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Plan two balls ahead

Before you pot a ball, know where the cue ball has to go for the next ball, and for the one after.

  • Position
  • Intermediate
  • 10-second clip

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The 1 ball is next. Then the 2 ball, then the 3 ball.

Try it in the Pool Hall
Made on the Pool Hall table.

Why it matters

Getting to the next ball is only half the job. If you arrive with the wrong angle, you can pot that ball but not get to the one after. Thinking two balls ahead makes each shot set up the next one, so you don’t run out of easy shots.

How to do it

  1. 1

    Look at the next two balls you need to pot.

  2. 2

    Choose the pocket for the ball after next first.

  3. 3

    Work back: where must the cue ball be on the next ball to get there?

  4. 4

    Now play this shot so the cue ball stops in that area, with the right angle.

Common mistake

Only looking one ball ahead

Players often get perfect position on the next ball, then find the ball after is blocked or needs a hard shot. Think about all three before your first shot.

Try it tonight

Exercise · Intermediate

Three-ball run

The 1, 2 and 3 balls as shown, cue ball in hand. Pot all three in order without a miss. Before each shot, say out loud where the cue ball must stop. One run is one attempt, and every attempt counts.

  • Pass: 4 of your last 5 runs
  • Then: Four balls
Try it in the Pool Hall