Tweaking standard drills can take practice to another level.

One of the great things about drills is that you can tinker with them to make them harder or simply for a change of pace. By changing the setup of the balls from numeric to random, you can change the complexity and dynamics of a drill. This month’s drill is a familiar one, but this is my favorite version because it forces you to more the cue ball more. Because of that, your cue ball control and pattern play will improve.

Each shot in this drill has two or three options, so your planning is important. You’re still playing three shots ahead, so you always have to keep the right angles in mind. This will help with one and two-rail shape and with cue ball position in small areas.

This is a simple drill to set up, but not an easy one to complete. Keep trying to top your personal best!

Start with ball in hand on the 1, running the balls in rotation and pocketing them all in one pocket. As with most drills, bumping balls is not allowed.

Here is the way I prefer to play this drill:

Start with a slight angle on the 1 ball and a quarter tip of left English (Diagram One). The alternative here is to leave a bigger angle and float straight up off one rail.

If you get the right angle on the 2 ball, it’s an easy follow shot with just a tough of right to avoid the other balls, especially if you’re playing on new, slick cloth.

I’ve left a nice big angle on the 3 ball, which is also a simple follow shot with a touch of left to avoid the other balls. As alternatives, you could use the same punch draw as I did on the 1 ball. You could also draw back around, but your speed control would need to be perfect.



Again, just a little follow with left for the 4 ball. You can even use the second rail if necessary.

With a little steeper angle on the 5 (Diagram Two), English isn’t necessary. Just a straight follow shot. Using one rail is easier to guarantee enough angle on the 6, but you need to get the speed right. Alternative is to draw or punch around two rails. Straight follow offers the higher likelihood of success.

Again, repeat the shot from the 4 ball, using follow and a touch of left on the 6, and again you can use the second rail if you prefer to let your stroke out. A punch shot would also work. It’s a matter of preference and it’s nice to know you have the tools to play shots various ways, which comes in handy when you need to get back into position.

As with the previous shots on this line, I prefer a one-rail approach off the 7 for position. It’s easier to guarantee staying on the right side of the ball. Of course, if there is too much angle, don’t be afraid to use the second rail with follow and spin. Just make certain you don’t go too far and cross your line.

You’re nearly home. One more good stroke, depending on the angle. A little punch stroke is probably fine because you don’t need to worry much about the angle you leave on the 9.