How to Hit a Cut Shot in Pool: Aiming Tips for Beginners
Quick answer: To hit a cut shot in pool, find the contact point on the object ball, which is the spot facing directly away from the pocket. Then picture a ghost ball touching that spot and aim the center of the cue ball at the center of the ghost ball. Use a smooth stroke, stay near center ball, and do not try to steer the cue. The thinner the cut, the more the cue ball has to hit the side of the object ball.
A cut shot is any shot where the object ball is not in a straight line with the pocket. Most shots in a real game are cuts, so learning them is key.
What Is a Cut Shot?
On a straight shot, you hit the object ball full in the face. On a cut shot, the cue ball hits the object ball on one side, which sends it off at an angle. The bigger the angle, the thinner the hit.
| Cut Angle | Type of Hit |
|---|---|
| Small angle | Nearly full hit |
| Medium angle | About half ball hit |
| Big angle | Thin hit |
Step 1: Find the Contact Point
Picture a line from the center of the pocket through the center of the object ball. Where the line comes out the back of the ball is the contact point.
Step 2: Picture the Ghost Ball
Imagine a cue ball sitting against the object ball at that contact point. This is the ghost ball. You want the center of your cue ball to travel to the center of the ghost ball. Our post on how to aim in billiards explains the ghost ball in more detail.
Step 3: Line Up Behind the Ghost Ball
Stand behind the cue ball looking at the ghost ball, not at the object ball. Step in and get down with your cue on that line.
Step 4: Stroke Smoothly
Use center ball or close to it. Keep a relaxed grip and let the cue go straight through. Do not twist your wrist to help the ball. Steering almost always makes the miss worse.
Why Cut Shots Get Missed
- Aiming at the object ball’s center. On a cut, the cue ball must go past the center.
- Undercutting. Many players hit too full on thin cuts, so the ball goes to the wrong side of the pocket.
- Side spin. Spin can throw the object ball off line a bit.
- Throw. On cut shots, the cue ball can drag the object ball slightly off the cut line. Slower shots tend to show more throw.
- Moving during the stroke. Stay down.
Our post on cue ball deflection explains how spin pushes the cue ball off line.
Cutting to the Left vs the Right
Many players find they are better at cutting one way than the other. That is normal. Practice your weaker side more. Over time, both sides will feel the same.
Cut Shot Drills
Clock drill. Put an object ball a short way from a corner pocket. Place the cue ball at different spots around it, like hours on a clock, and shoot each cut.
Half ball drill. Set up a medium cut where the edge of the cue ball lines up with the center of the object ball. Shoot it until it feels natural.
Thin cut drill. Set up a sharp cut along a rail. Shoot it 10 times and count makes.
Use Pocket Size to Your Advantage
On many cut shots, you do not have to hit the exact center of the pocket. Our page on cheating the pocket explains how aiming for one side of the pocket can help your cue ball position.
The Bottom Line
To hit a cut shot in pool, find the contact point, picture the ghost ball, and send the cue ball to the ghost ball with a smooth, straight stroke. Stay near center ball and do not steer. Practice cuts from both sides and at different angles until they feel natural.
Keep Reading on This Site
- 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
- Billiards Instructional Videos: 5 Tips to Learn Faster
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I aim on a cut shot in pool?
Aim the center of the cue ball at the center of the ghost ball, which touches the object ball at the contact point.
Why do I keep undercutting thin cuts?
Many players hit too full on thin cuts. Aim for a thinner hit than feels natural and practice it.
Should I use spin on cut shots?
Stay near center ball when learning. Spin can throw the object ball off line.
Why am I better at cutting one way?
That is common. Practice your weaker side more until both feel the same.