The Pool Hustler's Handbook

Shot #13

(Solution)

Secret:

 By shooting the cue ball into the rail with an elevated stroke, you can jump the cueball off the rail, over the balls, and into the 8-ball. 

Execution:   

This one is a little tricky, although it is not as difficult as it appears.  Pretend the object balls are not there.  Aim the cue ball into the rail as if you are trying to kick the 8-ball into Pocket X.  Once you get a feel for the aim, elevate your pool cue to a twenty-degree angle.

 Shooting with a firm stroke will cause the cueball to slightly jump into the air and bounce off the edge of the side rail.  The cueball will then ricochet off the rail, over the obstructing balls, and into the 8-ball.

Trick of the Trade:

 When first learning how to aim this shot, you may want to remove all of the balls.  Start by trying to kick the 8-ball into Pocket X.  Once you know where to aim, then try to jump the cue ball off of the rail.  Finally, add the other balls and you will have a useful shot in your arsenal.  I have actually used this shot to win a tournament.  My opponent had me hooked and I did not have any other shot.  In a game situation, you will probably miss this four times out of five, but that fifth shot is pure magic. 

In my award-winning trick shot video, Chef Anton’s Magical Menu of Pool Ball Wizardry,  I took this shot to a new level.  I balanced a triangle on top of two Coke bottles.  The challenge was to shoot the cueball between the Coke bottles, bounce it off the rail, through the triangle, and then swish in the corner pocket.  For the record, I did it on my third try during practice.  Once we started recording, it took me forty-five minutes. 

Happy Hustling

 Chef Anton

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