9 Ball Bank Shots: When to Use Them and How to Aim
Quick answer: A 9 ball bank shot is when you hit the object ball into a rail so it bounces back and goes into a pocket. In 9 ball, banks are useful when the ball you must hit has no straight path to a pocket, or when a bank gives you better position or a safe miss. A simple way to aim is the mirror method: picture a pocket on the other side of the rail and aim the object ball at that pretend pocket. Use smooth, medium speed, and always plan where the balls will go if you miss.
In 9 ball you must hit the lowest numbered ball first. That means you do not always get to pick an easy shot. Bank shots give you another way to pocket the ball.
When to Use a Bank Shot in 9 Ball
- No straight shot. Other balls block every direct pocket.
- Frozen near a rail. A ball near the rail can sometimes bank well.
- Two way shot. If you miss, the cue ball or object ball ends up safe. See 9 ball two way shots.
- Better position. A bank can leave the cue ball in a better spot for the next ball. See 9 ball pattern play.
When Not to Bank
- A direct shot is easy.
- The bank leaves your opponent a simple out if you miss.
- A safety would be stronger. See 9 ball safety shot.
How to Aim a Bank Shot: The Mirror Method
- Find the pocket you want the ball to go into.
- Picture a mirror pocket. Imagine the table flips over the rail you will bank off. Picture where the pocket would be on the other side.
- Aim the object ball at that mirror pocket.
- Find the contact point on the object ball that sends it on that line.
- Stroke smoothly through the cue ball.
This method is a starting point. Real banks change with speed, spin, and table conditions, so practice on your own table.
Speed Matters
| Speed | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Soft | The ball may bank wider, or come up short |
| Medium | Most consistent for beginners |
| Hard | The ball may bank shorter, and misses can scatter balls |
Medium speed is the best place to start.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
- Using spin by accident. Side spin can change the bank angle. Hit center ball at first.
- Hitting too hard. This makes banks harder to control.
- Forgetting the cue ball. Know where the cue ball will go so you do not scratch.
- Not thinking about a miss. Plan to leave your opponent nothing.
Practice Drill for 9 Ball Bank Shots
- Put an object ball a foot off the side rail near the middle of the table.
- Try to bank it cross side into the opposite side pocket.
- Shoot 10 tries at medium speed and write down how many you make.
- Move the ball a little and repeat.
For more drills, see how to practice 9 ball alone and 9 ball ghost drill.
Bank Shots vs Kick Shots
A bank shot means the object ball hits the rail. A kick shot means the cue ball hits a rail first before it hits the object ball. Learn about kicks in how to kick at a ball in pool.
Banks and Fouls
Remember that in 9 ball you must hit the lowest ball first, and then a ball must go in a pocket or hit a rail. If you miss the lowest ball, your opponent gets ball in hand. See what is ball in hand in 9 ball and 9 ball rules for beginners.
The Bottom Line
9 ball bank shots help when you have no direct shot or when a bank gives you better position or a safe miss. Use the mirror method to aim, start with center ball and medium speed, and always plan where the balls will end up if you miss. Practice banks on your own table to learn how it plays.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Play 9 Ball With Three Players: Simple House Rules That Work
- 9 Ball Cue Ball Control: How to Get Shape on the Next Ball Every Time
- 9 Ball Rules for Beginners: A Simple Guide to Play Today
- Common 9 Ball Mistakes and How to Fix Them
- 9 Ball Pattern Play: How to Plan Your Run From the 1 to the 9
- 9 Ball Strategy for Beginners: 8 Simple Ideas to Win More Racks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bank shot in 9 ball?
It is a shot where the object ball hits a rail first, then rolls into a pocket.
How do you aim a bank shot?
A simple way is the mirror method. Picture the pocket flipped over the rail and aim the object ball at that pretend pocket.
What speed is best for bank shots?
Medium speed is usually the most consistent, especially for beginners.
What is the difference between a bank shot and a kick shot?
In a bank shot the object ball hits the rail. In a kick shot the cue ball hits the rail first.