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Here are some great drills and exercises:
Drills and exercises
These drills and exercises are based on the concept of progressive advancement. Start with an easy setup, prove that you can make that 4 out of 5 times, and then make it slightly more difficult. Keep on pushing the limits as far as the table edges allow.
Study this material in two steps. In the comfort of your favorite easy-chair or recliner, review each table layout and thoughtfully consider the ball positions. Could you do the shot at slow, medium and fast CB speeds?
You have to get past the “fooling around” stage of your playing career and get serious about becoming a competitive player. The secret to effective practicing is to actually concentrate on improving one thing at a time. Generally, you want to practice a missed shot that cost you a game or match. You can set up and shoot that shot 30, 40, even 50 times before your intense learning desire burns out. But the boredom gremlin eventually manages to get your attention.
CB speed/spin matrix
The following table is the matrix of shots to be applied to every shot for every drill and exercise. Some of the slow draw & draw/side spin shots cannot be done because the table cloth wears away at the spin. However, every possibility is shown in this table.
Every shot setup has the following 39 shots that must be practiced and mastered before you can totally “own” that shot. For practical reasons, there are only 30 trustworthy shots that you can truly depend on.
Here are some great drills and exercises:
Drills and exercises
These drills and exercises are based on the concept of progressive advancement. Start with an easy setup, prove that you can make that 4 out of 5 times, and then make it slightly more difficult. Keep on pushing the limits as far as the table edges allow.
Study this material in two steps. In the comfort of your favorite easy-chair or recliner, review each table layout and thoughtfully consider the ball positions. Could you do the shot at slow, medium and fast CB speeds?
You have to get past the “fooling around” stage of your playing career and get serious about becoming a competitive player. The secret to effective practicing is to actually concentrate on improving one thing at a time. Generally, you want to practice a missed shot that cost you a game or match. You can set up and shoot that shot 30, 40, even 50 times before your intense learning desire burns out. But the boredom gremlin eventually manages to get your attention.
CB speed/spin matrix
The following table is the matrix of shots to be applied to every shot for every drill and exercise. Some of the slow draw & draw/side spin shots cannot be done because the table cloth wears away at the spin. However, every possibility is shown in this table.
Every shot setup has the following 39 shots that must be practiced and mastered before you can totally “own” that shot. For practical reasons, there are only 30 trustworthy shots that you can truly depend on.
Notes: * Slow speed at 6:00 (reverse spin) is only useful with the CB close to the OB. Otherwise the cloth will wear off the spin and the CB will begin rolling forward.
** At slow & medium speeds, 7:30 and 4:30 speeds are unpredictable. Not recommended.
As you gain more experience, you will develop an intuitive skill in determining the correct speed and spin for the CB. This develops from observing the results of hundreds of attempts.
Know Your Limitations
It is very important to know exactly where your shooting and positioning comfort zones are and where the edges are. This requires a level of personal truthfulness that many find painful to admit.
Without this reality-check, you could select offensive shots that you “feel” are within your comfort zone, but actually have a much greater chance of failure. If you constantly select these kinds of shots, you are going to hurt yourself by allowing billiard god luck (chaos) to enter your game. This can be a blind spot in your calculations. The more honest you are with yourself, the better your chances of winning against almost any opponent.
Self-honesty ensures you can make smarter playing and shooting decisions more often. Your choices can be rational and the results match your expectations. This self-knowledge can also be used to configure your practice sessions.
Straight-in shots
Expertise with these shots requires the skill to pocket the OB using 26 of the 39 CB speed/spin variations.
1. Put CB close to OB, pocket the OB.
2. Re-spot OB and move CB back 1/2 D.
3. Upon a miss, move CB 1/2 D closer to OB.
Proof of competence: Repeat 3 times without miss.
Straight into the pocket
Object: Pocket the OB. Start with CB close to OB, then move back on the shaded line.
** At slow & medium speeds, 7:30 and 4:30 speeds are unpredictable. Not recommended.
As you gain more experience, you will develop an intuitive skill in determining the correct speed and spin for the CB. This develops from observing the results of hundreds of attempts.
Know Your Limitations
It is very important to know exactly where your shooting and positioning comfort zones are and where the edges are. This requires a level of personal truthfulness that many find painful to admit.
Without this reality-check, you could select offensive shots that you “feel” are within your comfort zone, but actually have a much greater chance of failure. If you constantly select these kinds of shots, you are going to hurt yourself by allowing billiard god luck (chaos) to enter your game. This can be a blind spot in your calculations. The more honest you are with yourself, the better your chances of winning against almost any opponent.
Self-honesty ensures you can make smarter playing and shooting decisions more often. Your choices can be rational and the results match your expectations. This self-knowledge can also be used to configure your practice sessions.
Straight-in shots
Expertise with these shots requires the skill to pocket the OB using 26 of the 39 CB speed/spin variations.
1. Put CB close to OB, pocket the OB.
2. Re-spot OB and move CB back 1/2 D.
3. Upon a miss, move CB 1/2 D closer to OB.
Proof of competence: Repeat 3 times without miss.
Straight into the pocket
Object: Pocket the OB. Start with CB close to OB, then move back on the shaded line.
OB to Side Pocket
Object: Pocket the OB into the nearest pocket with CB on the shaded line. Start easy then move the CB.
Object: Pocket the OB into the nearest pocket with CB on the shaded line. Start easy then move the CB.
OB to 1 D Pocket (1/2 D from rail)
Object: Pocket the OB into the nearest pocket with CB on the shaded line. Start easy then move the CB.
Object: Pocket the OB into the nearest pocket with CB on the shaded line. Start easy then move the CB.
OB 2 D to Pocket (2 D from rail)
Object: Pocket the OB into the nearest pocket with CB on the shaded line. Start easy then move the CB.
Object: Pocket the OB into the nearest pocket with CB on the shaded line. Start easy then move the CB.
OB 4 D to Corners
Object: OB on center spot and CB on any position in shaded lines. Start easy and then move the CB.
Object: OB on center spot and CB on any position in shaded lines. Start easy and then move the CB.
Standardized CB speeds
It is impossible to consistently play position until you have figured out how hard or soft to hit the CB. Speed control is one of the deep secrets to playing with intelligence. Putting a pre-selected and precise amount of energy into the CB is necessary for defensive and offensive shots. With it you can perform miracles. Without it you will not achieve the personal greatness to which you aspire.
Soft 1, 2, 3 Speeds
Object: Practice until you can consistently place the CB in the target location.
It is impossible to consistently play position until you have figured out how hard or soft to hit the CB. Speed control is one of the deep secrets to playing with intelligence. Putting a pre-selected and precise amount of energy into the CB is necessary for defensive and offensive shots. With it you can perform miracles. Without it you will not achieve the personal greatness to which you aspire.
Soft 1, 2, 3 Speeds
Object: Practice until you can consistently place the CB in the target location.
Medium 1, 2, 3 Speeds
Object: Practice until you can consistently place the CB in the target location.
Object: Practice until you can consistently place the CB in the target location.
Hard 1 Speed
Object: Practice until you can consistently place the CB in the target location.
Only Hard 1 is shown. Hard 2 scratches in the side pocket.
Object: Practice until you can consistently place the CB in the target location.
Only Hard 1 is shown. Hard 2 scratches in the side pocket.
Back & Forth Nips
Object: First example - Roll the CB across the top of the OB to push it to the rail with CB stopping within 1 ball width. Repeat in the other direction. Second Example - Move the CB across the top of the OB, back & forth, advancing a little as possible.
Object: First example - Roll the CB across the top of the OB to push it to the rail with CB stopping within 1 ball width. Repeat in the other direction. Second Example - Move the CB across the top of the OB, back & forth, advancing a little as possible.
OB to the rail & back
Object: Shoot the CB into the OB. The OB goes to the rail and comes back to hit the CB.
Object: Shoot the CB into the OB. The OB goes to the rail and comes back to hit the CB.
Stun the CB
Object: Pocket the OB and stop the CB dead at all speeds.
Object: Pocket the OB and stop the CB dead at all speeds.
Follow the CB
Object: Pocket the OB and follow for exactly 1/2 diamond.
Object: Pocket the OB and follow for exactly 1/2 diamond.
Follow to the death
Object: Start at 1 D from OB, pocket the CB & OB. Move the CB back 1 D & repeat.
Object: Start at 1 D from OB, pocket the CB & OB. Move the CB back 1 D & repeat.
Draw
Draw to death
Object: Place CB close to OB. Pocket OB and draw CB back into the corner pocket. On success, move CB away from OB and repeat.
Draw to death
Object: Place CB close to OB. Pocket OB and draw CB back into the corner pocket. On success, move CB away from OB and repeat.
Progressive Draw
Object: (four shots). Pocket OB and draw CB back the exact distanceshown. Start at a draw of 1/2 D, then 1 D, etc.
Object: (four shots). Pocket OB and draw CB back the exact distanceshown. Start at a draw of 1/2 D, then 1 D, etc.
Control Path of the Cue Ball (Advanced)
Object: Pocket the OB and move the CB in the path shown.
Object: Pocket the OB and move the CB in the path shown.
Cluster Clearing Triangles
Object: Pocket the OB, then use CB to break up the cluster.
Object: Pocket the OB, then use CB to break up the cluster.
Turn the corner
Object: (3 examples) Start with CB in hand. Pocket balls in any order (in sequence, reverse sequence)
Object: (3 examples) Start with CB in hand. Pocket balls in any order (in sequence, reverse sequence)
Short stacks
Object: (2 examples) Start with CB in hand. Pocket in any order (random, in sequence, reverse sequence).
Object: (2 examples) Start with CB in hand. Pocket in any order (random, in sequence, reverse sequence).
Down the line
Object: Start with CB in hand. Pocket balls in any sequence, any pocket. Also in sequence, reverse sequence, only in right side pockets, left side pockets, corner pockets.
Object: Start with CB in hand. Pocket balls in any sequence, any pocket. Also in sequence, reverse sequence, only in right side pockets, left side pockets, corner pockets.
Double 3-ball groups
Object: Start with CB in hand. Pocket the balls in random order, in sequence (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), reverse sequence (6, 5, 4,3, 2, 1), Alternate (1, 4, 2, 5, 3, 6).
Object: Start with CB in hand. Pocket the balls in random order, in sequence (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), reverse sequence (6, 5, 4,3, 2, 1), Alternate (1, 4, 2, 5, 3, 6).
Around the table
Double Ball Setups
Object: Start with CB in hand. Pocket balls in random order, in sequence, reverse sequence, alternating corners, etc.
Double Ball Setups
Object: Start with CB in hand. Pocket balls in random order, in sequence, reverse sequence, alternating corners, etc.
Inside out
Circle
Object: Start with CB in hand, inside the circle. Pocket OB in random order, in sequence, reverse sequence, etc.
Circle
Object: Start with CB in hand, inside the circle. Pocket OB in random order, in sequence, reverse sequence, etc.
OB on cushion banks
Object: Place OB on rail, CB on grey line. Pocket OB at different speeds (slow to fast)
Object: Place OB on rail, CB on grey line. Pocket OB at different speeds (slow to fast)
Object: Place OB 1 ball width away from rail, CB on grey line. Pocket OB at different speeds (slow to fast)
Caroms
Object: (3 examples) Place CB & OB as shown. Shoot CB to carom of first OB and pocket second OB.
Object: (3 examples) Place CB & OB as shown. Shoot CB to carom of first OB and pocket second OB.
Bad angle safety
Object: (9 Ball example) Set up CB and OB. Shoot OB to follow path and end in shown location.
Object: (9 Ball example) Set up CB and OB. Shoot OB to follow path and end in shown location.
Distance safeties
Object: (9 Ball example) Set up CB and OB. Shoot OB to follow path and end in shown location.
Object: (9 Ball example) Set up CB and OB. Shoot OB to follow path and end in shown location.
Hidden ball safety
Object: (9 Ball example) Set up CB and OB and wall of balls. Shoot OB to follow path and end in shown location.
Object: (9 Ball example) Set up CB and OB and wall of balls. Shoot OB to follow path and end in shown location.
CB control
Object: Set up CB and OB. Shoot OB and move CB to shown path and position.
Object: Set up CB and OB. Shoot OB and move CB to shown path and position.
OB control
Object: (9 Ball example) Set up OB and CB on grey line. Shoot OB to follow path and end in shown location.
Object: (9 Ball example) Set up OB and CB on grey line. Shoot OB to follow path and end in shown location.
More from Author Mr. Allan P. Sand's collection:
Advanced Cue Ball Control
(These setups are samples from the book.)
Are you good enough to be an “A” player? Want to know if your shooting and positioning skills can compete against the top players? The layouts in this book provide a series of common but difficult shots that require excellent pocketing skills with strong cue ball positioning abilities.
Always start practice sessions with warm-up shots and then whatever routines you planned. Use the table layouts to determine improvements. Some improvements can be observed on a week-by-week basis. Other improvements will take more time and are only identified on a month-by-month basis.
It is a good idea to sit down in your favorite chair and analyze each table layout. Rate each shot according to your current abilities. Here is an example rating scale. As you improve, you can change the shot
Object: Pocket the 1 ball, and then pocket the 2 ball:
Advanced Cue Ball Control
(These setups are samples from the book.)
Are you good enough to be an “A” player? Want to know if your shooting and positioning skills can compete against the top players? The layouts in this book provide a series of common but difficult shots that require excellent pocketing skills with strong cue ball positioning abilities.
Always start practice sessions with warm-up shots and then whatever routines you planned. Use the table layouts to determine improvements. Some improvements can be observed on a week-by-week basis. Other improvements will take more time and are only identified on a month-by-month basis.
It is a good idea to sit down in your favorite chair and analyze each table layout. Rate each shot according to your current abilities. Here is an example rating scale. As you improve, you can change the shot
Object: Pocket the 1 ball, and then pocket the 2 ball:
More from Author Mr. Allan P. Sand's collection:
Cue Ball Control Cheat Sheets
At the practice table, you will need paper reinforcement rings (get them from any office supply store) to mark ball positions to be set up. The shoot the shot several times until you can easily get the expected results. As you gain greater mastery of the cue ball, you will become a tougher and more dangerous player.
Clock System
When you look straight at the cue ball from the viewpoint of the cue tip, use the image of a clock to determine the different types of spin. In the example below, the lines show 1:30, 3:00, 4:30, 6:00, 7:30, 9:00, 10:30, and 12:00. For simplicity, only cue tip positions for 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00 are shown.
NOTE: ALL shots with spin are EXACTLY 1 cue tip above center. If you are not getting predicted results, move the cue tip further out from center.
Cue Ball Control Cheat Sheets
At the practice table, you will need paper reinforcement rings (get them from any office supply store) to mark ball positions to be set up. The shoot the shot several times until you can easily get the expected results. As you gain greater mastery of the cue ball, you will become a tougher and more dangerous player.
Clock System
When you look straight at the cue ball from the viewpoint of the cue tip, use the image of a clock to determine the different types of spin. In the example below, the lines show 1:30, 3:00, 4:30, 6:00, 7:30, 9:00, 10:30, and 12:00. For simplicity, only cue tip positions for 12:00, 3:00, 6:00, and 9:00 are shown.
NOTE: ALL shots with spin are EXACTLY 1 cue tip above center. If you are not getting predicted results, move the cue tip further out from center.
Object: Set up the CB and OB positions as show. Use the speed and spin and get the exact results as shown.
Cheat: 2:00 (1/2 ball hit), Soft 3 speed.
11:00 (1/2 ball hit) Medium 1 speed.
Cheat: 2:00, (1/2 ball hit), Medium 1 speed.
11:00, (1/2 ball hit), Soft 3 speed.
Cheat: 4:30, (1/2 ball hit), Medium 1 speed.
Cheat: 12:00, (1/2 ball hit), Soft 1 speed.
6:00, (1/2 ball hit), Medium 1 speed.
Cheat: 1:30, (1/2 ball hit), Medium 1 speed.
Cheat: 1:30, (1/2 ball hit), Medium 1 speed.
Cheat: 9:00, Soft 3 speed.
Cheat: 1:00 (1/2 ball hit), Soft 3 speed.
4:30, (1/2 ball hit), Hard 1 speed.
Cheat: 9:00, (1/2 ball hit), Soft 3 speed.
6:00, (1/2 ball hit), Medium 2 speed.
Cheat: 12:00, Soft 1 speed.
1:30, Hard 1 speed.
Cheat: 6:00, Soft 3 speed.
Cheat: Stun, Soft 3 speed.
Cheat: 1:00, Medium 1 speed.
Cheat: 11:00, Medium 2 speed.
6:00, Medium 3 speed.
Cheat: Stun, Medium 1 speed.
Cheat: 12:00, Medium 2 speed.
6:00, Medium 3 speed.
Cheat: 10:30, Medium 2 speed.
Cheat: 12:00, Medium 2 speed.
Stun, Medium 2 speed.
Cheat: 12:00, Medium 2 speed.
10:30, Medium 2 speed.
Cheat: 12:00, Medium 2 speed.
Cheat: 1:30, Soft 3 speed.
12:00, Soft 3 speed.
Chase, a game to learn kicking skills
Copyright 2007 Allan P. Sand
This game teaches you how to kick using angles and spins. These rules are for the one player version. The two player game could be played with each person playing a set, or taking turns shot after shot.
Playing
Each shot uses the same CB. Place the CB (can be a solid) on the head spot, a stripe on the foot spot. The player must call and hit a minimum of one rail before a contact with the other ball.
When you have improved your one-rail kicks, move up to two-rail kicks. For very good players, require three-rail kicks. (This can also be a handicap if two players are competing.)
Multi-rail accidents are not counted. You must call the number of rails. If a ball is pocketed, spot it and continue. No penalty.
Scoring
Ten shots equal one frame. Ten frames equal to one game. Points from all 10 frames are added for the final score.
Variations: 5 shots to a frame, 5 frames to a game,
One point is scored when the shooter's designated CB hits the required minimum number of rails and then contacts the object ball.
Fouls
Penalty - 1 point per foul. If score is zero, it goes minus. (For two players, add the penalty point to opponent’s score.)
Copyright 2007 Allan P. Sand
This game teaches you how to kick using angles and spins. These rules are for the one player version. The two player game could be played with each person playing a set, or taking turns shot after shot.
Playing
Each shot uses the same CB. Place the CB (can be a solid) on the head spot, a stripe on the foot spot. The player must call and hit a minimum of one rail before a contact with the other ball.
When you have improved your one-rail kicks, move up to two-rail kicks. For very good players, require three-rail kicks. (This can also be a handicap if two players are competing.)
Multi-rail accidents are not counted. You must call the number of rails. If a ball is pocketed, spot it and continue. No penalty.
Scoring
Ten shots equal one frame. Ten frames equal to one game. Points from all 10 frames are added for the final score.
Variations: 5 shots to a frame, 5 frames to a game,
One point is scored when the shooter's designated CB hits the required minimum number of rails and then contacts the object ball.
Fouls
Penalty - 1 point per foul. If score is zero, it goes minus. (For two players, add the penalty point to opponent’s score.)
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