How to Play Position in Pool: A Simple Guide to Cue Ball Control
Quick answer: Playing position in pool means making the shot in front of you while sending the cue ball to a good spot for your next shot. To do it, look ahead before you shoot, choose a target area (not a single spot) for the cue ball, and use the right speed plus follow, draw, or stop to get there. Leave yourself a small angle on the next ball instead of a dead straight shot when you need to move the cue ball again.
Making balls is only half of pool. Good players think one, two, or three balls ahead so each shot sets up the next.
Think Before You Shoot
Before every shot, ask three questions:
- What ball do I shoot next?
- Where do I want the cue ball to stop?
- What speed and spin will get it there?
Aim for a Zone, Not a Spot
Nobody puts the cue ball on an exact dot every time. Pick a zone where any spot gives you a good next shot. Bigger zones are easier. If the zone is tiny, think about a different plan.
Leave an Angle
A dead straight shot is easy to make, but it is hard to move the cue ball from there. You can only follow straight forward, draw straight back, or stop. A small angle lets the cue ball travel along a useful path after contact.
| Next shot | Good for | Downside |
|---|---|---|
| Dead straight | Easy to make | Hard to move cue ball to the side |
| Small angle | Easy to make and easy to move cue ball | Needs a little planning |
| Big angle | Moves cue ball a long way | Harder to make |
Your Tools for Position
- Speed. This is the most important tool. Most position mistakes come from hitting too hard or too soft.
- Follow. Hit above center to make the cue ball roll forward after contact.
- Draw. Hit below center to pull the cue ball back.
- Stop shot. Hit just below center on a straight shot to stop the cue ball in place.
- Side spin. Changes the angle off a rail. Use it only when you need it.
The Tangent Line
When the cue ball hits an object ball at an angle with no spin on it, the cue ball heads off along a line at about a right angle to the path of the object ball. This is called the tangent line. Follow bends the path forward from that line, and draw bends it back. Knowing this helps you predict where the cue ball will go.
Use the Rails
Many position plays send the cue ball off one or more rails. The diamonds on the rails help you plan these paths. Our page on how to use the diamonds on a pool table explains the basics.
Simple Position Drills
- Stop shot ladder. Shoot straight in shots and try to stop the cue ball dead.
- Three ball drill. Toss three balls on the table and try to run them in order with ball in hand on the first.
- Speed control. Shoot a ball in and try to stop the cue ball inside a small target area like a sheet of paper.
Common Mistakes
- Only looking at the ball in front of you
- Hitting too hard and losing control
- Using spin when speed alone would work
- Going for perfect position instead of a safe zone
- Crossing the path of other balls and getting blocked
Stay Calm and Keep It Simple
When in doubt, choose the simplest path with the least spin. If you scratch a lot, our page on how to stop scratching in pool can help, since many scratches come from poor position choices.
The Bottom Line
To play position in pool, look ahead, pick a zone for the cue ball, and leave a small angle on your next ball. Speed is your main tool, with follow, draw, and stop shots to help. Practice simple drills and keep your plans easy. Good position makes every next shot easier.
Keep Reading on This Site
- Ghost Ball Aiming: How to Use This Simple Pool Aiming Method
- How to Make Long Shots in Pool: Tips That Actually Help
- How to Use the Diamonds on a Pool Table: A Beginner Guide
- Cheating the Pocket in Pool: What It Means and 5 Ways to Use It
- How to Use a Mechanical Bridge in Pool: 6 Simple Steps
- How to Stop Scratching in Pool: 7 Simple Fixes That Work
Frequently Asked Questions
What does playing position mean in pool?
It means making your shot while sending the cue ball to a good spot for the next shot.
What is the most important part of position play?
Speed control. Most position mistakes come from hitting too hard or too soft.
Why should I leave an angle on the next shot?
A small angle lets you move the cue ball where you want it after contact.
Do I need spin to play position?
Not always. Many position plays use just speed with follow or draw.