Get over your fear of rail shots with this 10-ball drill.

Here’s a drill that will test your rail play, cue ball speed and execution. It will give you confidence in real-time games and under pressure. And it will help you get over your fear of rail shots. And the shots in this setup come up in most games.

Start with ball in hand and run the object balls in rotation. No bumping other balls. Try the drill the first time with the balls slightly off the rails. Once you’re comfortable, try freezing the balls to the rail for the ultimate test.



Start with the perfect angle on the 1 (Diagram One), using one rail and around 1 o’clock on the cue ball. Let the cue ball take its natural path up table. You could play the shot on the 2 with high left, but the side pocket is in play and the landing area small. I prefer below center and not too hard. Play this position on the 3 with high right, hitting just before the side pocket and coming into the line on the 4.

The 4 ball might be the trickiest shot. Use high right and get as close as you can to the 5. The 5 (Diagram Two) is another tricky shot, with a few options. With a big angle like this focus on making the ball. Use the short rails here, which allows you to use a solid stroke. Follow on the cue ball.

You should be in prime position now. It’s about focus. High at 1 o’clock and use the second rail to help with speed and to find a natural angle toward the 7 and 8. I’ll punch the 7 with a touch of left and a good stroke on the ball.

Again, punch the 8 with a tip of left (Diagram Three). You have the option to use the second rail or not. Whatever stroke you’re comfortable with to leave an angle. I will punch the 9 ball with a touch of right and use the second rail, coming across for an easy 10 ball. Just a soft draw on the 10. Always avoid rolling these balls, especially under pressure.

This drill will teach you a lot about patterns, feel and execution, and should be in every player’s routine.