8-Ball is all about stop shots, soft shots and staying close.

Let’s mix it up this month and try an 8-ball drill. It’s always been my strongest game but drills are hard to come by.

Here’s a nice pattern drill I came up with. It’s easy to set up, but one you can manage or come close to completing. It requires good thinking. It’s always best to work backwards from the 8 to determine your last two or three balls. I do that and it helps me visualize the best pattern. At the same time, it allows me to plot several options. I like to play for two or three balls so that my cue ball doesn’t need to be perfect all the time.

For this drill, I’ve created two mini triangles at each end of the table with the stripes and 8 ball. You’re not allowed to contact another ball, and advanced players must not allow the cue ball to contact a rail.



Again, I like to work backwards and in sections. Most students and league players I’ve seen try this drill make the mistake of starting with the 14 in the side pocket and trying to work the cue ball toward the triangle along the baulk line (12, 10, 13, 15). The problem with that pattern is that it’s going to be very difficult to get back to the other end for the 9, 11 and 8.

It is better to keep close to your work and connect the dots. Eight-ball is all about playing as many stop shots and soft draws or follow throughs as you can, making the shots unmissable.

My pattern for this drill would be to start with the 15 ball, using soft draw for shape on the 13, again giving myself options. If I landed straight on the 13, my backup plan would be the 12 in the side. If I get proper position on the 13, I would soft punch over for the 10 ball. That leaves easy position from the 12 to the 9, or even the 12 to the 11. Options. It’s so easy from the 12 to put the cue ball in the perfect spot for the 9 or 11.

If I land perfect on the 9 ball, I feel like I’m one good stroke from winning the game. Drawing the cue ball back 6-12 inches for the 14 ball leads to the 11 ball and then the 8 ball. Even if I don’t get perfect on the 14 ball from the 9, a normal game still allows you to use the rails to get shape. But, whenever possible, stay close to your work. It’s the essence of 8-ball.