Shooting a pool ball : Fundamentals in 3 Easy, Fast Steps!

If you need to quickly learn how to play pool or teach someone new, here are the fundamentals to know when getting started. 

Shooting a pool ball : Fundamentals in 3 Easy, Fast Steps!

1. Do a Pre-Shot Routine on every shot:

   1. Aim the shot while standing up, aligning with your Vision Center*

   2. Get your feet into position

2. Bend over and get in your Shot Stance:

   1. Keep your eye locked on the Object Ball while getting down on the shot, keeping your Vision Center over the cue.

   2. Make a well formed Open Bridge** (Learn about Closed Bridges later)

   3. Do some warm up strokes (2 or more), and the only joint that should really be moving is the elbow, not the shoulder.

3. Shoot:

   1. Keep your cue as level as possible.

   2. Eyes looking at the Object Ball when shooting

   3. Follow Thru: Stay down on the shot - don’t jump up.

That’s it!

*Don’t know your Vision Center? It’s very important in Pool that you do. There are multiple ways to figure it out. Watch both of these:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tEFvB3OlEo&t=184s

• and:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vgY89yDrjE

** Open Bridge in 4 easy steps:

1. Lay your hand flat on the table with your fingers spread out

2. Raise your top knuckles up, forming a tent. Weight should be mostly on the wrist.

3. Press your thumb against hand with the tip pointed up.

4. Lay the cue on “V” between your thumb and hand. There should be low friction as you move the cue over the bridge.