The Basics of Running Out an 8 Ball Rack

The Basics of Running Out an 8-Ball Rack

Did you ever forget to remember? It’s not a trick question! I’m really guilty of this, and I want to come clean in this new season. I promise Not To Forget To Remember. Here’s what happened. I got an email from a reader who, in so many words, asked me to please come down out of the clouds and write a few lessons for the more beginner-level 8 and 9 ball players. I didn’t just blow it off, but then again, I usually plan my lessons well in advance.

This month, I’m responding to the letter asking me to please write on a more beginner level so they could learn how to get better at pool. To all you less than ex-pert level players, please forgive me for forgetting to remember that you’re out there too. This lesson and more of my overall lessons will never again forget to include you.

Okay, let’s get started. When it comes to rotation games, you don’t have to pick which ball to shoot at. Every rotation game requires you to always shoot at the lowest-numbered ball on the table. 8 Ball, however gives you the option of picking more than one solid or striped ball to shoot at. Picking the wrong shot can often be the very thing that costs you the game.

This drill comes from my Cue Ball Speed and Position Control Drills book. It focuses on the beginner level of ball selection. It will also help build your skills for cue ball speed and position planning accuracy to run out an 8-Ball rack.

1. Place striped object balls 9-15 in front of each pocket and at the center of the table as shown on the table. 2. Set the solid object balls 1-8 on the string lines in between the diamonds also, as shown above.

3. Start with Ball In Hand from any point on the table to shoot your first striped ball.

4. Make any striped ball in its pocket and the center striped ball in the pocket of your choice.

5. Avoid hitting any of the solid balls, but you may drive the cue ball or an object ball to a rail to pocket that ball.

6. After the stripes are pocketed without missing, make the eight ball. You can switch out the striped balls for solid balls to mix it up a little.

7. If you miss or hit another ball, reset the entire table and start over.

Attempt this drill ten times during your practice session. Don’t give up or become discouraged. Work hard to complete it. Soon, you’ll see your ball count per rack will increase, and in time you’ll be counting successful racks completed. You’ll also note that doing this drill will increase your skill level after just one month.

When you can do my drills 7 out of 10 times, you’ll beat 70% of the players you meet.

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