Instructional Articles by Tom Ross - Billiards and Pool Principles, Techniques, Resources

Concentration and Focus

Concentration (Billiards Digest – April, 2002) – how to focus and avoid distractions at the table
Winning (Billiards Digest – July, 2002) – how and why to maintain focus on winning
Boredom (Billiards Digest – March, 2004) – great pool can and should be boring, but it requires focus
Focus (Billiards Digest – June, 2006) – the importance of focusing on making a shot when there are secondary considerations

Confidence and Consistency

Getting Out of a Slump (Billiards Digest – January, 2003) – how to deal with and work you way out of a slump
Luck (Billiards Digest – April, 2003) – how to use luck to create confidence
Mistakes (Billiards Digest – August, 2004) – how to accept and learn from mistakes
Missing (Billiards Digest – November, 2004) – learning to accept that misses are part of the game, and learn from them
Courage (Billiards Digest – May, 2007) – identifying and dealing with fears to create courage

Competition and Winning

Pressure (Billiards Digest – June, 2002) – how to deal with and use pressure
Intimidation (Billiards Digest – March, 2003) – how to deal with unhealthy intimidation and use healthy intimidation
Sportsmanship (Billiards Digest – June, 2003) – showing respect and sportsmanship at the table
Talking (Billiards Digest – July, 2004) – talking is OK during social pool, but not during competitive matches
The Opponent (Billiards Digest – January, 2005) – sometimes you just play the table, but it is important to know your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses
The Comeback (Billiards Digest – April, 2005) – learning how to come from behind, and trusting it
Adversity (Billiards Digest – August, 2006) – how to recognize and deal with an opponent’s unsportsmanlike behavior
Cheating (Billiards Digest – June, 2007) – how to deal with a cheating opponent

Composure and Self Control

Composure (Billiards Digest – December, 2002) – how to deal with mistakes and disappointments
Megan’s Journal (Billiards Digest – July, 2003) – the self image of a champion
Take it Easy (Billiards Digest – November, 2005) – how to avoid and deal with tension and learn to stay relaxed

Attitude and Dedication

Vision (Billiards Digest – February, 2003) – watch as much great pool as you can you help you visualize how to play
Honesty (Billiards Digest – January, 2004) – being honest to yourself about the hard work it takes to excel
Looking Good (Billiards Digest – October, 2004) – don’t let the desire to look good affect your game
Commitment (Billiards Digest – March, 2005) – the importance with checking in with yourself concerning your level of commitment
Success (Billiards Digest – December, 2006) – the importance of relaxation and having fun in improving

Self Improvement and Development

Upward Mobility (Billiards Digest – October, 2002) – don’t sandbag in a league or tournament system … aim higher
Coachability (Billiards Digest – August, 2003) – how to be open to and benefit from coaching
Sharing (Billiards Digest – December, 2003) – sharing of knowledge is important to the game
Association (Billiards Digest – September, 2004) – why it is important to interact with top players
Passion (Billiards Digest – May, 2005) – learning how to find passion and reward in sharing
Change (Billiards Digest – October, 2005) – the courage and benefits associated with change
Learning (Billiards Digest – May, 2006) – learn from others with different abilities and perspectives
Misinformation (Billiards Digest – January, 2007) – example of how misinformation limits development
Missing Out (Billiards Digest – October, 2007) – the many nuggets that can be found in instructional books
Looking Inward (Billiards Digest – March, 2008) – examine and document your pool game through journaling
Pushing The Envelope (Billiards Digest – June, 2008) – take chances and be creative when practicing or playing for fun to find and develop new skills
Flying Blind (Billiards Digest – January, 2009) – practicing with your eyes closed can eliminate fears and create insight

Mechanics and Fundamentals

Square One (Billiards Digest – October, 2008) – practice the stroke by itself, without balls
Steady As She Goes (Billiards Digest – January, 2006) – the importance of fundamentals and staying still
Tempo (Billiards Digest – May, 2002) – the importance of consistent tempo and pre-shot routine
Finding the Line (Billiards Digest – July, 2005) – the important fundamental of alignment
Shooting (Billiards Digest – April, 2004) – when aiming and shooting, focus on the object ball
Drill Baby Drill (Billiards Digest – February, 2009) – practice simple shots to develop precision muscle memory
Thinking (Billiards Digest – February, 2004) – practice fundamentals and skills so you don’t have to think when you play
Shattered Beliefs (Billiards Digest – April, 2008) – the action of the cue ball doesn’t depend on the type of stroke, only the result of the stroke
Fear of English (Billiards Digest – May, 2008) – English should be avoided when unnecessary, but it is critical to top-level play
Walking (Billiards Digest – September, 2005) – the importance of walking around the table and into a shot
Stroke (Billiards Digest – November, 2002) – focus on your stroke when targeting cue ball tracks with draw and follow
Eyesight (Billiards Digest – August, 2005) – excellent eyesight isn’t an absolute requirement in pool
Starting Over (Billiards Digest – September, 2006) – playing with the opposite hand can create appreciation and perspective

Shot Making and Skills

Trying (Billiards Digest – August, 2002) – focus on pocketing balls, and practice more and try less hard with position play
Gimmicks (Billiards Digest – September, 2007) – basic aiming systems and gizmos don’t account for throw
Speed (Billiards Digest – February, 2007) – the importance of finding your favorite shot speed
Spin (Billiards Digest – November, 2003) – learning to use the full non-miscue area of the cue ball
The Pool Mind (Billiards Digest – November, 2006) – learning to deal with complexities (like English variables) instinctively
Imagination (Billiards Digest – April, 2009) – creative use of rail-first shots with English
Kicking with Vision (Billiards Digest – February, 2008) – practice multiple-rail kicks without systems to develop feel
Adaptive Thinking (Billiards Digest – July, 2006) – applying the Corner-5 System to kick shots
Spot on the Wall (Billiards Digest – September, 2008) – using “spot on the wall” as an alternative to the Corner-5 and Plus Systems
The Break (Billiards Digest – April, 2007) – how to improve your 9-ball break
Jump Draw (Billiards Digest – August, 2008) – using ball hop off a rail to delay draw or follow
Jump Twist (Billiards Digest – December, 2007) – the outrageous object ball jump shot

Position Play

Position Play (Billiards Digest – September, 2002) – practice position fundamentals to help it become more natural and accurate
Precision (Billiards Digest – September, 2003) – the importance of being precise with position planning
Precise Points (Billiards Digest – May, 2009) – playing for an exact position target will help your game
Trouble (Billiards Digest – August, 2007) – playing position off a rail for better position above balls
The Cue-Line Reference (Billiards Digest – March, 2006) – a useful position track reference for cut shots close to a rail
Staying Centered (Billiards Digest – May, 2004) – learning how to get to the ever-important center of the table
References (Billiards Digest – June, 2004) – adjusting relative to the center-of-table reference track
Position Principles (Billiards Digest – March, 2009) – play for multiple-rail position routes through the center of the table
When Less Is More (Billiards Digest – November, 2008) – less speed is sometimes required with draw cut shots to get the desired cue ball path

Strategy, Planning, and Creativity

Running Out (Billiards Digest – May, 2003) – planning and keeping perspective to run out a table
Planning (Billiards Digest – December, 2004) – run-outs require planning and problem solving
Moving Forward (Billiards Digest – January, 2008) – planning backward and forward to identify a key ball and run-out plan
Memory (Billiards Digest – October, 2006) – the importance of experience and memory in planning and shot selection
Creative Vision (Billiards Digest – June, 2005) – creativity requires practice and dedication
8 Ball (Billiards Digest – February, 2006) – the importance of planning in 8-ball
A Plan for 8 Ball (Billiards Digest – March, 2007) – playing for natural position routes with 8-ball patterns
Breaking Rules (Billiards Digest – November, 2007) – straight-pool break shot strategy

Equipment and Surroundings

Environment (Billiards Digest – February, 2005) – learning to become comfortable with surroundings and table conditions
Adjusting (Billiards Digest – April, 2006) – learning how to adjust to a table’s conditions
When Things Aren’t Working (Billiards Digest – July, 2007) – dealing with and adjusting to equipment problems and differences

Miscellaneous

Sensitivity Training (Billiards Digest – October, 2003) – stereotypes and political incorrectness in pool
Purity (Billiards Digest – December, 2005) – straight-pool’s place in pool
Easy 8 Ball (Billiards Digest – July, 2008) – some interesting 8-ball variations fun for practice
Equal Offense One Pocket (Billiards Digest – June, 2009) – an interesting 10-ball one-pocket variation as a fun game

Mechanics and Fundamentals

Grip (oZone Billiards – February, 2006) – proper grip technique
Proper Alignment (oZone Billiards – November, 2005) – stance and body alignment – part I
Setting Alignment (oZone Billiards – December, 2005) – stance and body alignment – part II
The Cue Ball and Shot Making (oZone Billiards – January, 2006) – pre-shot routine
Tempo for Consistency (oZone Billiards – August, 2008) – practicing a consistent pre-shot routine with consistent tempo
Stroke (oZone Billiards – March, 2006) – proper stroke technique
Stroke Training (oZone Billiards – December, 2008) – how to practice and maintain a tension-free stroke
Follow Through (Cue Times – September, 2003) – the importance of a relaxed stroke with good follow through
The Perfect Practice Shot (oZone Billiards – January, 2009) – good drill for finding the cue ball center and hitting shots straight
Mirror Practice (Cue Times – July, 2003) – using a mirror to help improve your stroke
Common Pitfalls (Cue Times – September, 2001) – common mistakes and pitfalls, and how to avoid them

Cue Ball Control – Basics

Beginning Position Mastery (oZone Billiards – April, 2006) – mastering the stop shot
Going off on a Tangent (Cue Times – April, 1998) – the importance of the stop shot at an angle (stun shot) and the tangent line
Cutting With Stun (Cue Times – March, 2001) – using stun follow and stun draw to make small adjustments relative to tangent line
Refining the Stop Shot (oZone Billiards – May, 2006) – stop shot at an angle (stun shot), tangent line
Refining Stop-Shot Mastery (oZone Billiards – June, 2006) – adjustments relative to the stop (stun) shot – part I
The Reference Continued (oZone Billiards – July, 2006) – adjustments relative to the stop (stun) shot – part II
Clarifying the Tangent Line (oZone Billiards – April, 2010) – using stun shots for tangent-line position play
Peace Baby (oZone Billiards – October, 2009) – using Dr. Dave’s peace-sign 30-degree rule for precise position control
Avoiding Scratches (oZone Billiards – November, 2009) – using Dr. Dave’s peace-sign 30-degree rule to avoid scratches
30-Degree Rule for Caroms (oZone Billiards – December, 2009) – using Dr. Dave’s peace-sign 30-degree rule to aim cue-ball carom (billiard) shots

Cue Ball Control – Draw and Follow

Draw (oZone Billiards – August, 2006) – mastering the draw shot
Mastering Draw (Cue Times – June, 1998) – proper technique for the draw shot
Advanced Draw (Cue Times – June, 2001) – using softer draw for position off a rail
More Advanced Draw (Cue Times – July, 2001) – the importance of speed control with draw cut shots
Refining Draw (Cue Times – September, 1998) – effects of speed and amount of spin on draw shots
Better Draw (oZone Billiards – September, 2006) – draw technique and control
Precise Draw (oZone Billiards – October, 2006) – pocket cheating and drawing for position
Follow (oZone Billiards – November, 2006) – follow shot technique and control
Mastering Follow (Cue Times – May, 1998) – importance of, and technique for, the follow shot
Manipulating Follow (Cue Times – August, 2001) – the importance of speed control with follow cut shots
Stun Follow and Stun Draw (Cue Times – January, 1999) – stunning back or rolling forward of the stun shot tangent line
Different Strokes (oZone Billiards – December, 2006) – effects of stroke type on follow
An Easy Draw Shot (oZone Billiards – January, 2007) – rail cut shot with draw and English for position
Draw Control (oZone Billiards – February, 2007) – adjusting draw relative to the tangent line for up-table position
Precise Stroke and Speed (Cue Times – March, 1999) – the effects of vertical tip position and speed on cue ball paths – part I
More on Stroke (Cue Times – April, 1999) – the effects of vertical tip position and speed on cue ball paths – part II

Basic Shot Making

Rail Shots (Cue Times – July, 2000) – how to aim and pocket rail cut shots
Fine Tuning Shot-Making Skills (Cue Times – August, 2000) – focusing on stance, alignment, and stroke for improved shot making
Shooting With Elevation (Cue Times – February, 2003) – proper technique and pitfalls when shooting with an elevated cue
Shoot the Ball into the Pocket (Cue Times – August, 2004) – focus on aiming a ball accurately and ignoring a blocker when less than a full pocket is available

English Basics

Learning English (oZone Billiards – March, 2007) – discovering cue ball deflection (squirt)
Pocketing Balls with English (oZone Billiards – April, 2007) – adjusting for English effects (squirt, swerve, and throw) for outside and inside English shots
Forgoing English (Cue Times – December, 2003) – when to use and when not use English
Position with English (oZone Billiards – May, 2007) – using English for follow-shot position control
Combining Draw and Follow with English (oZone Billiards – June, 2007) – using draw, follow, and English off the long rail for position routes through the center of the table
Inside English (oZone Billiards – July, 2007) – using inside English for position off one rail
Rail Shot with Inside English (oZone Billiards – August, 2007) – using inside (running) English for frozen-rail cut shots
The Outside English Habit (oZone Billiards – September, 2010) – using outside English for cut shots (i.e., using “helping English” to “spin balls in”)

Position Control Basics

Choices (Cue Times – September, 2004) – planning for position into the line of the shot on a key ball
Looking for Trouble? (Cue Times – October, 2004) – come off the short rail when playing position away from the short rail
Precise Aiming (Cue Times – December, 2001) – cheating a pocket for precise positioning
Wishing A New Angle (Cue Times – July, 2004) – be careful to not cheat a pocket too much when trying to create an angle
Speed Control, Touch, and Position (Cue Times – January, 2002) – speed control and coming into the line of a shot – part I
Professional Speed Control (Cue Times – February, 2002) – speed control and coming into the line of a shot – part II
Running Balls (oZone Billiards – December, 2007) – leaving an angle on a shot for natural two-rail position
Deceptive Simplicity (Cue Times – July, 2006) – don’t risk going past straight-in position when coming up short is acceptable
The 19th Diamond (oZone Billiards – June, 2008) – how to head up-table along a long rail off a short-rail cut shot
The Perpendicular Reference (Cue Times – March, 2005) – recognizing and using the natural angle into a rail for perpendicular motion away from the rail
A “Simple” Shot (Cue Times – September, 2007) – position track options off a 1/2-ball-hit rail cut shot
Precise Maximum Stun (Cue Times – February, 2008) – moving the cue ball off the rail with a near-straight-in shot using firm stun
Two Practice Shots (Cue Times – October, 2008) – long rail cut shot with follow/draw and English for down-table position
The Four-Ball Exercise (Cue Times – March, 2002) – drill for practicing cross-table positioning
The 12-Shot Exercise (Cue Times – March, 2004) – a good drill for practicing position around the center of the table off a short-rail cut shot
Not Trying For Position (Cue Times – October, 1999) – learning how to hit position targets more naturally
Cue Ball Tracks Drill (Cue Times – October, 2001) – practicing multiple tracks to a position
Rail Shots and Stroke (Cue Times – November, 2002) – large range of position control possible with rail cut shots
Rail Shots (oZone Billiards – September, 2008) – keeping the cue ball on perpendicular tracks off rail cut shots
Rail Shots Part 2—Adjusting the Reference (Cue Times – July, 1999) – using draw to adjust relative to the perpendicular track on rail cut shots
Rail Shots Part 3—Stroke (Cue Times – August, 1999) – using follow to adjust relative to the perpendicular track on rail cut shots
Rail Shots Part 4—English (Cue Times – September, 1999) – using English to adjust relative to the perpendicular track on rail cut shots
Hangers (oZone Billiards – October, 2008) – playing accurate position off balls hanging in the pocket
Focus on Position (Cue Times – December, 2006) – practicing and focusing on position with hangers
Two-Rail Shape (oZone Billiards – May, 2010) – coming off rails for position
The Long Way (Cue Times – April, 2006) – playing for two-rail shape for a better position route
Maximum Stun Follow (oZone Billiards – July, 2010) – firm stun follow for position off rail with a small-angle rail cut shot
Spring Forward to Move Back (oZone Billiards – August, 2010) – deciding between draw and follow for up-table position with near straight-in shots along the long rail
Combinations and Position (oZone Billiards – October, 2010) – how to plan for good position after a combination shot
Combinations and Position (Cue Times – August, 2006) – using the line-of-centers of a combination as a guide for position
Combinations and Position II (Cue Times – October, 2006) – cutting hanger combinations in the correct direction for best position

Advanced Position Control

Two Elegant Solutions (Cue Times – April, 2003) – examples of when an multiple-rail position play is better
Reach (Cue Times – May, 2003) – when, how, and why to play position to areas on the table that are more reachable
The Center of the Table (oZone Billiards – January, 2008) – creating position routes off the short rail through the center of the table
Staying Centered (oZone Billiards – January, 2010) – 45-degree rule for position tracks off a short rail to the center of the table
Short-Side Position (Cue Times – November, 2005) – position routes through the center of the table for short-side position up table
Force Follow with English (Cue Times – November, 2004) – how to use follow and English to spin out of a corner with a nearly straight-in shot
More Two-Rail Position (Cue Times – February, 2005) – using two rails to come into the desired line of the next shot
Rail Shots for Position (oZone Billiards – February, 2008) – using English for multiple-rail position off frozen-rail cut shots
Inside English and Deflection (Cue Times – July, 2005) – using inside English for multiple-rail position
Two Tough Shots with Inside (oZone Billiards – October, 2007) – using English for multiple-rail position shots
Advanced Inside (Cue Times – July, 2007) – using inside English for a long-rail-to-long-rail position route around the table
Using Obstacles (Cue Times – October, 2005) – using obstacle balls to help create desired position routes
A Rare Shot (Cue Times – August, 2007) – using draw and English for cross-table and up-table position

Strategy

Honing Straight-Pool Skills (Cue Times – March, 2000) – using finesse, shot selection, and planning to improve your straight-pool game
The Elements of Straight Pool (Cue Times – October, 2002) – skills important for a good straight-pool game
Smarter Planning (Cue Times – June, 2000) – position strategy for planning run-outs
8 Ball—The Anatomy of a Run Out (Cue Times – November, 2000) – the importance of run-out planning in 8-ball
Eight Ball—The Fine Points of a Run Out (Cue Times – January, 2001) – key shots, problem balls, tactics for winning at 8-ball
8 Ball Overview (Cue Times – November, 2001) – how 8-ball is different from other games

Safety Play

Basic Safety (oZone Billiards – April, 2008) – using speed to create separation for a simple safety shot
Now What? (oZone Billiards – May, 2008) – two-way reply to a basic separation safety
Stunning Safe (Cue Times – June, 2002) – using a stop shot or stun follow for an effective safety
The Half-Ball Hit (Cue Times – January, 2009) – using a 1/2-ball hit to create equal distance off a rail for a safety
Offensive Safety (Cue Times – September, 2000) – using a strong safety as an offensive shot
A Very Tough Safety (Cue Times – September, 2005) – straddling a ball on a rail for a very effective safety
Rail-First Safety (oZone Billiards – July, 2008) – going rail-first for a kick-and-stick safety
A Sophisticated Long Safe (Cue Times – February, 2006) – using reverse English to hold the cue ball down table when shooting a separation safety
Kicking Safe (oZone Billiards – February, 2010) – short kick-shot stop and draw safeties
Kicking Safe II (Cue Times – December, 2005) – going rail first for a kick-and-stick safety
Banking Safe (Cue Times – May, 2004) – two-way banks and bank safeties in 8-ball and 9-ball
Safety Second (Cue Times – February, 2009) – three-rail bank two-way shot
Kissing Safe (Cue Times – September, 2006) – using a double-kiss kiss-back shots for a safeties
A Clever Safety (Cue Times – December, 2008) – banking a ball four rails with follow for a separation safety

Banks and Kicks

One-Rail Kicks (oZone Billiards – February, 2009) – how to aim one-rail kick shots
Shallow Angle Rail-First Shot (Cue Times – June, 2010) – using the mirror method to aim shallow-angle kick shots
Bank Shots (oZone Billiards – June, 2009) – how to compensate for speed, cut angle, and English when aiming bank shots
Kicking With Draw (oZone Billiards – July, 2009) – using draw to curve and shorten and kick shot
Two-Rail Kick Shots (oZone Billiards – March, 2009) – how to aim two-rail kick shots using the parallel shift method
Plus Two Kicking System (oZone Billiards – April, 2009) – how to aim two-rail kick shots off a short rail with the Plus System
Spot on the Wall (Cue Times – April, 2005) – the “spot on the wall” method for aiming kick shots off one or more rails
Spot On The Wall (oZone Billiards – May, 2009) – how to aim three-rail kick shots off a long rail with the Corner-5 System and the Spot-on-the-wall system
Useful Double Kiss (oZone Billiards – September, 2009) – double kissing a ball frozen to a rail for a safety or one-pocket bank
A Unique Kick Shot (Cue Times – May, 2006) – using cue elevation and reverse English to lengthen a shallow kick rebound

Specialty and Advanced Shots

The Nine-Ball Break (Cue Times – December, 2002) – breaking technique and strategy in 9-ball
A Slight Throw (oZone Billiards – October, 2010) – using throw to create a small cut angle
The Gentle Massé (oZone Billiards – November, 2007) – technique and practice for curve (small massé) shots
A Deadly Kiss (Cue Times – January, 2006) – a natural-angle object ball kiss (carom) shot is a good option
Two Important Kiss Shots (Cue Times – September, 2010) – using the 30-degree and 90-degree rules to aim object ball kiss (carom) shots
Carom Shots (Cue Times – May, 2001) – when to play cue ball carom (billiard) shots
Frozen Combinations (oZone Billiards – March, 2008) – how to throw frozen combination shots
An Extraordinary Shot (Cue Times – November, 2007) – tangent line motion possibilities with multiple frozen balls
Combos With English (oZone Billiards – September, 2007) – using English to help pocket combination shots
Carom Variations (oZone Billiards – August, 2009) – using draw, follow, and stun for cue ball kiss (billiard) shots
Rail-First Kiss Shot (Cue Times – July, 2008) – using the mirror method to aim a rail-first object ball kiss (ticky) shot
An Elegant Kiss (oZone Billiards – June, 2010) – object-ball bank-kiss (ticky) shots
Two Good Caroms (Cue Times – January, 2010) – cue ball carom (billiard) hook shots
Double-Kiss Game Winners (Cue Times – November, 2010) – offensive double-kiss kiss-back shots with draw and follow
The Shot of the Year (Cue Times – November, 2003) – using after-collision masse for lateral cue ball movement on a straight-on shot
Jump Shots (Cue Times – July, 2010) – various types of jump shots
Jump or Kick (oZone Billiards – November, 2008) – deciding between kick and jump alternatives
Useful Mistakes (Cue Times – August, 2005) – using a slight jump to hop over obstacle balls on cut shot
Tricky Shots (Cue Times – August, 2002) – advanced cue ball hop (small jump) shots

Mental Aspects

Vision (oZone Billiards – March, 2010) – how to maintain big-picture vision and good visualization at the table
Concentration (Cue Times – May, 1999) – how to stay focused and maintain concentration
Purpose (Cue Times – June, 2003) – how to practice with focus and purpose
Play to Win (Cue Times – July, 1998) – how and why to maintain focus on winning
Etiquette (Cue Times – January, 2003) – the proper way to behave around a pool table
G-string, Football, Pool (Cue Times – August, 2003) – an interesting story involving lingerie, football, and pool
One for the Home Team(s) (Cue Times – June, 2006) – team cohesion and spirit is important to winning

Tom Ross began playing and studying pool as a youngster in the 1960’s. In 1978 he began teaching and his goal shifted from a desire to be the best player to becoming the best teacher and sharing his knowledge with as many students as possible to elevate their skills and maximize their enjoyment of our beautiful game. Since then Tom has personally taught or coached over 4,500 students including National and International Champions. For over 30 years, Tom has reached thousands of readers with his columns in Billiards Digest, Cue Times Billiard News, and Professor Cue Ball. His work has also appeared on the internet at AZ Billiards, Absolute Sports, and oZone Billiards.