Bank Shots in Pool: 6 Simple Steps

What do you do when there is no straight shot at a pocket? You bank it. Bank shots in pool are shots where the object ball hits a rail first and then rolls into a pocket. They look hard, but there is a simple idea behind them, and you can learn it.

I have played pool for over 50 years. I have played in leagues and tournaments for over 38 years. In this page, I will show you an easy way to see and make bank shots.

What Is a Bank Shot in Pool?

A bank shot is when you hit the object ball into a rail and it bounces into a pocket. Here we will keep it simple and talk about one rail banks.

Do not mix it up with a kick shot. In a kick shot, the cue ball hits the rail first, then the object ball. In a bank shot, the object ball hits the rail.

Step 1: How Does Angle In = Angle Out Work?

A ball that hits a rail bounces off at about the same angle it came in. This is called "angle in equals angle out." Look at the picture above. The yellow line going into the rail and the yellow line coming out make the same angle.

This is the base of every bank shot. Real tables are not perfect, and speed and spin change things a little. We will get to that. But start here.

Step 2: How Do You Use the Mirror Trick?

Here is an easy way to find where the ball should hit the rail. Pretend the rail is a mirror. Picture a copy of the pocket on the other side of the rail, the same distance away.

Now aim the object ball at that pretend pocket. The spot where that line crosses the rail is your target. If the object ball hits that spot, it will bounce right toward the real pocket.

Step 3: How Do the Diamonds Help?

The little dots on the rails are called diamonds. They are spaced evenly. You can use them to find your spot on the rail. If the object ball sits across from one diamond and the pocket is across from another, the halfway point between them is often close to your target.

Step 4: Aim the Cue Ball Like Any Other Shot

Once you know where the object ball needs to go, the rest is normal aiming. Find the contact point on the object ball. Picture the ghost ball. Send the cue ball to the ghost ball.

If you need help with this part, read our page on how to aim in pool. A bank shot is just an aimed shot where the "pocket" is a spot on the rail.

Step 5: What Speed Should You Use?

Speed matters a lot on banks. A slow, rolling ball tends to bounce off the rail a bit wider (longer). A hard hit ball tends to come off the rail a bit shorter. That is why many good bankers pick one speed and use it over and over.

Start with a medium speed that just gets the ball to the pocket. Keep your stroke smooth and straight. See our billiards fundamentals page for help with your stroke.

Step 6: How Do You Avoid the Double Kiss?

A double kiss happens when the object ball comes off the rail and runs right back into the cue ball.

To avoid it, look at where the cue ball goes after contact. A little cut angle, or a little more speed, can get the cue ball out of the way. If you see a kiss coming, change the shot.

How Can You Practice Bank Shots?

The best way to learn banks is to shoot the same one many times. Try this:

• Put a ball one diamond off the side rail, near the side pocket.
• Bank it cross side into the opposite side pocket.
• Use the same speed every time. Watch if it goes long or short.
• Move the ball a little and do it again.

This video from Dr. Dave shows a good bank shot drill.

For more practice ideas, see our billiard drills page. You can also get my free pool drills and fundamentals training by email. Just sign up on our pool tips page and it will come to your inbox.

When Should You Shoot a Bank Shot?

A bank is a good choice when there is no open path to a pocket. Knowing when to bank and when to play safe is part of strategy. If you play 8 ball, my book 8 Ball Winning Strategies shows you how to plan your runs and play smart. You can learn more about it on our 8 Ball Winning Strategies page.

Quick Recap

1. Angle in equals angle out.
2. Use the mirror trick to find your spot.
3. Use the diamonds as markers.
4. Aim the cue ball like any other shot.
5. Pick one steady speed.
6. Watch out for the double kiss.

Want more help? Visit our pool instruction page or go back to the Pool Billiards Game home page.