Shot #4 For Improving Your Billiards Skills

Running Object Ball Down The Rail

Shot #4:  "Running an object ball down the rail".

I was brought up with the impression that you should use outside high english when shooting a ball down a rail.  Since I've been studying this shot , and talking to other players, I found out there are other ways to do this  ... here are a couple of ways to pocket a frozen ball in a corner pocket.

1.  Pretend that another ball is frozen to your object ball, about 2' or so from the pocket (object ball between it and the pocket). Aim the cue ball at the center of the ball that's not there.  Strike the cue ball in the center.   The object ball will travel to the target pocket.

2.  Assume that the cue ball and the object ball are both frozen to the long rail, and the side pocket is between them ... you can pocket your ball without getting caught on those big horns that stick out from the side pockets.  Aim the cue ball away from the rail just slightly, and hit the center of the cue ball, using soft english on the rail side of the cue ball.  It will maintain enough spin to let it pass the side pocket and then keep it on the rail pocketing the object ball.

3.  Assume that the cue ball and the object ball are on the same side rail, between the side & corner pocket, and the object ball is slightly off the rail.   Shoot at the object ball hard enough to keep the cue ball off the rail.  If you shoot it too softly, the cue ball will end up in the groove that is worn into the table felt alongside the rail (caused by a lot of balls rolling down the rail).