A twist on an old classic adds another element to the drill.

The line-up Drill is probably pool’s most popular drill. It’s been around forever. There are variations, but most have odd-numbered balls on one end of the table and even-numbered balls on the other, forcing you to constantly go up and down the table. It’s a very good drill for feel and speed and pattern play, and one that intermediate players always use when their games have improved beyond beginner status.

I always like to add little twists to drills like this to add difficulty and bring more elements of your game into play. This one is somewhere in the middle of easy and hard, but once you’ve tried it a few times you’ll see how good the drill is and how important cue ball control and playing good patterns are.

The key to my version of this drill is the 3 ball being in the middle of the table, out of sequence from the normal Line-Up Drill. It’s a subtle change, but really adds another wrinkle to the drill. If you get from the 3 to the 4, you have a good chance to complete the drill.

It’s an easy drill to set up (Diagram One). Place the 1 and 2 on opposite ends and then the 3 in the center. The sequence then changes, with the even-numbered balls on the same side of the table as the 1, and the odd-numbered balls on the side with the 2. Start with ball in hand and run the balls in rotation into any pocket. No bumping other balls.

With any drill (or any game) the first shot really sets the tone, so even though you have ball in hand, don’t get lazy. I see so many amateurs go astray on the first shot. Getting good shape on the 2 is huge. I hit this just below center and with a touch of left.

I like to play the 2 ball with top left. You could also draw two rails, but you have better feel and speed control when playing follow. I think that’s the higher percentage play here. Just make sure you stay on the right side of the ball.



Depending on the angle you have options on the 3 ball. I’ve landed perfect in the diagram, so this shot only requires a soft draw. I like to cue close to the cue ball and use a shorter back stroke and less follow through. Making the ball is easy, so just kill the cue ball here. Aim nice and low and just a sharp little stroke to kill the cue ball.

If you end up with a nice angle on the 4 ball, this is just a natural follow shot with a tip of right English. Let the cue ball do all the work. Staying above the 5 ball I important when playing these shots. Using the second rail will keep you in line better. It will also allow you to let your stroke out a little. Playing this shot one rail, it’s easy to come short or long. Remember the importance of using that second rail when you have this type of angle.

The shot on the 5 ball (Diagram Two) is a touchy little feel shot. You want a soft punch draw for the 6 in the top left, so it’s important to not get into the cue ball too much or to quit on the shot and leave too much angle. Commit to the stroke and keep your head still. Strike the cue ball just below center. Personally, I also hit this with a touch of left.

Again, with the proper angle you can punch in the 6 ball with a touch of left. You could also draw straight back. My personal preference is the let my stroke out and guarantee my position.

Because of the position of the 8 ball, I wouldn’t use the rail off the 7 ball. I’m trying to make sure I leave the right angle for the 8. If I use the rail, I might land straight, which you definitely don’t want to do. Angles are so important because they give you so many options. And, as always, you want to be thinking three shots ahead.

If you land properly on the 8 ball (Diagram Three) you’ll leave yourself a nice, easy follow shot with a tip of right English. Let the cue ball do all the work. It will take a natural path into line for the 9 ball.

Whatever you do, don’t let up on the final shot. I see so many amateurs roll this ball and miss the shot. For starters, your chances of a skid increase when slow rolling the ball. Put a good stroke on this, either punching it in or using a little draw. Which you choose will be dictated by the angle on the shot.

As you can see, this is slightly different than the normal Line-Up Drill, and I hope you agree that the slight change adds another dimension to the challenge. It will benefit all aspects of your game.