Learn 8 Ball Pool

Targeted practice is a valuable tool to not only learn the basics of 8 ball, but also a method to learning how to win. A player should practice the shots they find difficult to develop a feel. In particular, practice the medium to difficult shots. Even a difficult cut shot is actually easier to make than a bank shot. Bank shots are vulnerable to cue spin and table conditions and can be easily missed. Learn to make all the cut shots through practice and a player will find that they will seldom need to make a bank shot.

One valuable practice session is to play a game of 8 ball, but before each shot call out what your next shot will be. For example, on your first shot you are going to shoot the 6 ball and you see you can set yourself up for the 7 ball - you call the 7 ball as your next shot. Then before you shoot the 7 ball, but call what your next shot will be. You continue this until you miss. On your next turn continue to call your next shot until the game is finished. This will teach you to think ahead as well as how to positionally place the cue so that you can run eight balls in a row.

This type of targeted practice can have dramatic results on a player's game. Just shooting shots can have results, but can also lead to bad habits or minimal results. A player should work on their form, making cut shots and english before moving on to banks and "trick shots". If a player can master the cut shot and english so that they set themselves up positionally for the next shot, then few other things are needed to consistently win.