9 Ball Safety Shot: 6 Simple Ways to Leave Your Opponent Nothing
Quick answer: A 9 ball safety shot is a legal shot where you do not try to make a ball. Instead, you hit the lowest ball and leave the cue ball where your opponent cannot see or easily hit the next lowest ball. Because a foul gives ball in hand, a good safety can win you the game on the next turn.
Nine ball has ball in hand for any foul. That makes safeties very strong. If your opponent fouls, you can put the cue ball anywhere. Here is how to play smart safeties.
Remember the Rule
On every shot in 9 ball, the cue ball must hit the lowest numbered ball first. After that, a ball must go in or some ball must hit a rail. If not, it is a foul. Your safety must follow these rules too.
6 Ways to Play a Safety
- Hide behind a ball. Hit the lowest ball, then roll the cue ball behind another ball so the next lowest ball is blocked.
- Send the object ball far away. Hit the lowest ball to the other end of the table and leave the cue ball near your end.
- Freeze the cue ball to a rail. A cue ball touching a rail is hard to shoot well.
- Leave a long, thin cut. If you cannot hide it, leave a hard shot that is easy to miss.
- Hide the object ball. Bump the lowest ball behind other balls.
- Use the push out wisely. Right after the break, the player at the table may push out. Push to a spot where the other player does not want to shoot.
Think About the Return
Before you play safe, ask: if my opponent kicks at the ball, what can happen? A safety that leaves an easy kick and an open table is not much of a safety.
Use Soft Speed
Most safeties need soft, careful speed. A hard hit sends balls everywhere, and you lose control. Make sure some ball still reaches a rail, so the shot is legal.
Practice
Throw three balls on the table. Take ball in hand and try to hide the lowest ball from the cue ball while still making a legal hit. Count how many tries leave no direct shot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a safety in 9 ball?
A safety is a legal shot where you do not try to pocket a ball and instead leave your opponent a hard shot or no direct shot.
Why are safeties so strong in 9 ball?
Any foul gives the other player ball in hand, so forcing a foul can give you an easy run out.
Does a safety still need to hit a rail?
Yes. After hitting the lowest ball first, a ball must go in or some ball must touch a rail, or it is a foul.
What is a push out in 9 ball?
On the shot right after the break, the shooter may push the cue ball to a new spot without the usual hit rules. The other player then chooses who shoots.