The basic idea behind the diamonds is they help create “mirrored” angles. If you shoot the object ball into a diamond at a 45 degree angle, it should bounce off the rail at 45 degrees in the opposite direction. [2] X Research source Lining up your shot with the diamonds will only work if you’re able to shoot straight and smooth, so be sure to practice your stroke to ensure success.
The exact number of diamonds on the rails may differ depending on the size of the table—a 9’ regulation pool table will have 5 diamonds on the foot rails and 9 on the sides. It’s not important for a table to have a certain number of diamonds. What is important is knowing how to use the diamonds that are there to determine your most promising shooting angle.
Balls resting between diamonds can be assigned an intermediate number, such as 3. 5. Assuming you’re attempting a bank shot from one end of the table to the other, use the foot rail diamonds to determine the position of the balls in play.
You’ll need to aim for the imaginary diamond at the halfway point (diamond 2. 5) in order to achieve a perfect mirrored angle and pocket the object ball. Once you’ve discovered the correct angle, all you have to do is bank the object ball straight into the diamond and let physics take care of the rest.
A kick shot (also known as a “lag” shot) is when you bank the cue ball before it strikes the object ball. This type of shot is useful when there are other balls in the way of a more direct shot. [6] X Research source Kick shots can be tricky because if your margin of error is even a little bit off, the cue ball will strike the object ball at the wrong angle, throwing off your shot.
Generally speaking, the best target pocket is the one that’s closest with the least amount of obstructions. When sighting your shot, use the diamond that’s an equal distance between the cue ball and the target pocket.
The cross pocket line is the one you ordinarily use to line up straight shots. If you need help visualizing the line, try laying your cue across the table at the appropriate angle.
By using opposing pockets to draw your lines, you’re effectively sectioning off the table to create a central focal point.
After you’ve found the bank point line, you can set up your shot the way you normally would, only with a definite visual guide in mind. Use the diamonds to keep track of the position of the blank point line. Picturing cross pocket lines is a quicker, simpler way to calculate angles during competitive play than counting diamonds.
English refers to the left or right rotation of a ball, and is not be confused with topspin. [10] X Research source A good example of when English might be necessary is when you have the angle of your shot zeroed in but striking the ball directly would cause it to deflect off the rails.
The power you put into your stroke will usually be determined by the distance between the cue and object balls, and between the balls and the rails. [12] X Research source
Kick shots are also a good way to avoid fouls, since they don’t require you to risk contacting the other player’s balls. Unless you excel at kick shots, it’s typically safest to use them as a last resort.
Make use of drills designed to refine your ability to size up bank shots on the fly. [15] X Research source Start challenging players who are more skilled than you to gain crucial experience.
