What Is a Hanger in Pool? How to Use a Ball Sitting in the Pocket
Quick answer: A hanger in pool is an object ball sitting right at the edge of a pocket, so close that almost any hit will knock it in. Players also say the ball is hanging in the jaws. Hangers are easy to make, but they still take thought. The cue ball can follow the ball into the pocket for a scratch, and a hanger can be more useful later in the rack. Plan where the cue ball will go before you shoot a hanger, just like any other shot.
When you see a hanger, it is tempting to shoot it right away. Sometimes that is the right move. Other times, a smart player saves it.
Why Hangers Are So Easy to Make
The pocket is wide open around the ball. You can hit it thick, thin, or from many angles and it will still fall. That makes a hanger a great ball to have on the table.
The Hidden Danger: Scratching
Because the hanger is so close to the pocket, the cue ball can roll in after it. This is common when:
- You hit the hanger full and the cue ball has follow
- The cue ball is in a straight line with the hanger and the pocket
- You hit too hard
To avoid a scratch, use a little draw or a stop shot, or hit the hanger at an angle so the cue ball goes off to the side. Read what is a stun shot in pool and how to stop scratching in pool.
When to Shoot the Hanger Now
| Situation | Why shoot it |
|---|---|
| It is your last ball or the ball you need | Close out the game |
| It is blocking another ball or pocket | Clear the way |
| You have no other good shot | Keep your turn going |
| It helps your position | Use it to get to the next ball |
When to Save the Hanger
Good players often leave a hanger for later. Here is why:
- It is an insurance ball. If you get out of line, you know you have an easy shot waiting.
- It is a key ball. In 8 ball, a hanger near your last ball can help you get to the 8.
- It can block your opponent. A hanger of yours can block a pocket your opponent needs.
Learn more about planning in how to play position in pool.
Using a Hanger to Play Position
Since you can hit a hanger from many angles, you can pick the angle that sends the cue ball where you want. It is one of the best balls for getting shape on your next shot. See speed control in pool to help the cue ball stop in the right spot.
Hangers and Safeties
A hanger also helps on defense. You might play a safety and leave the cue ball where your opponent cannot use your hanger. Read what is a safety shot in pool.
Cheating the Pocket on a Hanger
Since the hanger falls with almost any hit, you can aim to one side of the ball on purpose. This changes where the cue ball goes. This idea is called cheating the pocket. See cheating the pocket.
Common Hanger Mistakes
- Shooting it too hard
- Not thinking about where the cue ball goes
- Using it too early and having no easy ball later
- Forgetting about a scratch line into the pocket
The Bottom Line
A hanger in pool is a ball sitting at the edge of a pocket, ready to drop. It is easy to make, but watch out for scratches and think about the cue ball. Sometimes shoot it now to clear the way or close the game, and sometimes save it as an easy ball for later.
Keep Reading on This Site
- What Is a Lag in Pool? How the Lag for the Break Works and How to Win It
- What Is a Masse Shot in Pool? How the Cue Ball Curves and When to Use It
- What Is a Kiss Shot in Pool? How Kisses Work and When to Use Them
- What Is a Double Hit in Pool? The Foul Explained Simply
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hanger in pool?
A hanger is an object ball resting at the edge of a pocket, so close that it drops with almost any hit.
Why do I scratch on hangers?
When the cue ball, hanger, and pocket are in a line, the cue ball can follow the ball in. Use draw, stop, or an angle.
Should I always shoot a hanger first?
Not always. Many players save a hanger as an easy ball for later in the rack.
Can a hanger help me play position?
Yes. You can hit it from many angles, so you can choose the angle that sends the cue ball where you want.