Like the up the spots drill, this should be done at the beginning of every practice session. This is a practical shot that will come up in every match you ever play so it is important to master. Also, the alignment and stroke required to pot this shot will apply to every other shot you make on the table. Make note of where and how you hit the ball when you get a perfect stop shot, you will use this type of shot not only on straight in pots, put whenever you want the cue ball to follow the tangent line.
Variations
Beginner
If you can’t make this shot at least 50% of the time, set up a closer straight in shot with the object ball on the spot and the cue ball a foot behind it. Slowly increase the distance. You’ll improve more this way than consistently missing the harder shot.
Intermediate
If you are making the shot over 90% of the time, move the cue ball further back.
Once you have mastered the stop shot, begin to incorporate draw and follow. Using cubes of chalk, place targets on either side of the object ball, attempting to leave the cue ball at the chalk. This is a great way to develop speed control while fine tuning your stroke.
Advanced
Work your way up to following the object ball into the pocket, and drawing the cue ball back into the pocket you’re shooting from. The most difficult version of the shot is the object ball centre table and the cue ball in the jaws of the pocket, drawing the cue ball back into the pocket.
Tips
Experiment with how low you hit on the cue ball and how hard you hit it to achieve. Low and soft is usually better than high and hard.
Start easy and work your way up to the longer shots.
Focus on what the cue ball does after contact. Even if you made the pot, any sideways movement or spin after contact means you did not hit dead centre. Focus on stopping the cue ball and the pot will take care of itself.
