How to Play Pool Angles

Place an object ball (the ball to pocket) on the table about a foot away from a corner pocket. Now place the cue ball on the table about a foot away from the object ball.

Visualize a line that shoots directly from the corner pocket through the object ball. You can use your pool cue to visualize this line in a literal sense by hovering the stick over the hole and ball.

Note where that line exits the other side of the object ball. If you can hit the object ball in this exact spot with the cue ball, you will make your shot. When other balls are in play, it can make the shot more complicated, but theoretically this visualization will align your angle and sink the object ball every time if there are no obstructions. This imaginary line is called "the line of the shot."

Calculate the angle by noting the two lines present: the line of shot and the second line, the distance between the cue ball and the object ball. The angle between those two lines is the key to making the shot. This doesn't mean that you need to use a protractor. Now that you have calculated the correct angle by visualizing the lines and noted the spot on the object ball that requires contact, you are ready to shoot.

Hit the cue ball directly at its center. Direct your shot at the exact spot where the line of the shot hits the object ball, even if it seems off center to your untrained eye. Use a reasonable amount of force. Do not try to hit the cue ball too hard or you may hit it off center. Hitting the cue ball too hard will also remove any possibility of viewing where the cue ball touches the object ball. Make a slow, precise hit with the intention of moving the object ball into the pocket. Practice makes perfect.