General Points

Depending on the distance of the cue ball from the red, address the cue ball for the stun. The bigger the distance, the lower you need to address the cue ball.

Play the shot freely to leave the cue ball about half-way between the spot and the middle pocket. You do not want to end up too close to the red, nor do you want to be too far away; half-way to the pocket is about right.

The shot is played as a stun, rather than a run-through off the side cushion because you are stunning along a line. However, at potting angles that are awkward for the stun, you may need to run off the side cushion.

Standard shot

Place the cue ball for the stun pot; if you have a measure a good starting position is 15¼ inches (387 mm) off the top cushion and 20 inches (508 mm) off the side cushion. Place the red on it's spot. A touch of running side makes the shot easier, although if you prefer, just address at 6 o’clock. The further away you are from the red, the lower you need to address the cue ball. Stun to about ½ way to the middle pocket.

Changing distance and potting angle

Practice the shot from various distances and small changes in potting angle until you are reasonably confident that you can make the shot most times. Once you can do this, practice the shot from different potting angles and find the limits of the positions that you can make the shot.

Pot using the side cushion

Finally, try the pot red run-through off the side cushion at potting angles that are not good for the stun. This shot needs to be played when there is too much angle and the stun pot is not on. Use a touch of running side and take the cue ball off the side cushion, to leave the middle cross loser.

Practice Targets

Remember

• Address the cue ball below centre for the appropriate amount of stun
• A touch of running side helps the shot
• Aim to leave the cue ball 1/2-way from the spot to the middle pocket

Common Mistakes

• Playing position off the side cushion
• Stunning to much, leaving a very wide loser