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From dead straight, the cue ball can only stop, roll on or come back on this line.
Why it matters
On a dead straight shot, the cue ball can only stop, roll on or come back along one line. With a small angle, the cue ball leaves the object ball to the side. Now you can send it to many places with speed and spin. Good players choose this angle on purpose.
How to do it
- 1
Before each shot, look at the next object ball and pick where the cue ball should stop.
- 2
Choose a spot a little to the side of the straight line to the pocket, not on it.
- 3
From there, a small cut lets the cue ball move off to the side, towards the ball after the next one.
- 4
Aim for an area, not an exact spot. A cut of about 10° to 30° is easiest.
Common mistake
Getting too straight
Players often try for perfect position and end up dead straight on the next ball. Then they can’t move the cue ball to the ball after it. Being a little off straight is better than being exactly straight.
Try it tonight
Exercise · Intermediate
Angle on the 2
The 1 ball near a corner pocket and the 2 ball near a side pocket, as shown. Pot the 1 ball so the cue ball stops with a cut of about 5° to 35° on the 2 ball. Every attempt counts.
- Pass: 4 of your last 5
- Then: Move the 2 ball to a corner pocket