Advanced Pool Cue Techniques – Combination Shots & Bank Shots for Intermediate Players
advanced pool cue techniques, billiard combination shots, pool bank shots, intermediate billiards skills
Once you’ve mastered the basics (grip, posture, basic cues, defense) and have good cue ball control, it’s time to move on to advanced cue techniques: combination shots and bank shots. These two techniques are for intermediate players—they require more precision and planning than basic shots, but they’re not as hard as you think. Mastering combination shots and bank shots will allow you to hit shots that other players can’t, and it will take your billiards skills to the next level.
Today, we’ll break down both techniques in detail—step-by-step guides, practice tips, and when to use them in a game. These techniques are designed for intermediate players, but beginners can also start practicing them once they’ve mastered the basics.
First, Combination Shots (also called "combo shots"). A combination shot is when you hit the mother ball into one of your target balls, which then hits another target ball into the pocket. This technique is useful when your target ball is blocked by another ball—you can use one ball to hit another into the pocket. Here’s how to execute a combination shot correctly:
1. Identify the two target balls: the first ball (the one you hit with the mother ball) and the second ball (the one you want to go into the pocket).
2. Align your cue with the mother ball, the first target ball, and the second target ball—all three should be in a straight line (or close to it).
3. Choose the right contact point: use a center cue or high cue with moderate force—too much force will make the first ball miss the second ball, too little force will not be enough to push the second ball into the pocket.
4. Hit the mother ball—focus on hitting the first target ball accurately. The first ball should hit the second ball directly, pushing it into the pocket.
The key to combination shots is alignment. All three balls (mother, first target, second target) must be aligned correctly—if they’re not, the shot will miss. Practice combination shots with two balls first, then move to three balls as you get more comfortable.
Next, Bank Shots (also called "rail shots"). A bank shot is when you hit the mother ball into a target ball, which then bounces off a rail and into the pocket. This technique is useful when the target ball is not directly in front of the pocket—you can use the rail to change its path. Here’s how to execute a bank shot correctly:
1. Identify the target ball and the pocket—determine which rail the target ball needs to bounce off to get into the pocket.
2. Find the "reflection point" on the rail: the reflection point is the point where the target ball will bounce off the rail to go into the pocket. A simple tip: the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection—so if the target ball is 30 centimeters from the rail, the reflection point is 30 centimeters from the target ball.
3. Choose the right contact point: use a center cue or side spin (if needed) with moderate force—side spin can help adjust the target ball’s angle after bouncing off the rail.
4. Hit the mother ball—focus on hitting the target ball accurately, so it bounces off the rail and into the pocket.
The key to bank shots is finding the reflection point. Practice this by placing the target ball at different distances from the rail, and finding the reflection point each time. After a few weeks, you’ll be able to find the reflection point quickly, and you’ll hit bank shots accurately.
Practice combination shots and bank shots for 25 minutes a day (after your basic practice). These techniques take time to master, but they’re worth it—they’ll allow you to hit shots that other players can’t, and you’ll become a more well-rounded player. Remember: advanced techniques are about precision and planning—take your time, and don’t rush.
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