Home >> Games & Cards >> Games

How to Curve a Pool Ball

Learning how to curve a pool ball takes a lot of practice. If you're new to the game of pool, just hitting the ball can be a challenge. However, learning what is called a masse to curve the cue ball around an obstacle is a more advanced technique in the game of billiards. There are number of factors to consider when attempting to curve the cue ball: where the tip of your stick is aimed, the angle at which you hold your stick and the speed of your stroke.

Things You'll Need

Pool table
Pool balls
Pool stick

Instructions

- 1
  Arrange the cue ball and the ball you are aiming at on the table. Because this is just practice, there's no need to set up for a game. Place an obstacle ball between your cue ball and your target ball.
- 2
  Aim the tip of the stick to hit the cue ball on the side in which you want your ball to curve. For example, if you want the cue ball to curve to the right, aim the tip at the right side of the cue ball.
- 3
  Elevate the back end of your pool stick. The more of an angle at which you hold the stick, the more your cue ball will curve.
- 4
  Strike the cue ball with your pool stick. Another way to control the curve of your cue ball is with the speed of your stroke. The softer you hit the ball, the more of a curve you will get.

Games