9 Ball Rules Push Out: What It Is and 5 Tips to Use It

TLDR: The push out is a special shot in 9 ball. It can only be taken on the first shot after the break. You do not have to hit any ball or rail. Then your opponent chooses: shoot from there, or make you shoot again.

What you will learn:

• What a push out is
• When you can use it
• What happens after a push out
• Five tips to use it well

Many new 9 ball players have never heard of the push out. Some leagues do not use it. But it is part of the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) rules. I have played 9 ball for many years in leagues and tournaments. Here is how the push out works, in plain words.

What Is a Push Out?

After the break, the next shooter may face a hard shot. The push out gives that player a choice. Instead of trying a tough shot, they can move the cue ball to a new spot. On a push out, the normal rules for hitting a ball first and hitting a rail do not apply.

When Can You Push Out?

Only on the first shot right after the break. Under WPA rules, the player who shoots that shot may push out. You must tell your opponent before you shoot that you are pushing out. If you do not say it, it is a normal shot.

What Happens Next?

After the push out, your opponent decides:

• Shoot. They take the table from where the cue ball stopped.
• Pass. They make you shoot again from there.

This is why the push out is a thinking game. You want to leave a shot that looks hard to your opponent, but one you can handle if they pass it back.

What Still Counts as a Foul?

Some fouls still apply on a push out. Scratching is still a foul. Knocking a ball off the table is still a foul. A ball pocketed on a push out does not count, except the 9 is spotted if it goes in. Check the WPA rules for the full details.

5 Tips for Using the Push Out

1. Know your strengths. If you are good at kick shots, leave a kick. If you are good at long shots, leave a long one.

2. Leave a shot that is close to 50-50. If it is too easy, your opponent will take it. If it is too hard, they will pass it back to you.

3. Think about where the 1 ball is. The 1 ball, or the lowest ball, is your target after the push.

4. Do not push out when you have a clear shot. Just shoot it.

5. Agree on rules first. Ask if your league or match uses the push out. Many bar games skip it.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to announce the push out
• Pushing to a spot that is easy for your opponent
• Using it in a game where it is not allowed

Learn More

I cover 9 ball strategy on my YouTube channel. My Pool School has more lessons.

FAQ

Can the breaker push out?
Under WPA rules, it is the player who takes the first shot after the break, which is the breaker only if they made a ball and are still shooting.

Do I have to hit a ball on a push out?
No. That is the point of the push out.

Is the push out used in every 9 ball game?
No. Many leagues and bars do not use it. Check first.

What if the 9 goes in on a push out?
It is spotted, and the game goes on.

Summary

The 9 ball rules push out lets the first shooter after the break move the cue ball without needing to hit a ball or rail. The opponent then chooses to shoot or pass. Use it wisely and it can win you games.

About the Author

I am Ted Mauro. I have played pool for more than 50 years and in leagues and tournaments for more than 38 years.

Sources

• World Pool-Billiard Association, Rules of Play (9-ball, push out): https://wpapool.com/rules/