Here's a simple drill to develop your stroke and improve your pocketing
ability. Some have referred to this exercise as a "concentration
drill".
Here's how to proceed:
- Line up all fifteen object balls across the center of the table (see diagram
below).
- Take the cue ball as ball in hand before each stroke.
- With the object balls at center table, place the cue ball for a straight in
shot to the corner pocket at about the first diamond behind the string of object
balls, starting with object ball number 1.
- To make this more difficult as your ability gets better move the cue ball
farther back.
- Shoot at each object ball in turn to pocket 1 through 8 in one corner
pocket, then shoot 9 through 15 in the opposite corner pocket, using a straight
in shot.
- If you miss pocketing even one ball, you must start over from scratch by
replacing all 15 balls at center table.
- The object is to pocket all 15 balls without missing, then replace the
object balls and keep going until you can pocket as many as you feel
comfortable with.
- This looks very simple but requires concentration to do all 15 without
missing.
- It will provide you the necessary "feelings" about playing and making shots
under pressure. It also helps tremendously to help in developing a smooth
stroke.
- One note, you are allowed ball in hand to place the cue ball after each
shot, to make that straight in shot.
