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CUEING ACADEMY · PRACTICE SHEET

Three-Ball Pattern Run

Pattern play · Intermediate · 20 min
123

Illustrative route: 1-ball in the near corner, play to the centre for the 2-ball, then come back for the 3-ball in the side. Paths show intent, not exact rebound angles.

Cue ballObject

Objective: Plan and execute a three-ball sequence, choosing the side of each ball you need for the next shot.

Setup: Place the 1-ball near the head-end bottom corner pocket, the 2-ball near the foot-end top corner, and the 3-ball near the bottom side pocket. Take cue ball in hand anywhere for the first shot.

Scoring: 1 point per ball potted in order, plus 1 bonus point for each shot where the cue ball finished on the planned side. Max 5 per rack (3 pots + 2 position bonuses). Ten racks.

Success standard: 35 or more points across ten racks.

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Category
Pattern play
Difficulty
Intermediate
Duration
20 min

Three-Ball Pattern Run

Pattern play is position play with a plan. Running three balls in order trains you to think two shots ahead and to prefer simple routes.

123

Illustrative route: 1-ball in the near corner, play to the centre for the 2-ball, then come back for the 3-ball in the side. Paths show intent, not exact rebound angles.

Cue ballObject

Setup

  1. Place the 1-ball near the head-end bottom corner pocket, the 2-ball near the foot-end top corner, and the 3-ball near the bottom side pocket.
  2. Take cue ball in hand anywhere for the first shot.

Execution

  1. Before the first shot, say your full plan aloud: which pocket each ball goes in and where the cue ball should stop.
  2. Place the cue ball to give an angle on the 1-ball that sends you toward the 2-ball, rather than a dead straight shot.
  3. Shoot the balls in order. Allow no ball-in-hand after the first shot.
  4. After each rack, record whether you got the planned side of each ball, even if you completed the run.

Scoring

1 point per ball potted in order, plus 1 bonus point for each shot where the cue ball finished on the planned side. Max 5 per rack (3 pots + 2 position bonuses). Ten racks.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing a straight-in first shot that leaves no angle to move the cue ball.
  • Planning only one ball ahead.
  • Using extreme spin when a simple stun or roll route exists.

Progression

Add balls one at a time up to six, or randomize ball positions by rolling them out.

Terms this drill trains

Easier variation

Allow ball in hand on the second ball as well.

Harder variation

Require the cue ball to stay off every rail except where the plan demands one.

Drill objectives describe what the exercise trains. Results depend on the player, the table and the quality of practice; no drill guarantees a specific improvement.

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