How to Increase Pool Shot Accuracy & Placement

Concentrate on the aim point as you take your stroke.

Increasing the accuracy of your pool shot and your ability to place balls where you want them requires the implementation of correct aiming techniques and the establishment of a consistent stroke. No matter how straight you hit a cue ball, if you aim for the wrong place, you will always miss. No matter how true your aim, a stroke gone awry won't send a ball where you want it to go. It takes time to get the hang of these concepts, but, when you do, you'll be a much more competitive pool player.

Instructions

1. Learn the difference between the contact point and the aim point. The contact point is the point on your target ball the cue ball needs to hit to make the target ball go where you want it to. The aim point is the point at which you need to aim the cue ball in order to make sure it hits the contact point. Many players make the mistake of aiming for the contact point instead of the aiming point. This common mistake causes the target ball to go in directions unintended.

2. Use an invisible ball to determine your aim point. Imagine an invisible ball resting beside your target ball. The invisible ball touches the target ball exactly at the contact point and rests in perfect line with the cue ball. The center of the invisible ball becomes your aim point. Putting the cue ball exactly through the space occupied by the invisible ball will make the cue ball hit your target ball at the correct contact point.

3. Use your cue stick to determine your aim point. Determine the line that you want your target ball to travel. Imagine that the line runs through the middle of your target ball. This is your target line. Observe the diameter of your object ball. Place the tip of your pool cue at a distance equal to half of that diameter from your object ball. This point is your aim point.
   Imagine a line running from the cue ball through your aim point. Strike the cue ball so that it follows this line.

4. Practice your stroke. No matter how accurately you determine where the ball is supposed to go, an inconsistent stroke will leave you unable to put it there. Take your time and use practice strokes to determine the proper strength and velocity of your stroke. When you're ready, decide where your cue stick needs to hit your cue ball, then shift your concentration to the aim point while you take your stroke. For a consistent stroke, use only your forearm--a new concept for many pool players. Imagine that your forearm is a pendulum hanging from your elbow. Your stroke should follow a smooth pendulum motion from back-swing to follow-through, allowing your forearm to complete its full range of natural motion. Always choose consistency over velocity when deciding how to hit a particular shot.

References

• Easypooltutor.com