Your cue ball control will be put to the test.

Here’s part II of the no-rail drill I offered last month. Hopefully, you worked on Part I to the point of being pretty consistent with it. This version, which positions the balls slightly different, is much tougher and will be the ultimate test for players of all levels. But that’s okay because we need to push ourselves if we hope to improve.

Again, pool comes down to cue ball control, and if you can move the cue ball around the table without needing to use the rails, the game becomes much simpler and easier. And that’s what you want when the pressure is on.

Of course, there are benefits to using the rails when necessary, but if you can simplify the game it allows you to focus on your touch, especially in tight windows.

The rules are simple: Start with cue ball in hand; no rails; no bumping other balls; shoot in rotation.

It’s important that you start with the cue ball close to the 1 ball (Diagram One) so that you have maximum control and feel. It requires only a punch draw. Let the cue ball do the work. There are actually three options from here. Going under the 9 ball to the right leaves a long shot on the 3, and going between the 7 and 9 is dangerous. The best option is to draw straight back into the gap between the 7 and 8. Don’t be greedy on the 3 ball. Keep it simple with a nice, low draw shot.

The 4 ball is the big shot here, as it has a bit of distance and it’s easy to bump a ball or catch a rail. You have to commit to the stroke, again aiming low and driving through the cue ball with a controlled draw and no side spin.



Now the pressure is on (Diagram Two). The shot on the 5 is easy, but make sure to hit the right side of the 5 to get on the 6. Remember, we’re always looking three balls ahead. Just a touch of left and baby punch draw. The 6 should be the same shot as the 5, but this time don’t leave too much angle on the 7 ball.

The 7 is the biggest shot of the drill and your shot selection will depend on the angle you have. If you have a big angle, you can draw past the 8 and play it in the side pocket. You can also play for the 8 in the bottom left corner, but you can’t come up short on the 8 or you’re no-rail run is over. If you land as I did in Diagram Two, you could draw for the 8 in the top left. That position requires perfect draw. Rolling the cue ball for position in the top right is easier. The speed is easier to judge, and the window is slightly larger.

In this case, I landed perfect on the 8, so I just used a punch draw with a touch of left. Again, this requires good feel. Pick your landing spot and trust your stroke. The 9 should be easy, but even here you can’t touch a rail.

This is much harder than it looks and has frustrated me numerous times, which is annoying. But keep plugging away because eventually you will reap the benefits. And feeling the cue ball control once you’ve mastered this will convince you that you can do anything on a pool table.