Basic Concept

The idea behind the Mirror Kicking System is that the angle at which the cue ball approaches the rail is the same as the angle at which it will rebound off the rail. This is often referred to as the "angle in equals angle out" principle. Imagine a mirror placed on the rail; the cue ball’s path before hitting the rail should be mirrored in its path after it rebounds.

Steps to Apply the Mirror Kicking System

1. Identify the Target

   • First, visualize or identify the spot on the table (such as the object ball or a point) where you want the cue ball to travel after hitting the rail.

2. Estimate the Mirror Point

   • Find the point on the rail that mirrors the object ball or target location. This can be done by drawing an imaginary line from the object ball through the rail, continuing in a straight line to find the corresponding "mirror image" point behind the rail.

3. Determine the Cue Ball’s Path

   • Once you've identified the mirror point, you can figure out the cue ball’s path. Aim to hit the rail at the point where the cue ball's path will meet the mirror point. This should lead the cue ball to rebound off the rail and head directly toward the target.

4. Calculate Distance and Angles

   • The distance between the cue ball and the rail and the target and the rail should be equal. You can use the diamonds along the rail as visual guides to help gauge distances and angles. Each diamond on the table represents a unit of measure, so you can use them to help aim accurately.

5. Adjust for Spin and Speed

   • While the Mirror Kicking System is based on geometric principles, you must account for real-world variables like the speed of the shot and any spin you apply to the cue ball (English).

     • Speed: Hitting the ball harder can reduce the angle of the rebound, while a softer shot might widen it.

     • English: Applying side spin (left or right English) will also affect how the cue ball rebounds. The spin can either widen or narrow the rebound angle, depending on the type of spin used.

Practical Example

Let’s say the cue ball is near the center of the table, and you want to hit an object ball that’s against the opposite rail. The object ball is, for example, aligned with the second diamond on the opposite rail.

1. Stand behind the cue ball and imagine a line going from the object ball through the rail, hitting the table beyond the rail at a mirrored point.

2. Once you find this mirrored point, aim the cue ball toward that spot on the rail.

3. If executed properly, the cue ball will hit the rail at the right spot and rebound to strike the object ball.

Key Considerations

• Table Conditions: The condition of the table affects how well the Mirror Kicking System works. Worn cloth, dirty balls, or uneven rails can influence the angles.

• Cue Ball Deflection (Squirt): If you apply side spin (English), the cue ball may not travel in a perfectly straight line, due to deflection. You’ll need to compensate for this by adjusting your aim.

• Object Ball Location: The system works best when the target ball is near the rail, but it can still be applied for shots where the target is farther away, though greater precision is needed.

Variations

• Some players use the Diamond System in combination with the Mirror System, using the diamonds on the rail as reference points for more precise aiming when the distances or angles are difficult to gauge visually.

Benefits of the Mirror Kicking System

• Simple and Quick: It’s one of the simpler systems to apply since it relies on basic geometry.

• Consistency: With practice, it can be a very consistent and reliable method for hitting rail-first shots.

• Versatile: It’s effective for one-rail kick shots, especially when the target is near the rail, though it can also be adapted for multi-rail kicks with some adjustments.

By practicing the Mirror Kicking System, players can improve their ability to kick the cue ball accurately and increase their success in difficult safety situations or when they’re hooked behind other balls.