Position Builder Practice Drill 01c

Short Shape Drill #1 – End Rail Variation

This version is more free stroking than the last, more a 9 Ball style if you will, though of course these shots are useful in any game. The cue ball travels alot further and the shots are from further away, so there’s an added level of difficulty.

On each of the 1st four shots, the cue ball has to hit the end rail.

Page 1

Shooting from about the middle of the table, on the odd side, make the 1 Ball using high. Bring the cue ball back to about the middle of the table so you can reach it comfortably but leave it on the even side of center. Keep the cue ball at least 1 diamond from the long rails or you’ll have to use strong inside english on a back cut to get back in line.

Page 2

Make the 2 Ball and come back near the middle of the table but on the odd side of center. Depending on where you land you may need some english to get to the correct side of the table in preparation for the next shot.

Page 3

The 3 Ball is shot with high and is not hit quite as hard as the first three shots because the transition from the 4 to the 5 will be very tough if we get very far from the foot rail.

Page 4

Shoot the 4 with a stun shot and leave the cue ball close to the end rail and between the 5 & 6.

Page 5

The hard part’s done, but never let up, that’s when you miss. Pocket the 5 and keep the cue ball close to the end rail and away from the side rail.

Page 6

Wrap it up by sinking the 6. Interesting isn’t it, how different these three ways of completing the drill are. Spend some time on them especially the last two variations. You’ll find that skills build most strongly and mst quickly on top of a solid foundation. The more solidly you build your foundation, the higher you can build on it.

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