In billiards and pool, aiming bank shots with the required precision is simple. It uses a certain aiming secret that you are familiar with. When, for instance, would you decide to bounce the 1-ball (the yellow) if you would like to bank it easily into the far corner pocket?

We are accustomed to playing pool balls into pockets, so just start by dropping a straight line into the pocket at the corner from the position on the table directly opposite the midpoint of pool ball you plan to bank. Aim across the opening of the pocket, not its leather or plastic back. We have now established the line for the bank shot. The next step is to build the line for the object ball. This is not hard either. It involves drawing an imaginary line from the ball (object ball) to the pocket directly opposite the one intended for the shot. Remember to aim at pocket’s center.

The next step is to align the lines and bank angles using the meeting point of the pocket bases, padding and the tablecloth. Using the rail tops creates false perspective, giving false measurements.  Dividing the joint of the already established cross pocket and ball pocket lines determines an accurate bank point line. An altitude to the padding where the cross pocket and ball pocket lines meet determines the precise point that the 1-ball should strike as it heads across the table prior to changing direction. Holding the cue stick above the lines aids thinking. Having derived the stated lines, the next step is to define the point we want to bank the ball to meet. It is very easy considering we are now used to describing lines between pockets and balls.

Drive the ball from its current position to hit the ghost ball to make the shot with extreme ease. Calculations used in bank shots are accurate for a 1-rail bank, particularly when the cue ball spins into the padding on impact. Doing these calculations is fast. Ten minutes of practice drawing these lines, aided by a cue stick will rescue you several times when bank opportunities come.