The Spot on the Wall kicking system is a technique in pool and billiards that helps players aim by using a reference point (a “spot”) located on a wall, beyond the table. This system is particularly useful for long-distance or difficult cut shots, helping players better align their cue ball to make the object ball travel to the intended pocket.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Spot on the Wall aiming system:

1. Understanding the Concept:

• Visualizing Lines Beyond the Table: The idea is to extend the line between the cue ball, object ball, and the pocket beyond the pool table to a spot on the wall. This spot serves as a reference for aligning your shot.

• External Aiming Aid: By using an external point (the spot on the wall), players can more easily judge angles and align their cue ball with the object ball for an accurate hit.

2. Identifying the Target Line:

• Step Behind the Shot: Stand behind the cue ball and look directly along the line from the object ball to the pocket.

• Draw the Line: Visualize a straight line extending from the object ball, through the pocket, and onto an imaginary spot on the wall behind the table. This spot will act as your aiming reference point.

3. Aligning the Cue Ball:

• Find the Cue Ball’s Path: Imagine the path the cue ball must take to hit the object ball and send it toward the pocket.

• Project the Path to the Wall: Mentally project the line from the cue ball, through the object ball, and continue this line toward the spot on the wall.

4. Using the Spot as an Aiming Guide:

• Line Up with the Spot: Once you’ve identified the spot on the wall, align your cue ball so that your stroke will aim the cue ball toward the object ball, along the projected line leading to the wall spot.

• Aim for the Wall Spot: Focus your aiming on hitting the cue ball along the line that leads directly to the spot on the wall. By doing this, you’ll naturally align the cue ball to hit the object ball at the right angle.

5. Executing the Shot:

• Align the Cue Stick: Line up your cue stick with the cue ball so that your stroke sends the cue ball along the line that intersects with the object ball and the wall spot.

• Smooth Stroke: Deliver a smooth, controlled stroke. Focus on maintaining your aim toward the spot on the wall as you execute the shot.

• Follow Through: Ensure your follow-through remains aligned with the imaginary spot to keep your cue straight and on target.

6. Adjusting for Different Angles:

• Shallow Cuts: For shallow cut shots, the spot on the wall will be closer to the object ball and further away from the pocket.

• Steep Cuts: For steeper angles, the spot will appear further away from the object ball, usually above or beyond the pocket.

• Thin Cuts: The spot on the wall will be located further to the side of the pocket for extreme cuts.

7. Benefits of the Spot on the Wall System:

• External Reference Point: By using a spot beyond the table, this system makes it easier to visualize the correct alignment and cut angle, especially for tricky shots.

• Reduces Complex Calculations: The system simplifies the aiming process, removing the need for complicated angle measurements by focusing on a straight line to the spot.

• Helps with Long Shots: It’s particularly useful for long shots where distance makes it difficult to judge the correct angle for the cut.

8. Practice and Drills:

• Spot Location Drills: Set up several shots at different angles and distances. Use the spot on the wall system to align your shots and pocket the balls consistently.

• Visualizing Lines: Practice visualizing the line from the object ball to the pocket and extending it beyond the table. The more you practice, the easier it will be to identify the wall spot quickly.

9. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Misjudging the Spot Location: A common mistake is not correctly identifying the spot on the wall, leading to improper alignment and a missed shot. Make sure the spot is directly in line with the object ball and pocket.

• Not Staying Focused on the Spot: It’s easy to get distracted and focus solely on the table or object ball. Stay focused on the spot throughout your stroke for better accuracy.

• Rushing the Shot: This system requires you to take your time and visualize the extended line clearly. Rushing through the shot will likely result in poor aim.

10. Advantages of the Spot on the Wall System:

• Simple Visual Aid: Provides a straightforward method for aiming without complex calculations or needing to break down angles.

• Great for Beginners and Pros: This system is beneficial for beginners learning to aim and can also be used by more advanced players for consistency on tough shots.

• Enhances Visualization Skills: Helps develop the ability to see beyond the table and picture invisible lines, improving overall shot planning.

11. Limitations of the Spot on the Wall System:

• Requires Good Visualization: Players who struggle to visualize lines and extended paths may find it challenging at first.

• Not Effective with Spin or English: The system works best with straight or natural shots. If you’re using side spin (English), the deflection may change the cue ball’s path, affecting your alignment with the spot.

12. Bonus Tips:

• Find a Real Spot on the Wall: If possible, practice on tables with clear backgrounds, where you can actually pick out a real spot on the wall to help improve your visualization.

• Use in Combination with Other Systems: The Spot on the Wall system can be combined with other aiming systems (like Ghost Ball or Fractional Aiming) to enhance your shot-making ability.

By practicing the Spot on the Wall kicking system, you’ll be able to enhance your alignment and precision, especially on challenging or long-distance shots. This technique helps simplify the aiming process, giving you a clear external reference point for better accuracy.