Pool glossary · Aiming & Physics
Contact point
Where do you hit the object ball to pot it?
The contact point is the spot on the object ball directly opposite the pocket — on the line from the pocket through the ball's center. The cue ball must touch that point to send the object ball toward the pocket (before throw).
In more detail
On a cut shot, the cue ball's contact point is not the part of the cue ball you aim with; it is the side of the cue ball. That is why 'aim at the contact point' overcuts: aim at the ghost ball instead, or picture contact-to-contact.
People also ask
Why do I undercut when aiming at the contact point?
Aiming the center of the cue ball at the contact point actually overcuts; players often compensate by undercutting. Use ghost ball for the aim line.
Train it at the table
More guides on contact point
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