SPM Billiards Magazine Issue 31

The One Rail Kick Shot

By Dominic Esposito a.k.a. The Drill Instructor

The One Rail Kick Shot By Dominic Esposito a.k.a. The Drill Instructor

There are several systems available for making a successful one rail kick shot. It’s not fair to say one method is better than another. Players often know more than one methodology; however, they’ll always have a preferred way.

It’s critical to be proficient with at least one – One Rail Kick method or you’ll always be guessing. I can say this for sure, the best one rail kick system is the one that works no less that 7 out of 10 times. Any less than that and you’re going to be giving up Ball-In-Hand too many times.

Don’t get caught up judging which method better, easier, or harder. If the math was done right when it was created, it works. However, that doesn’t mean they are all perfect for every One Rail Kick.

This month’s drill shot is called, “The Parallel One Rail Kick” method. What makes this kick shot difficult is the parallel movement. It takes time to develop the move accurately.

1. Use the cue’s tip to find the mid-point between the cue ball and the target ball. In this case, we’re kicking the 8 Ball into the side pocket.

2. From the mid-point, pivot the butt and point the cue directly at the cushion on the opposite side of the target ball. Move your

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feet as you’re pivoting the cue. The point directly across from the target is called “the mirror.” In my diagram, no pivot was needed, however, most of the time it will be.

3. Hold the stick level and parallel shift until you are directly over the cue ball. Sounds easy right? Eventually it will be. For now, however, this the hardest part NOTE: If the parallel shift of your cue stick on the front or butt end is off the parallel line as much as ½ inch, your aim spot will be off by double. Learning to parallel shift accurately is no small thing. Work moving between the diamonds to train your parallel shifting accuracy.

4. Shoot ½ Tip above Center Cue Ball. Any L or R spin will cause a missed hit.

5. 4 to 6 Speed Shot Stroke is best most of the time. If the parallel shift is correct all should go well for executing the shot.

When you get this method down, you can also use it to measure banking an object ball. Remember, step one is key. Kicking or banking, the measurement process of the ball rolling into the cushion to hit the DTP (Diamond Target Point) is the same.

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