How to Learn the Basic Angled Shot in Pool

Angle, cut and slice shots are the same type of pool shot. If you want to win pool games, you will need to master the angle shot. Angle shots range between zero and 90 degrees. The closer your shot is to zero, the easier your angle shot. The closer your shot is to 90 degrees, the more difficult and the closer the ball is to the pocket, the better your chances. Read on to learn the basic angled shot in pool.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Pool table
• Pool stick
• Billiard balls
• Pool chalk
• Bridge

1. Create an imaginary ball against the ball you want to hit. Line up the cue ball with the imaginary ball with the ball to be hit headed for the pocket.
2. Grasp your pool cue with a firm yet loose grip. Practice a smooth stroke that has a medium effort to it.
3. Make more contact with the greater angle shots around 45 degrees, since less of the cue ball will guide the ball into the pocket.
4. Control the speed of your cue ball with shots between 75 and 90 degrees. Use a harder shot because of minimal contact between the cue ball and the targeted ball.
5. Strike the cue ball with a steady stroke of the pool stick and tap the object ball into the pocket.
6. Spot the balls repeatedly as you practice your shots over and over. Practice does make perfect.
7. Shoot pool as much as possible—with time, you will make every shot with accuracy and confidence.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick an aim technique and stay with it--practice until you think you can't practice any more and then practice more.
• An incorrect stroke will make small angle shots extremely difficult.
• Do not hit the ball hard; it will lesson your accuracy.
• Be aware of the distance between the object ball and the pocket--the farther away the more difficult the shot.