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Cueing Academy

Pool glossary · Shot Types

Straight-in shot

Also called: Straight in, Dead straight

Why do I miss straight-in shots in pool?

A straight-in shot has the cue ball, object ball and pocket on one line. It looks easiest, but it exposes any stroke error instantly — and it leaves no angle for position, so good players often avoid getting dead straight.

In more detail

Missing straight-ins usually points to steering, head movement, a wrong vision center or unintended english. A stop shot on a straight-in is the cleanest test of your stroke.

People also ask

How do I stop missing easy straight shots?

Check that your head is aligned with your vision center, stay down through the shot and use a center-ball stop shot to confirm your stroke is straight.

Train it at the table

More guides on straight-in shot