So many pool players tell me they struggle with straight shots. I do take
them serious even though most players would give anything to have a straight in
shot from time to time. Especially on the 8 ball or 9 ball. However this shot
effects you, there is only one true way to become proficient with your straight
in shots. This month's drill is designed to make you flawless when your shot is
dead straight. It comes from Pro Skill Drills, Volume 1.Drill Number 1, Straight
In Stop Shots: This drill will perfect your long straight-in shots and your
Stop-English shot from all critical points on the table.
Follow these directions closely.
1. Line up 9 balls on Diamond Row (side pocket) "A" as shown
above.
2. Start with Ball In Hand on Diamond Row "1". Line up the cue ball
for a straight-in shot on each shot.
3. Make half the balls in the top left pocket and the last half in the top
right pocket.
4. Successfully pocket each ball in the row before moving on.
5. Again, line up 9 balls on Diamond Row "A" as shown above.
6. Place the cue ball on Diamond Row "2". Line up the cue ball
straight in to set up each shot.
7. Redo steps 1-3 above, place the cue ball on Diamond Row "3",
then on Diamond Row 4. When Row "A" has been completed from
shooting rows 1, 2, 3, & 4, reset the balls on Diamond Row "B".
This time set up 8 balls as shown above.
8. Follow instructions 1-7 again, making the 8 balls on Diamond Row
"B".
9. When Row "B" has been completed from rows 1, 2, 3, & 4,
reset the balls on Diamond Row "C". Set up 6 balls as shown above.
10. When Row "C" has been completed from lines 1, 2, 3, & 4,
reset the balls on Diamond Row "D". Set up 2 balls on each side as
shown above.
11. When Row "D" has been completed from lines 1, 2, 3, & 4,
reset the balls on Diamond Row "E". Set up 1 ball. Stop right at that
spot.
12. Do Diamond Row "4" two times. Once with the cue ball 2"
off the rail; the next time with the cue ball on the rail.
You can use this drill as part of your warm up routine on a regular basis and
when straight in shots come up during your match, you'll start lining them up
and firing them in with confidence.
