10-Step Process to Shoot Any Ball

1. Decide on the Outcome

Picture the desired position of the cue ball and figure out the path that leads to that point. Decide on which part of the pocket the object ball has to go into for that.

2. Understand the Rotation

Become aware of the rotation (forwards, backwards, or sliding; left or right spin) and the required intensity (translates to stroke speed) when the cue ball hits the object ball.

3. Find the Tip Contact & Speed

Become aware of the tip contact and make your arm feel the speed you need to play the shot with to create the intended rotation.

Attention: The rotation on tip impact doesn’t equal the rotation when it arrives at the object ball.

4. Find the Contact Point

Find where the cue ball needs to hit the object ball with this kind of rotation to make it go into your desired direction.

5. Align & Go Down

Find the aiming line; align your cue and body to that line; go down on the shot.

6. Checkpoint

Before any pre-strokes, confirm your tip's position on the cue ball and your aim at the object ball.

7. Pre Strokes & Straight Cueing

You can make minor tip and aiming adjustments while pre stroking. Also, get a feeling for the stroking motion about to come.

8. Point of No Return

Trust your feeling and briefly stop in front of the cue ball. Pull back smoothly and follow through straight.

9. Stay Down

Stay down until the cue ball reaches the target.

10. Learn or Verify

Depending on the outcome, verify your understanding or gain new knowledge.