A terrific drill for all levels that will immediately elevate your game.
Here is a great drill for every player level — great fir pattern play, cue ball control, spin and creativity.
The best thing about this drill is that the balls are well spread out and you have multiple options, helping you learn patterns and play the correct shot.
The rules are simple: Start with ball in hand and run the balls in rotation without bumping another ball.
I start with the cue ball at an angle from which I can play high right english (Diagram One), finding the gap and leaving a slight angle on the 2.
Once on the 2 ball, I used follow with a touch of right, using the second rail for control and leaving a nice angle to go from the 3 to the 4. Use the same shot on the 3, again traveling two rails.
The 4 ball (Diagram Two) is the key shot, with more distance to travel for the next few shots. It’s vital to leave angles and be confident in your lines. On this shot, use a low right cue ball and go three rails. Avoid landing on the rail.
If you’ve landed in the area I did here, there are a lot of options for the 5 ball. I prefer a high cue ball with a good tip of left. Don’t overhit it. Let the spin take naturally and come just before the side pocket, leaving a nice angle for the 6.
This shot has more angle than previous shots, so I’ll play the easier shot and punch it with a trace of right. Use the second rail to stay below the 7 ball.
A lot of you will play the shot on the 7 (Diagram Three) by using draw and going to the left side but there are problems with that approach. You can scratch in the corner, overspin, cross the line or leave a thin cut on the 8 ball. You could also under hit it or overhit it. To play it correctly, aim high on the cue ball with a touch of right.
Now, I have the perfect angle on the 8, but even if I didn’t, there are plenty of options. The whole table is available. Play the same cue ball, high with a touch of right and use that second rail.
The 9 ball is nice and easy but remember to stay humble and focused.
