Introduction to Bank Shots - Easy Pool Tutor

Effects of Speed in Bank Shots

Speed plays an important role in the angle of the bank shot. This lesson explains the effects generated by different types of speed on the cue ball with center ball hit.

If we were to use our knowledge of geometry in explaining the bank shot it would be a simple "Angle In" equals "Angle Out" theory. To illustrate this, we refer to the illustration below.

In the above illustration, when the ball is hit too hard (white line), the angle coming out of the cushion is decreased and when the ball is hit too soft (light blue line), the angle coming out of the cushion is increased. Both speeds cause the object ball to miss the pocket. So always pay attention to the speed that you use when executing a bank shot. Remember that in bank shots, more speed means less angle off the cushion and less speed means more angle off the cushion. You can adjust the speed or you can adjust the point at which to aim on the cushion depending on the speed of your stroke.

High speed Bank Shot Video

Video courtesy of Dr. Dave and The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards at www.engr.colostate.edu/pool/

Slow speed Bank Shot Video

Video courtesy of Dr. Dave and The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards at www.engr.colostate.edu/pool/