Table Kick Points

Table Bank & Kick Points

Using Diamonds and the "V"

by Mick Turner

We have all heard of the 'angle-in vs. angle-out' concept for shooting bank and kick shots.
The 'angle-in vs. angle-out' forms a perfect 'V' on the pool table
(assuming you use no English on the shot and hit with medium speed).

These instructions show you how to make your own 'V' positioning tool so you can easily
come up with bank and kick cushion contact points for learning how to shoot these
difficult shots more accurately. I have also included some finished examples of 'V' shots.

To explain how this is setup, look below at Diagram A; note two tables side by side.
The reason for this is to accurately show an extension of the Diamonds on the right
table for accurately expanding the "V" of the shot.

To use this concept:

1. Take this generic table (Diagram A), copy it and place it as an image
(JPEG) into a tool like Microsoft Photo Shop or some other tool that allows
lines to be placed on top

2. Then make 2 red lines in form of a 'V' with the apex of the V on top
(the angle needs to reflect a known bank/kick point to start with
-- see Diagram 1, below, as an example of this.

3. Using the mouse, draw a box around the 2 red lines so they are both selected.

(Or select one line, hold down the 'Shift key' and select the second.)

4. Then inside the selected box, use the right mouse to 'group' the 2 lines that form a 'V'.

5. You now have the two lines 'connected' and when you move any of the reference
points (dots) the 'V 'stays in it's form but changes angle or size.

6. You can then move the 'V' anywhere on the 2-table setup, (or 1 table on right)
to show kick or bank shot points of cushion contact. This will aid you in
setting up and practicing bank and kick shots. If the Cueball centered
anywhere on one line, and the Object ball on the other (to pocket),
you have the cushion rebound point at the top of the upside down 'V.'

Diagram A, The Double Table Image you can copy and using
graphic tools as described above, add the 'V' so you can do
your own shot layouts. See below for examples.

Diagram 1, Full Table, (Diamond 1) Corner to Corner Bank/Kick Shot

Diagram 2, Second Diamond on Left to corner Bank/Kick Shot

The red arrow shows starting point of position line.

Diagram 3, Third Diamond on Left to corner Kick Shot

Diagram 4, Fourth Diamond on Left to corner Bank/Kick Shot

Diagram 5, Fifth Diamond on Left to corner Kick Shot

Diagram 6, Sixth Diamond on Left to corner Bank/Kick Shot

Diagram 7, Seventh Diamond on Left to corner Kick Shot

Diagram 8, Eight Diamond on Left to corner Bank/Kick Shot

Diagram 9, A Composite of all Eight Diamonds on Left to corner Bank/Kick Shots.
Notice the slightly increasing spaces for the bank/kick (top) cushion points the higher up the
table you start. (Note: Reference left bank of right, full table)

More examples of Side Pocket Bank/Kick Shots

Diagram 10, This example shows the 'V'.

Diagrams 11-15 show the 'V' points for Diamonds on the bottom vs. Diamonds on the top.
Note how each diamond on the bottom is 'worth' 1/2 diamond on the top.
This fact is good to know when banking/kicking shots.

Diagram 11

Diagram 12

Diagram 13

Diagram 14

Diagram 15

If you want to get fancy and extend the 'V' at the same angle for a
double bank shot, all you need to do is stay with the rule of
angle-in vs. angle-out on the banks.
An example in Diagram 16, below, shows this.

Diagram 16

Well, that's about it. At least now you have a way to figure out all the complex
angles with Banks & Kicks using Diamonds and the 'V'. Of course there is
a much more complex method when considering multiple cushions on
a shot but that is a subject for another article...and then there is 'English'...
and the variations on a shot that brings to the table is even more complicated.
Concentrate on the basics first, then as you get better at doing things like
one bank/kick shots you can then advance into these other areas.
Remember this rule: Keep it Simple!