An interesting shot occurs when you wish to play a stop shot but are then required to throw the object ball into the pocket. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as an interfering ball on the proper shot line, or just to hold the cue ball for next shape.

In the example below, a straight on stop shot is deployed using about 45 % of maximum throw. This is the line that matches up with the amount of throw that will take the object ball directly into the pocket.

Here’s a closer look.

How do we execute such a shot? How do we get 45% of maximum when shooting straight forward for a stop shot?

Taking a look at the stun chart, something interesting emerges. If we observe from 45 – 90 degrees, we can see that the red lines are fairly flat. This means that if we strike the cue ball slightly left or right when stroking, we won’t effect the throw too much. What does effect the throw here is the speed of the shot.

By placing the cue tip on the cue ball at least 50 % to the mishit range, one can then adjust the amount of throw using the speed of the shot. Slow for more throw, and fast for less. Since this is a stop shot, then the speed should not be relevant for the cue ball travel after contact.