The Line Drill
Purpose: Straight stroke and consistency
Layout: Line up 5 object balls across the center of the table, spaced about 6–8 inches apart. Place the cue ball behind the head string.
Goal: Pot each ball into the corner pocket without altering cue ball path. Work on a smooth, straight stroke.

2. Stop-Follow-Draw Drill
Purpose: Cue ball control (stop, follow, draw)
Layout: Set a single object ball straight in front of a corner pocket. Start with the cue ball 1 foot away in line with the object ball.
Goal: Alternate between stopping the cue ball dead, making it follow forward, and drawing it back after contact. Take 3 shots per style before switching.

3. Rail Pocket Drill
Purpose: Shooting along the rail
Layout: Place 3–5 balls evenly spaced along the long rail, 2–4 inches off the cushion. Cue ball should be at least 1–2 diamonds away.
Goal: Pocket each ball into the nearest corner without bumping the rail.

4. Side Pocket Drill
Purpose: Targeting side pockets and speed control
Layout: Set 3 object balls at different angles leading to the side pockets. Use the cue ball from different approach points.
Goal: Pocket all 3 balls with precision while keeping the cue ball from traveling far after contact.

5. One-Pocket Practice
Purpose: Cue ball planning and control
Layout: Scatter 6 object balls randomly across the table. Pick one pocket (e.g., bottom left corner) as your target for all balls.
Goal: Pot all 6 balls into that one pocket using only legal shots and cue ball positioning.

6. Straight-In Repetition Drill
Purpose: Build muscle memory
Layout: Place one ball straight in front of the corner pocket. Set the cue ball 1.5–2 feet away, in-line.
Goal: Repeat the same shot 10–15 times, focusing on identical cue delivery each time.

7. Cue Ball Zone Control
Purpose: Landing cue ball in target zones
Layout: Place a ball near a corner pocket. Mark three zones on the table (e.g., with chalk or tape) for the cue ball to land in after the shot.
Goal: Shoot the same shot and adjust English/speed to land the cue ball in all three zones.

8. Basic Cut Shots
Purpose: Aiming on cut angles
Layout: Place balls at different 45° angles to various pockets. Cue ball should be about 1–2 feet away.
Goal: Pot each ball, paying attention to the contact point and shot speed.

9. Ghost Ball Visualization Drill
Purpose: Learn aiming with ghost ball theory
Layout: Use a cue ball and object ball on a basic cut shot. Place a third ball (your “ghost ball”) where the cue ball should contact for perfect aim.
Goal: Remove the ghost ball and replicate the shot using your mental visualization.

10. Center Ball Practice
Purpose: Reduce unintentional spin
Layout: Any object ball with the cue ball placed 2–3 feet away.
Goal: Hit the cue ball center to avoid unwanted spin and improve your straight stroke.

Intermediate Drills

11. 3-Ball Pattern Drill
Purpose: Position play in sequence
Layout: Place 3 balls in different areas of the table and assign a specific potting order.
Goal: Pocket all three balls in the right order while maintaining cue ball control for each shot.

12. L-Shape Drill
Purpose: Managing cue ball through multiple angles
Layout: Place 3 balls in an L-shaped pattern across two rails. Cue ball starts near the head string.
Goal: Pocket each ball in sequence and land in position for the next shot.

13. Draw Control Drill
Purpose: Practicing draw with distance
Layout: Object ball 1 foot from corner pocket. Cue ball 3–6 feet away.
Goal: Make the shot and draw the cue ball back to a specific mark on the table.

14. Follow Through Drill
Purpose: Precision with follow
Layout: Place an object ball in front of a pocket. Set the cue ball 1.5 feet away. Behind the pocket, place a chalk or coin as a follow-through target.
Goal: After the pot, try to make the cue ball stop at the target.

15. 4-Rail Position Drill
Purpose: Using rails for shape
Layout: Set a ball near a pocket. Cue ball starts near center table.
Goal: Pot the ball and have the cue ball travel around 4 rails back to a zone near the starting point.

16. Cross-Side Drill
Purpose: Side pocket precision from distance
Layout: Place the object ball 1 diamond from the long rail, midway to the side pocket. Cue ball goes on the opposite long rail.
Goal: Pot the ball into the side pocket cleanly without scratching.

17. Ladder Drill
Purpose: Cue ball travel control with short shots
Layout: Line up 5 balls diagonally from corner to corner, spaced evenly.
Goal: Pot each ball in order, and control the cue ball to land near the next shot without using rails.

18. Bank & Position Drill
Purpose: Bank accuracy and cue ball planning
Layout: Bank 3 balls from rail positions to corner pockets. Cue ball should land in a defined area after each shot.
Goal: Focus on speed and angles for accurate banking and shape control.

Advanced Drills

19. Speed Drill
Purpose: Combine speed and control under time pressure
Layout: Place 6 balls in random spots. Start with cue ball in the kitchen (behind head string).
Goal: Clear the table as fast as possible with clean cue ball control. Time yourself and compete with others.

20. No Rail Challenge
Purpose: Fine cue ball control
Layout: Place 5 balls in mid-table area. Cue ball starts near head string.
Goal: Pot all balls without the cue ball touching any rails. Requires precise position and soft touch.