Bank Shots and Kick Shots: Mastering the Rails

Learn advanced techniques for making successful bank shots and kick shots.

Bank shots (object ball hitting rail) and kick shots (cue ball hitting rail) are essential skills for advanced players. This guide covers the principles and techniques for both.

Basic Principles

For simple bank shots, the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence. However, factors like speed, spin, and table conditions can alter this.

Diamond System

Learn to use the diamonds on the rails as reference points for calculating angles. The diamond system is particularly useful for kick shots.

Speed Control

The speed at which you hit the ball affects its path after hitting the rail. Slower shots tend to follow the natural angle more closely.

Practice is crucial for developing a feel for these shots. Start with simple one-rail banks and kicks before attempting more complex multi-rail shots.