Against a Rail
Lecture Video
I. Ball 1st vs. Rail 1st
A) Set Up: Draw an imaginary line from the edge of the OB which is on the rail through that 1st diamond near where you are standing. Then place the CB so that it's right edge is on that line.
B) Solution: It is important to know how the CB reacts differently when the ball is hit 1st versus the rail 1st in case there is traffic in the way or to play precise position. This diagram below shows the different paths the CB will take hitting in these 2 different ways with both high and low english. It happens so quick and it is really only a hair difference in aim. Remember to visualize it.
II. Another Ball vs. Rail 1st Example
A) Set Up: You are playing 9-ball here. Watch how differently the CB will react if you hit the ball vs. rail 1st.
B) Solution the dotted lines in the diagram below show the CB's path depending on whether the CB hits the OB or rail 1st. Use High right and use a big, long stroke. You must also hit the rail a split second before the ball, so that the CB can come off the rail and go around the table. Because there is not much angle here, if you hit the OB 1st, the CB will bend straight forward too fast and not be able to get around the table for position.
III. Stroke Shot
A) Set Up: Pocket the 6 and get shape on the 7 ball. The 9 is in the way of a path of going forwards with the CB, so what other way can you go?
B) Solution: Use maximum low and right english. The draw will make you miss the 9-ball and the right will take affect off the 2nd side rail to get you a shot on the 7-ball.
IV. Trick Shot #1 - Over 90 degrees
A) Set Up: Place OB on the rail in the center diamond of the table on the end rail and the CB on the opposite end of the table about 6" away from the rail. Pocket the OB in either corner pocket by cutting it in.
B) Solution: Use maximum low inside english and hit the rail 1st.
V. Trick Shot #2 - Both on Rail
A) Set Up: Both the OB and the CB are on the rail on other sides of the side pocket. How do you have to hit the CB in order to pocket the OB straight ahead in the corner pocket?
B) Solution: Not even the best player in world has a laser perfect straight stroke so while using center and aiming straight ahead seems logical, it is actually impossible. Use inside english here and hit soft and smooth. This will cause the CB to come off of the rail for a second and then curve back into the rail just in time to pocket the OB. If your stroke is right, you won't have to adjust for deflection - just aim straight ahead.
Ernesto's Straight Stroke Exercise - 15 min
Line up about 8 OB going across the center of the table from 1 side pocket to the other. Take BIH and place the CB 1 diamond away setting up a straight shot each time. Pocket the ball in the corner and draw the CB back so that it hits the tip of your cue stick. If you don't have everything straight, the CB will miss your stick to one side or the other.
Rail Shots with Outside - 15 min
Freeze all of the OB's on the rail, and take BIH for every shot. Set up different cut angles and various distances between the OB and the pocket and between the OB and the CB. Be sure too pick an exact spot that you want the CB to arrive.
Rail Shots with Inside - 15 min
Side Pocket Shots - 15 min
Set up various side pocket shots and get position for another ball. Use different types of strokes, speeds and englishes to get to different areas of the table. Take your time, walk around the table to get a good look at the angle you need and also get a good look at the contact point for the OB in front of you. Be disciplined and stay down to take in all you can learn from for every shot.
Take a Break - 15 min
Draw Shots - 15 min
Call Ahead 9-Ball - 30 min
Play 9-ball with someone where you must declare out loud where you want your next 3 balls to go in. After you pocket each ball, you must declare where that 3rd ball will go. You cannot change your plans unless it is a new inning at the table. If you miss, scratch or don't pocket your OB where you said you would, it is your opponent's turn.
Make a free website with Yola