9 Ball Kick Shots: How to Hit the Lowest Ball When You Are Hooked
Quick answer: A kick shot in 9 ball is when the cue ball goes off a rail before it hits the lowest numbered ball on the table. You need it when your opponent hides the cue ball behind another ball. In 9 ball, you must hit the lowest ball first, so a missed kick gives your opponent ball in hand. Aim a one rail kick by picturing a mirror table across the rail, use medium speed and center ball, and try to leave the balls safe if the kick does not pocket anything.
9 ball has a lot of safety play. That means you will kick a lot. Good kickers win more matches.
Why Kicks Matter So Much in 9 Ball
In 9 ball, the cue ball must hit the lowest numbered ball first. If it does not, it is a foul and your opponent gets ball in hand. Since 9 ball racks can be run out with ball in hand, one missed kick can cost you the rack.
Some rule sets also have a three foul rule. If you foul three times in a row, you can lose the game. See 9 ball three foul rule.
How to Aim a One Rail Kick
- Find the lowest ball.
- Pick the rail. Choose the rail that gives the clearest path.
- Picture a mirror table. Imagine the table flipped over that rail. The lowest ball has a twin on the other side.
- Aim the cue ball at that twin. Where your line crosses the rail is your target.
- Use medium speed and center ball.
This method gets you close. Practice teaches you how your table plays.
Speed and Spin
- Softer speed tends to widen the angle off the rail.
- Harder speed tends to shorten it.
- Side spin changes the angle. Running english widens it and reverse english shortens it. Learn center ball first.
Kick Safe
Ask what happens after the hit. A soft kick that barely touches the lowest ball and leaves it near a rail can be a great result. If you hit it hard and miss the pocket, you may spread the balls and leave an easy out.
Learn more about defense in how to play 9 ball safeties.
When Two Rails Are Better
Sometimes a one rail path is blocked. A two rail kick off a corner can be easier than it looks, because the corner sends the ball back on a similar line. Practice a few common two rail kicks so you have them ready.
When to Push Out Instead
Right after the break, some 9 ball rules let you push out. If you get a bad lie after the break, a push out may be better than a hard kick. See 9 ball push out rule.
Practice Drill
- Put the 1 ball near the middle of the table.
- Put a blocker ball between the 1 and the cue ball.
- Kick off a side rail ten times. Count good hits.
- Try the same kick off a long rail.
- Try a soft kick that leaves the 1 on a rail.
Add this to your routine from how to practice 9 ball alone.
Key Points
- In 9 ball, you must hit the lowest ball first.
- A missed kick gives up ball in hand.
- Use the mirror table to aim one rail kicks.
- Medium speed and center ball are the best start.
- Kick safe when you can.
Keep Reading on This Site
- 9 Ball Soft Break: How a Controlled Break Works and When to Use It
- 9 Ball Strategy for Beginners: 8 Simple Ideas to Win More Racks
- How to Rack 9 Ball: A Simple Step by Step Guide
- 9 Ball Pattern Play: How to Plan Your Run From the 1 to the 9
- How to Play 9 Ball Pool: 6 Easy Steps and Key Rules
- 9 Ball Combination Shot: How to See It and Make It in 5 Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kick shot in 9 ball?
It is a shot where the cue ball hits a rail before it hits the lowest numbered ball on the table.
What happens if I miss a kick in 9 ball?
It is a foul in most rules, and your opponent gets ball in hand.
How do I aim a kick shot?
Picture the table flipped over the rail and aim the cue ball at the mirror image of the lowest ball.
Should I kick hard or soft?
Medium speed is a good start. A soft kick can leave the balls safe if it does not pocket anything.
Can I push out instead of kicking?
In many 9 ball rules you can push out on the shot right after the break. Check the rules you are playing.