See also:

Top 100 Maxims/Sayings/Quotes

Top 100 Myths

Most of the secrets of pool are revealed in the Video Encyclopedia of Pool Shots (VEPS). Specifically, all of the VEPS “gems” are useful and important to know to be a good player. Here’s the complete list of shots and gems presented on VEPS. Below is a categorized summary of some of the most important “secrets” and “gems” of pool, with links to additional resources, including video demonstrations and well-illustrated instructional articles.

The biggest tip and “secret” of them all is: Practice, Practice, Practice!!!

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Fundamentals

Aiming

Cue Ball Control

Speed Control

The optimal tip height for speed control is 20% of the radius above center (see optimal tip height for speed control). With a full-hit rolling CB shot, the CB travels about 1/7 the distance of the OB after impact (see ball travel distances). With a rolling-CB half-ball hit, the CB and OB separate at close to same speed and same angle (see speed control article). With a 45° stun shot, the CB and OB separate at the same angle and distance (see speed control article).

Draw Shot

Make sure your tip is well chalked, keep your grip relaxed, keep your cue as level as possible, accelerate smoothly into the ball (see draw shot technique advice). In general, for best draw distance control, use more spin with less speed (see physics-based draw shot advice). For a stun-back shot, with a small and controlled amount of draw, a firmer hit closer to center offers better CB distance control (see physics-based draw shot advice). Elevate the cue only when you need quick draw. Don’t push the miscue limit so much with long power draw shots. The 3-times-the-angle (trisect) system can be used to predict final CB direction with a good-action draw shot. Draw is a lot easier on slicker cloth (or with a CB treated with Silicon spray) and with a lighter CB.

English (sidespin)

Position Control

It is important to know various useful CB-control reference lines when planning position. It is much easier to control CB travel distance with natural-rolling follow shots (see follow shot accuracy). Always try to leave an angle and come into the line of a shot. When you leave yourself straight in, there are still options for position control (see NV B.30). Pocket cheating can help create an angle. Rail cut shots offer many position control options. Coming off a cushion can increase your margin for error when targeting a position close to a rail. The 45° rule, that predicts a ball rolling into an end cushion at close to a 45° angle heads close to the center of the table, if very useful for position play. Practice positioning the CB to the center of the table. This comes in handy in many game situations.

Safety Play

Always play safe when it increases your chances of winning a game. Use two-way shots where possible when faced with a difficult shot (e.g., a bank). The 30° rule is very useful in safety play (see 30° rule examples). When playing a safety in 9-ball, try to leave the OB away from a cushion (see “big ball” effect). Come into the line of blockers when hooking your opponent. With ball-in-hand, try to be strategic with combos, clusters, and problem balls (see 30° rule examples).

Strategy

Follow “best practices” concerning how and when to play safeties (see general safety advice). Don’t bump into or disturb other balls on the table if it isn’t necessary. Keep the CB away from the cushions to enable a wide range of tip positions without cue elevation. Pocket or move balls that clear the way for other balls as early as possible. Break out clusters and deal with problem balls as early as possible. In 8-ball, choose stripes or solids wisely and identify key balls for the game (see 8-ball strategy). In 8-ball, if you can’t run-out, play a safety early in the game. In 8-ball, break out clusters when an insurance ball is available. In 9-ball, break out clusters and problem balls at the right time (see 9-ball strategy).

Bank and Kick Shots

Carom and Kiss Shots

Throw

Break Shot

Jump Shot

For best results, follow all of the recommended “best practices” (see jump shot technique advice). For best jump results, aim between the center of the CB and resting point on the cloth (see jump shot article). To jump higher and shorter, elevate the cue; to jump longer, use more speed and less cue elevation (see jump shot article). With more cue elevation, the dart stroke will be more comfortable and effective for most people (see jump shot technique advice). Jump shots are often over cut due to the CB hopping in the OB (see jump shot over cut effect).

Massé Shot

For best results, follow all of the recommended “best practices” (see massé shot technique advice). The Coriolis aiming system for massé shots can be very effective. After-collision massé shots can be very useful when you need to curve the CB path after contact with the OB.

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