I'VE USED this shot during one of the many editions of Trick Shot Magic. Like many artistic shots, it takes a bit of skill to find the correct doses of speed and spin on the cue ball. I enjoy this shot because it's a perfect mix of knowledge and skill.



The Setup

Set the 1 ball on the short rail so that it's frozen across from the first diamond up from the corner pocket (see Diagram 4). From there, freeze the 2 ball against the 1 and the short rail. Finally, place the 9 ball in the corner.

The Execution

Shoot the cue ball into the 1 ball, aiming to hit about 7/8ths of the 1 ball. You will need to use as much left English as possible, so aim to strike the cue ball at 9 o'clock (Figure 4a). Use a medium stroke, equivalent to the power needed to send the cue ball three full lengths of the table.

With the correct spin and speed, the cue ball will hit the frozen 1 ball, sending the 2 to the top left corner pocket. The cue ball will then bounce back off the 1 ball, going two rails and returning to pocket the 9 in the corner pocket. The left English will help curve the cue ball's path a bit to the other short rail, which makes this shot that much more beautiful.

Two Tips

• You're using a lot of left English, so be sure that the cue ball is hitting the 1 ball just to the right of full.
• As a guide, place the cue ball so that your cue is directly over the second diamond on the long rail.