What Is a Stun Shot in Pool? How to Hit It and When to Use It
Quick answer: A stun shot in pool is a shot where the cue ball slides into the object ball with no top or bottom spin at the moment of contact. On a straight in shot, a stun hit makes the cue ball stop dead, which is called a stop shot. On a cut shot, the stunned cue ball leaves along the tangent line, at about 90 degrees from the object ball’s path. To hit a stun shot, aim a little below center so the backspin wears off just as the cue ball reaches the object ball.
Stun is one of the most important tools for cue ball control. Many good players use stun more than big draw or follow.
How a Stun Shot Works
When you hit the cue ball below center, it starts with backspin. As it travels across the cloth, friction slows the spin. At the right distance and speed, the backspin is gone just when the cue ball hits the object ball. The cue ball is sliding, not rolling. That is stun.
Stun Shot vs Stop Shot
| Stun shot | Stop shot | |
|---|---|---|
| Spin at contact | None | None |
| Shot type | Any angle | Straight in |
| Cue ball result | Leaves on the tangent line | Stops in place |
A stop shot is just a stun shot on a straight in shot. Read how to play billiards stop shot for more.
Where to Hit the Cue Ball
How far below center depends on the distance and your speed:
| Distance to object ball | Where to hit |
|---|---|
| Short | About center or just below |
| Medium | A little below center |
| Long | Lower below center, with more speed |
The farther the cue ball has to travel, the more backspin it needs to keep it from rolling.
Stun and the 90 Degree Rule
On a cut shot, a stun hit sends the cue ball off at about a right angle to the object ball’s path. This is called the 90 degree rule. Learn it on our page about what is the 90 degree rule in pool.
Stun Run Through and Stun Back
Players also use small amounts of spin near stun:
- Stun run through: A touch of follow, so the cue ball moves forward a little past the tangent line.
- Stun back: A touch of draw, so the cue ball comes back a little.
These small changes give you fine control over position.
When to Use a Stun Shot
- When you want the cue ball to stop on a straight shot
- When the tangent line leads to good position
- When you want to keep the cue ball near the middle of the table
- When you need to avoid a scratch on the follow or draw path
See how to play position in pool for more ideas.
Common Mistakes
- Hitting too high: The cue ball rolls forward instead.
- Hitting too soft on long shots: The spin wears off too early and the ball starts to roll.
- Jerking the stroke: Use a smooth stroke with a good follow through.
- Miscues: Chalk well and do not hit too low. Read why do i miscue in pool.
Stun Drills
Drill 1: Stop shot ladder. Set up a straight in shot with the cue ball one diamond away. Make it stop. Move it back one diamond at a time.
Drill 2: Tangent line. Set up a cut shot and use stun. Watch the cue ball leave at a right angle. Place a coin where you expect it to go.
Drill 3: Stun run through. Use the same cut and add a touch of follow. See how far forward the cue ball moves.
The Bottom Line
What is a stun shot in pool? It is a shot where the cue ball slides into the object ball with no spin. On straight shots it stops, and on cuts it follows the tangent line. Hit a little below center, adding more for longer shots, and use a smooth stroke. Practice stop shot and tangent line drills to master it.
Keep Reading on This Site
- 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
- How to Use a Mechanical Bridge in Pool: 6 Simple Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a stun shot in pool?
It is a shot where the cue ball has no top or bottom spin when it hits the object ball, so it slides instead of rolls.
Is a stun shot the same as a stop shot?
A stop shot is a stun shot on a straight in shot. The cue ball stops dead.
Where do you hit the cue ball for a stun shot?
A little below center. Hit lower for longer shots so the backspin wears off right at contact.
Why does my cue ball roll forward on stun shots?
You may be hitting too high or too soft, so the backspin wears off too early.