the shot from both sides of the table, cueing smoothly and addressing the cue ball at 4.30 or 7.30. The object ball will come off the side cushion towards the middle of the table, leaving a loser from the D.
Object ball off the cushion
After you can score off this shot 3/10 move the oject ball off the top cushion by about half a ball's width and repeat the run through from both sides of the table.
Close to the pocket
Now move the object ball close to the pocket and practice this shot.
Balls close together
With the balls close together you will need to make sure that you strike high on the cue ball, otherwise you will stun the shot.
Nearly straight shot
When the shot is nearly straight there is always a danger that the object ball will tangle with the pocket and kiss the cue ball on it's path to the pocket. You may have to adjust the amount of side that you use, in order to get the object ball to 'jaw' and clear out of the way, although this is quite an advanced technique.
Playing with the wrong side
In this particular shot if check side is used, the object ball will kiss the cue ball. Therefore, the shot has to be played with the 'wrong' side. In the diagram, right side is used to throw the object ball to the left and to get it out of the way of the pocket.
Bounce along shot
This is sometimes called the 'bounce along' shot, and is used when the double kiss is on. The shot is played with a fast pace and the cue ball is played with lots of top and some left side. The fast pace drives the object ball into the cushion, whilst the cue ball hesitates and then moves forwards again. The object ball is able to get out of the way and the cue ball arcs into the pocket, sometimes bouncing of the cushion several times. This is a very advanced shot.
Practice Targets
| Beginner | 1/10 | Success rate for a 'standard' run through loser will be low at first but should very quickly improve. The main problem with this shot is the smooth cue delivery that is required. |
| Club Player | 4/10 | An average player will miss a good percentage of these shots. |
| Professional | 9/10 | Top players generally get most of these shots, but on strange tables they will miss a few of them. |
Remember
- Address the cue ball below centre if possible, to get more side on
- Push your cue smoothly through the cue ball
- Learn your limits from various positions
Common Mistakes
- Stunning the cue ball by using a punchy snooker-type' cue delivery
- Not following through enough
- Hitting the object ball too thin
