Learn How To Make Cut Shots Using the CutShots Aim Trainer
What Is a Cut Shot?
Every pool player needs to learn how to make cut shots. After all, 90% of shots made in pool are cut shots. In other words, the object ball must be struck at an angle by the cue ball causing it to deflect at an angle into the pocket. The other 10% of shots used in pool are bank shots, combination shots, carom shots, masse shots, and similar hard shots..
How To Make Cut Shots
Using the CutShots Aim Trainer manufactured by Aramith, and our proven 4-step technique — Spot1 … Spot2 … Shift … Shoot — is the fastest and most effective way to learn to make cut shots. We have provided a video below that describes how to use our patented training balls in just 7 minutes. We have also provided a text description with three diagrams for those of you who prefer to read about it.
The CutShots Aim Trainer system utilizes our patented balls and an easy 4-Step System that can be repeated over and over again so you learn to make cut shots using a proven process. When you change over to normal regulation balls, the CutShots technique and muscle memory will be ingrained in the way you play.
You will notice in the picture above, the CutShots Aim Trainer balls use a pattern of 112 figures on both the white cue ball and the yellow object balls to help you visualize aiming spots necessary for achieving ball collisions resulting in exact deflection angles. These patented figures consisting of stars, squares, triangles and circles in red, purple, green or black colors will help you locate and memorize the exact aiming points we call “spots”. But any point of yellow or white among the 112 spots is also a “spot” that you can see (Step 1) and then see again (Step 2) by reference to two or three of the 112 spots. All spots you identify should be about the size of a pinhead, or smaller. The CutShots slogan is “See the Spots, Sink the Shots.”
CutShots success is best accomplished by striking the white ball dead center, using a short firm stroke, and holding the cue as level with the table as possible; so with no off-center spins applied.
Advanced Play
CutShots and the CutShots’ method can be used with advanced play techniques. Although position play and other advanced skills are not emphasized with CutShots balls, CutShots is fully capable of being used with spin, draw, follow, and other advanced techniques used for position play.
STEP 1
Identify SPOT #1 On The Yellow Object Ball
Stand low behind both the yellow ball and the exact center of the pocket. Your precise Spot #1 is in the exact center of the yellow ball from your viewing point. It may appear dead-center on one of the 112 target figures, or a bit off dead-center, or on the yellow background between figures. The smaller you visualize Spot #1 (your target) the more accurate your shot will be.
STEP 2
Identify SPOT #2 On The White Cue Ball
Here you learn about “Opposite And Equal”. Move your standing position to behind the white ball and locate the exact Spot #2 on the visible side of the white ball that aligns with Spot #1 on the yellow ball. As you moved left behind the white ball, your Spot #1 moved (visually) to the right on the object ball. Consequently, (A) your Spot #2 on the cue ball will be on the left side; so on the OPPOSITE SIDE. And (B) your Spot #2 will also be an EQUAL DISTANCE inward from the left edge of the white ball as SPOT #1 is from the right edge of the yellow ball; that is, if Spot #1 is a quarter-inch in from the left edge then Spot #2 is also a quarter-inch in from the right edge. Always remember “OPPOSITE AND EQUAL.”
The straight (dashed) line connecting Spot #2 and Spot #1 becomes the “Line of Aim” for your shot. As you stroke your shot (after Step Three) you should be looking down this line, as though Spot #2 and Spot #1 were the two sights on a rifle.
STEP 3
Center Your Cue and Take The Shot
Temporarily point your cue down the Line of Aim. (This is to clearly set in your mind the goal of your shot. But understand that if you shoot now you will likely miscue, sending the white ball helter-skelter.) Now, keeping the cue in the Line of Aim’s direction, shift the entire cue to behind the white ball’s center. The cue’s direction behind the white ball’s center point should be perfectly parallel to the Line of View. This new line is the cue ball’s (parallel) Line of Roll. Use a short, firm stroke to the cue ball.
Whenever these steps are executed correctly, Spot #2 will strike Spot#1, and you will Sink the Shot. It’s easy! Just practice, practice, practice. Each shot, think at each step: Spot 1 … Spot 2 … Shift … Shoot.
Transitioning to Normal Pool Balls
As you improve and want to convert to regular pool balls, you should first switch to a regular cue ball and keep the CutShots yellow balls in play. This will reduce the CutShots advantage to half. When your new success rate equals your prior success rate, remove and replace the yellow ball with regular balls. At first use solids, then stripes.