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Pool glossary · Table & Equipment

Pocket

Also called: Corner pocket, Side pocket, Middle pocket

How big are the pockets on a pool table?

A pool table has six pockets: four corner pockets and two side (middle) pockets. Under WPA specifications corner pocket mouths measure about 4.5–4.625 inches and side pockets about 5–5.125 inches — roughly two balls wide.

In more detail

Pocket size and the angle of the pocket facings (the 'cut' of the jaws) decide how forgiving a table is. Tight pro-cut pockets reject balls that hit the jaws even slightly, which rewards accurate aim and correct pocket speed.

Side pockets accept less of an angle than corners: a ball approaching a side pocket at a sharp angle hits the far point and stays out, so position for side-pocket shots needs a straighter approach.

People also ask

Why does the ball rattle in the pocket?

It hit the pocket jaws instead of the center of the opening, usually from a small aiming error at too much speed. Softer pocket speed lets the ball fall even when it catches a jaw.

Train it at the table

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