What Is a Double Hit in Pool? The Foul Explained Simply
Quick answer: A double hit in pool happens when the cue tip touches the cue ball more than once during the same stroke. It is a foul under most rules. It most often happens when the cue ball is very close to, but not touching, an object ball and the player shoots straight through it. The cue ball hits the object ball, slows down, and the tip, still moving forward, catches the cue ball a second time. To avoid it, shoot at an angle, use a softer stroke, or elevate the cue a little on close shots.
Double hits are easy to miss with your eyes because they happen so fast. Knowing when they are likely helps you stay out of trouble.
Why Double Hits Happen
When you shoot, your cue keeps moving after it hits the cue ball. That is your follow through. Most of the time the cue ball rolls away faster than your cue. But if the cue ball hits an object ball right away, it slows down fast. Your cue can then catch it again. That second touch is the double hit.
When to Watch Out
| Situation | Risk of a double hit |
|---|---|
| Cue ball very close to an object ball, shooting straight through | High |
| Cue ball close, shooting at a thin angle | Lower |
| Cue ball far from any ball | Very low |
| Cue ball close to a rail and shooting into it | Can be higher |
| Frozen balls, actually touching | Handled by different rules in many games |
How to Avoid a Double Hit
- Shoot at an angle. If you can, hit the cue ball so it does not travel straight into the close ball.
- Use a short, smooth stroke. A long, hard push gives your cue more time to catch the ball.
- Elevate the cue slightly. Many players raise the back of the cue a bit so the tip moves down and away after contact.
- Pick a different shot. Sometimes the smart play is a safety. Read how to play position in pool to plan ahead.
- Ask for a referee. In league or tournament play, ask an official to watch close shots if you are not sure.
How Referees Judge a Double Hit
Referees often look at where the cue ball goes. On a straight on shot with a close ball, if the cue ball follows forward through the object ball’s path in a way it could not on a single hit, that is a common sign of a double hit. Rules and how they are judged can vary by league, so check your league’s rule book.
Double Hit vs Push Shot
A double hit means two separate touches. A push shot means the tip stays in contact with the cue ball too long, like pushing it instead of striking it. Both are fouls in most rules, but they are not the same thing.
What Happens After the Foul?
The penalty depends on the game and the rules you play by. In many games, the other player gets ball in hand. Always check the rules before a match, especially in bar or house games where rules can be different.
Practice Drill
Set an object ball about a ball width from the cue ball. Try shooting it at a slight angle with a soft stroke. Then try with the cue slightly raised. Ask a friend to watch the cue ball path. This helps you learn how close is too close for a straight shot.
Related Skills
Close shots test your control. Work on speed control in pool so you can hit softly with confidence, and learn about what is a stun shot in pool for more ways to control the cue ball.
The Bottom Line
A double hit is a foul where your cue tip touches the cue ball twice in one stroke. It happens most when the cue ball is very close to an object ball and you shoot straight through it. Shoot at an angle, use a short smooth stroke, raise the cue a bit, or pick a safer shot to avoid it.
Keep Reading on This Site
- What Is a Push Shot in Pool? Meaning, Rules, and How to Avoid It
- What Is the 90 Degree Rule in Pool? Predict Where the Cue Ball Goes
- How to Play Position in Pool: A Simple Guide to Cue Ball Control
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a double hit a foul in pool?
Yes. Under most rules, touching the cue ball twice with the tip in one stroke is a foul.
When does a double hit usually happen?
Most often when the cue ball is very close to an object ball and you shoot straight through it.
How can I avoid a double hit?
Shoot at an angle, use a short smooth stroke, or raise the back of the cue a little.
Is a double hit the same as a push shot?
No. A double hit is two touches. A push shot is when the tip stays on the cue ball too long.