Strategy

• Knowing which match to play for your team - going first, second, or even last
  can change how you perform. Make note of what works best for you and your team.

• Follow "best practices" concerning how and when to play safeties.

• Don't bump into or disturb other balls on the table if it isn't necessary.

• Keep the CB away from the cushions to enable a wide range of tip positions without cue elevation.

• Pocket or move balls that clear the way for other balls as early as possible.

• Break out clusters and deal with problem balls as early as possible.

• In 8-ball, choose stripes or solids wisely and identify key balls for the game.

• In 8-ball, if you can't run-out, play a safety early in the game.

• In 8-ball, break out clusters when an insurance ball is available.

• In 9-ball, break out clusters and problem balls at the right time.

Fundamentals

• A session with an experienced and qualified instructor can be very helpful to players at all levels.

• Make sure your stance is stable, provides clearance for the stroke, and is comfortable.

• Keep your grip relaxed during the entire stroke.

• Make sure you bridge is stable and still during your stroke.

• Use a bridge length appropriate for you and a particular shot.

• Keep your cue still and eyes quiet when checking your cue alignment and aim.

• Don't rush the transition between the final back stroke and forward stroke.

• Don't drop your elbow during the stroke into the ball.

• Stay down on the shot ... don't move your head or body during the stroke.

• Don't use more speed than is appropriate for a given shot.

Cue Ball Control

• The 90 degree rule predicts the CB heads down the tangent line for stun shots.

• The 30 degree rule predicts a rolling CB heads in the natural-angle direction.

• The peace sign can be very useful in applying and making adjustments to the 30-degree rule.

• The trisect system predicts the angle the CB direction changes for a good-action draw shot is 3-times the cut angle.

• For a fairly full hit, with a ball-hit-fraction greater than 3/4, the CB will deflect about 3-times the cut angle.

• For a fairly thin hit, with a ball-hit-fraction less than 1/4, the CB will deflect about 70-75% (about 3/4) of the angle between the aiming line and the tangent line.

• With all shots, more speed shifts the cue-ball farther down the tangent line before curving to the final direction.

Speed Control

• The optimal tip height for speed control is 20% of the radius above center.

• With a full-hit rolling CB shot, the CB travels about 1/7 the distance of the OB after impact.

• With a rolling-CB half-ball hit, the CB and OB separate at close to same speed and same angle.

• With a 45-degree-anlge stun shot, the CB and OB separate at the same angle and distance.

Position Control

• It is important to know various useful CB-control reference lines when planning position.

• It is much easier to control CB travel distance with natural-rolling follow shots.

• Always try to leave an angle and come into the line of a shot.

• When you leave yourself straight in, there are still options for position control.

• Pocket cheating can help create an angle.

• Rail cut shots offer many position control options.

• Coming off a cushion can increase your margin for error when targeting a position close to a rail.

• The 45 degree rule, that predicts a ball rolling into an end cushion at close to a 45 degree angle heads close to the center of the table, if very useful for position play.

• Practice positioning the CB to the center of the table. This comes in handy in many game situations.

​