If you’re a fan of 8 Ball Pool, you’ve probably spent hours perfecting your shots, figuring out angles and learning the best strategies to outplay your opponents. But if you want to take your game to the next level and leave your competitors in the dust, mastering trick shots is the way to go. Not only do trick shots look impressive, but they can also give you the edge you need to win more games. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best trick shots in 8 Ball Pool and share tips on how you can use them to dominate the game.
Understanding the Basics of 8 Ball Pool
Before diving into the trick shots, it’s important to have a solid understanding of the basics of 8 Ball Pool. If you’re new to the game or need a quick refresher, here’s a brief overview:
8 Ball Pool is played with 15 numbered balls, a cue ball and a pool table. The object of the game is to sink all your designated balls (either stripes or solids) and then pocket the 8 ball in a called pocket. The game requires a combination of skill, strategy and a bit of luck.
Now that you’re familiar with the basics, let’s move on to the fun part—trick shots!
1. The Bank Shot
The bank shot is one of the most common trick shots in 8 Ball Pool, but don’t let its popularity fool you—executing it perfectly requires precision and practice. A bank shot involves hitting the cue ball in such a way that it causes another ball to bounce off one of the side rails and into a pocket.
How to Execute a Bank Shot:
- Aim for the ball you want to sink.
- Visualise the path the ball needs to take after hitting the rail.
- Use just the right amount of power; too much or too little can ruin the shot.
- Adjust your aim to account for the angle of the rail.
When to Use It: Bank shots are especially useful when a direct shot isn’t possible. By using the rails to your advantage, you can maneuver around obstacles and still pocket your target ball.
2. The Combination Shot
The combination shot, often referred to as a combo shot, is another trick shot that can turn the tide in your favor. In a combination shot, you aim to pocket one ball by striking another ball first. This shot is particularly useful when your target ball is blocked by another ball.
How to Execute a Combination Shot:
- Identify the ball you want to pocket (the secondary ball).
- Find the ball that will make contact with the cue ball first (the primary ball).
- Aim at the primary ball, ensuring that the force will carry through to the secondary ball.
- Apply just enough power to transfer the momentum without overhitting.
When to Use It: Combination shots are ideal when your primary ball is in a bad position. They can also be used to strategically position your opponent’s balls in a less advantageous spot.
3. The Masse Shot
If you’ve ever watched a professional pool game, you’ve probably seen a masse shot in action. This shot involves hitting the cue ball at a steep angle, causing it to curve around an obstacle. It’s one of the more advanced trick shots, but once you master it, you’ll have a powerful tool in your arsenal.
How to Execute a Masse Shot:
- Hold your cue at a steep angle (almost vertical).
- Strike the cue ball with a lot of spin (side or top spin).
- The cue ball should curve around the obstacle, hitting the target ball.
When to Use It: Masse shots are perfect for situations where a straight shot is impossible due to another ball blocking the way. However, they require a lot of practice to perfect, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t nail it on the first try.
4. The Jump Shot
The jump shot is as cool as it sounds. This trick shot allows you to make the cue ball jump over an obstacle, usually another ball and land where you need it to be. It’s an advanced technique but extremely effective when used correctly.
How to Execute a Jump Shot:
- Hold your cue at a steep angle, similar to the masse shot.
- Strike the cue ball near the top edge with a downward force.
- The cue ball should jump over the obstacle and land on the other side.
When to Use It: Use the jump shot when one of your balls is blocked by an opponent’s ball and there’s no other way to make the shot. However, be cautious, as improper execution can lead to a foul.
5. The Carom Shot
The carom shot, also known as a kiss shot, involves hitting the cue ball so that it strikes one ball, then another and eventually sinks the target ball. This shot is particularly useful when you need to get out of a tough situation where multiple balls are clustered together.
How to Execute a Carom Shot:
- Aim for the first ball in the sequence.
- Visualise the path the cue ball will take after making contact.
- Adjust your aim and power based on the angle of impact.
When to Use It: Carom shots are great for clearing out clusters of balls or for when you need to sink a ball that’s in a difficult position.
6. The Draw Shot
The draw shot is a fundamental trick shot that involves making the cue ball spin backward after hitting the target ball. This shot can help you position the cue ball for your next shot, making it easier to sink multiple balls in succession.
How to Execute a Draw Shot:
- Aim at the target ball, but strike the cue ball below the center.
- Use a firm stroke to generate backspin on the cue ball.
- Watch as the cue ball moves backward after hitting the target ball.
When to Use It: The draw shot is perfect for positioning the cue ball for your next shot, especially when you want to avoid hitting other balls on the table.
7. The Follow Shot
Opposite to the draw shot, the follow shot makes the cue ball continue forward after hitting the target ball. This shot is useful for maintaining control of the cue ball’s position and setting yourself up for the next shot.
How to Execute a Follow Shot:
- Aim at the target ball, striking the cue ball above the center.
- Apply a smooth stroke with enough force to push the cue ball forward.
- The cue ball should follow the target ball into the desired position.
When to Use It: Use the follow shot when you want the cue ball to move forward after making contact, especially if it helps you line up your next shot.
8. The Double Kiss Shot
The double kiss shot is a unique trick shot that involves hitting the cue ball so that it strikes the target ball, bounces back and then makes contact with the target ball again. This shot is tricky but can be very effective in certain situations.
How to Execute a Double Kiss Shot:
- Aim for the target ball, ensuring that the cue ball will return after the first impact.
- Strike the cue ball with enough force to cause a rebound.
- The cue ball should hit the target ball a second time, ideally pocketing it.
When to Use It: The double kiss shot is useful when your target ball is close to the cue ball and you need to ensure a pocket or to reposition the target ball strategically.
9. The Swerve Shot
The swerve shot is another advanced trick shot that involves curving the cue ball around an obstacle. Similar to the masse shot, the swerve shot requires a lot of spin and precise control.
How to Execute a Swerve Shot:
- Aim your cue at a slight angle, not as steep as a masse shot.
- Strike the cue ball with side spin.
- Watch as the cue ball curves around the obstacle and hits the target ball.
When to Use It: The swerve shot is ideal when there’s a slight obstruction in your path and you need the cue ball to curve around it.
10. The Safety Shot
While not a trick shot in the traditional sense, the safety shot is a strategic move that can win you games. Instead of focusing on pocketing a ball, the safety shot is about positioning the cue ball in a way that makes it difficult for your opponent to make their next shot.
How to Execute a Safety Shot:
- Assess the table and identify a position that would be challenging for your opponent.
- Lightly tap the cue ball to position it close to the rail or behind another ball.
- Ensure that your opponent has limited options for their next move.
When to Use It: The safety shot is best used when you’re in a tough position or when you want to gain control over the game by forcing your opponent into a difficult shot.
Practice Makes Perfect
While reading about these trick shots can give you a good understanding of how to execute them, the real mastery comes from practice. Set up these shots on your table and try them out repeatedly until you feel confident. The more you practice, the better your aim, control and overall game will become.
Conclusion: Putting It All Together
Mastering trick shots in 8 Ball Pool isn’t just about impressing your friends—it’s about gaining a strategic advantage that can help you win more games. Whether you’re banking shots off the rails, curving the cue ball around obstacles or positioning your shots for the next move, these techniques can elevate your game to the next level.
Remember, practice is key. The more you practice these shots, the more natural they will feel during an actual game. So, grab your cue, head to the table and start practicing these trick shots today.