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Cueing Academy

Member programme · Week 1 free

Position Play Foundations

Six weeks, three sessions a week: from the tangent line and the four basic cue-ball routes to angle, rails and full 8-ball and 9-ball patterns — each week closed by a scored test.
Start Week 1 free Unlock the full programme
Duration
6 weeks
Sessions
18 total
Per session
50 min
Level
Intermediate

What you'll train

  • Reading the tangent line before you shoot
  • Choosing the correct side and a usable angle
  • Using rails to make position zones bigger
  • Planning three balls ahead in 8-ball and 9-ball

Built for players who

  • Getting straight in and having no way to move the cue ball
  • Ending up on the wrong side of the next ball
  • Running three or four balls, then getting stuck
  • Choosing complicated routes when a simple one exists
Target skill
Planning and executing cue-ball position
Intended level
Intermediate
Who it's for
Players who can control speed but struggle to choose the right position route.
Objective
Learn to read tangent lines, choose the correct side of the next ball and prefer simple routes.
Structure
6 weeks · 3 sessions/week · 50 min each
Equipment
Pool table, Full set of balls, Zone markers (chalk, coins or paper), Practice log

Week-by-week plan

Week 1 is open to everyone — start today. Academy Members get every week in full, with timed session blocks, checkpoints and the final retest.

  1. W1

    Baseline & the tangent line

    Measure your current position play and learn where the cue ball goes after contact.

    • Session 1: Baseline — Tangent-Line Position Zone (1 scored set of 10) and Three-Ball Pattern Run (5 racks). Record both scores.
    • Session 2: Tangent-Line Position Zone with the large zone. Before each shot, point to where the cue ball will cross the rail.
    • Session 3: Tangent-Line Position Zone with the standard zone, alternating left and right cuts.

    Checkpoint · Baseline scores recorded and tangent line called correctly before every shot of the last set.

  2. W2

    The four basic routes

    Control where the cue ball stops with stop, stun, follow and draw on the same shot.

    3 sessions + checkpoint · unlock with membership

  3. W3

    Angle & the correct side

    Leave yourself an angle on the next ball and stay on the side that sends the cue ball where you need it.

    3 sessions + checkpoint · unlock with membership

  4. W4

    Using the rails

    Use one rail to shorten the distance error and reach zones that a direct route can't.

    3 sessions + checkpoint · unlock with membership

  5. W5

    Thinking in patterns

    Plan three balls ahead, solve problem balls early and finish racks with the key ball.

    3 sessions + checkpoint · unlock with membership

  6. W6

    Run-outs & final retest

    Put the whole system together in 8-ball and 9-ball patterns, then repeat Week 1.

    3 sessions + checkpoint · unlock with membership

Progress checkpoints

  • — Week 1: baseline recorded
  • — Week 2: Stop, Stun, Follow, Draw ≥10 of 12
  • — Week 3: Tangent-Line Position Zone ≥14 points
  • — Week 4: Rail-First Position ≥5 of 10
  • — Week 5: Three-Ball Pattern Run ≥35 points
  • — Week 6: retest and comparison

Completion criteria

All 18 sessions logged and the Week 6 retest completed. Progress is measured against your own Week 1 scores.

Drills in this programme (14)

Position Play Foundations: questions

What is position play in pool?

Position play is controlling where the cue ball stops after a pot so the next shot is easy. It combines speed, spin, the tangent line and planning.

Do I need good speed control before starting?

Yes. You should be able to stop the cue ball roughly where you intend. If not, complete 30-Day Cue Ball Control first.

Is this for 8-ball or 9-ball?

Both. Weeks 1–4 train universal position skills; Week 5 and 6 apply them to 8-ball and 9-ball patterns.

How long does it take to learn position play?

The foundations fit in six weeks of focused work. Applying them reliably in matches takes ongoing practice, which is why each week closes with a scored test.

Can I get help with my patterns?

Yes. Personal coaching can review your rack decisions on video, and Academy Members receive a member rate.

Read alongside the programme

Key terms explained