The ability to plan and execute a cut shot is a base requirement for playing good pool. These drills are progressive in nature…they start easy and get harder with each shot. The secret to making cut shots is to start by focusing on your fundamentals and making sure they are solid first, then working on your aiming method. To determine the proper aiming point, I use the ghost ball aiming method as described under the Fundamentals tab. Take your time on these drills, focus on the aiming point, and shoot smoothly with purpose. Knowing how to make a cut shot is a requirement for almost every shot you will make, regardless of the game you play.
Cut Shot Drill 1 – Here’s the setup. Always start with the cue ball at the point indicated on the graph. Start with the straight in shot, then work your way down one side, then the other. If you miss, don’t worry, just reset the shot and try again. Keep trying until you make it a few times in a row, then move on.
Cut Shot Drill 1
Cut Shot Drill 2 – Always start with the cue ball at the point indicated on the graph. Start with the straight in shot, then work your way down one side, then the other. If you miss, don’t worry, just reset the shot and try again. Keep trying until you make it a few times in a row, then move on.
Cut Shot Drill 2
Cut Shot Drill 3 – Always start with the cue ball at the point indicated on the graph. Start with one end of the line and work your way to the other end, pocketing the balls in the nearest corner pocket. If you miss, don’t worry, just reset the shot and try again. Keep trying until you make it a few times in a row, then move on.
Cut Shot Drill 3
Cut Shot Drill 4 – Always start with the cue ball at the point indicated on the graph. Start with the object ball nearest you, and pocket all the balls in the upper left corner pocket. After you clear the line, set it up again, then make every shot in the lower left corner pocket. After you clear the line again, set it up, and alternate corner pockets on each shot. If you miss, don’t worry, just reset the shot and try again. Keep trying until you make it a few times in a row, then move on.
Cut Shot Drill 4
Cut Shot Drill 5 – Here’s a tough one! Always start with the cue ball at the point indicated on the graph. Start with the straight in shot, then work your way down the line to the rail. If you miss, don’t worry, just reset the shot and try again. Keep trying until you make it a couple times in a row, then move on.
Cut Shot Drill 5
Angle of Reflection 
Hi, In ur cut shot Drill 2 – do u actually setup the line of balls as pictured ? Seems like it would be tough not to disturb the other balls as u ‘work ur way down the line’ ? (replacing the cue ball to the start position for each shot)
Thanx
Cheers.
Hi Steve, that’s a great question. For some of these drills, you don’t necessarily have to set up all balls as indicated. The intention is to work the shots starting with a certain object ball, then when successful move to the next object ball position. The cut shots get progressively more difficult. In some of these drills, it’s actually impossible to not interfere with the other object balls if you’ve already set up all the object balls.