Combination shot

Use an object ball to send a second object ball into a pocket. First, determine how your second object ball has to be hit by the first object ball in order for the second to be pocketed. Imagine the first object ball is the cue ball, and visualise how it needs to hit the second object ball. Make a mental note of that spot on your second object ball. Imagine that spot as your target, and visualise how you will have to hit the first object ball with the cue ball to make it hit that target. Now, forget the pocket. Just concentrate on stroking normally and hitting the cue ball to make the first object ball hit that target.

Bank shot

Useful for getting out of trouble when your opponent's balls are in the way or when you do not have a direct shot. The cue ball contacts the object ball, causing it to bounce off the cushion and into a pocket. First, determine the distance between the object ball and the desired pocket. Cut that distance in half to find the bank point where you should bounce the object ball off the rail. Why this point? Because the angle that a ball comes into the rail is also the angle that it leaves the rail. Use the cue stick as a guide to help you sight the path that the object ball needs to take and find the bank point. Once you have the bank point, use the cue ball to strike the object ball so that it banks off exactly at that point and heads for the pocket.

Cut shot

The most used shot in pool, it involves cutting the object ball into the pocket by hitting it at the correct angle with the cue ball. First, determine the exact spot where the cue ball should hit the object ball. Draw an imaginary straight line from the pocket through the object ball. The spot should be where the line exits the ball. Next determine the spot on the cue ball that it has to hit the object ball.

Draw shot

This shot is to make the cue ball roll back towards you. Hit the cue ball below the centre with a slightly stronger stroke than that for the stop shot - to create more speed and backspin on the ball, so it will travel back to you. The further away the object ball is from the cue ball, the lower you need to hit your cue ball to draw it back. However, hitting lower than about one and a half cue tips below the centre might cause the cue ball to jump or miscue. To send the ball rolling backwards to the left or right after impact, strike the lower sides.

One pool less

Responsibility when playing pool. The pool table in the mess is officially sealed off and it will not be fixed for some time at least that is what i know about the system there. It was to provide benefits to its executive staff and thus boost up the morale. But who knows, some guy just spilled the coffee on the table and just left it unclean. Now the pool table is spoilt. The care taker was kind of pissed of as no one has admitted to this issue. Executive staff should have executive responsibility. But it seems that some are afraid of getting scolded or need to pay for its damages therefore did not admit. Of course there could also be other reasons. But now there is one less pool table for some relaxation during the break time.

English shot

To give it side spin, which is used mainly to change the angle of the cue ball bounces off the cushion after hitting the object ball. Strike the left or right of the centre of the cue ball to send it to the left or right. This shot needs more practice as it requires more accuracy and focus to hit the correct on the cue ball to get the effect. Any difference in the amount of strength will have an effect of the spin.