Learning the basics of how to shoot pool is no easy feat. Amateur players all over the world struggle with absorbing the vast amount of information necessary to become even half-way decent at the game. One of the cornerstones of education that needs to be built strong, and built first, is that of cue ball control. Players need to develop some consistency in their ability to move the cue ball around the table with center, draw, and follow before they can expect even a modicum of success during competition.
When I first began learning how to play pool for beginners, I came across a great game called Target Pool. It was meant to be used by multiple players in an attempt to keep practice fun and interactive. It’s methods can be adopted for all sorts of drills, and all you need is a pool table to play on (a 9 foot Mizerak pool table will serve just as well as old coin-op or beat up 7 foot bar table), a thin 4″x4″ sheet of paper to use as a target, and a little bit of creativity.
To begin these drills, you should establish a ‘ground zero’. Set up your first shot on the table as a short straight shot into one of the pockets. Place the target with one edge under the object ball so that its centerpoint occupies the place the cue ball will come to rest after a stop shot. Now, you guessed it, shoot a whole bunch of stop shots. Maybe ten or so. Be sure not to half-ass it. Your goal is to be sure the cue ball actually stops dead on the target. You don’t want it rolling forward or back, or sliding off unaccountably to the left or right. You’d be surprised how often amateur players can goof up even a simple stop shot. It is vital to learn to control your stance and stroke and aim consistently in order to get the results you need exactly when you need them.
To continue this initial drill, place the target directly behind the object ball in a couple locations, then in the center between the object ball and cue ball, and then in a couple locations straight behind the cue ball as well. With each location, shoot ten or twenty shots, attempting to land the cue ball onto the target as frequently as possible. Focus on observing both your actions and your results. Make small corrections where necessary in order to improve the accuracy of your cue ball control.
From here you have the beginnings of further target practice sessions. Use the target as a tool to both help you visualize the exact location and travel path you want the cue ball to take, and to hold you accountable. Don’t accept failure, be strict with yourself about landing that target properly and consistently. A lack of consistent cue ball control is one of the real killers of success at the pool table, yet too many amateur players ignore the diligent practice needed in order to master its techniques. Take it upon yourself to not be one of those!
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