What Is Ball in Hand in 9 Ball? 6 Things Every Player Should Know
Quick answer: Ball in hand in 9 ball means you get to pick up the cue ball and place it anywhere on the table before you shoot. Under most standard 9 ball rules, you get ball in hand when your opponent fouls. Common fouls include scratching, not hitting the lowest numbered ball first, and not driving a ball to a rail after contact. Ball in hand is a big advantage, because you can put the cue ball in the perfect spot for your next shot.
Ball in hand is one of the most important rules in 9 ball. It is what makes fouls so costly. Here is what it means and how to use it well.
1. What Is Ball in Hand?
Ball in hand means the cue ball is yours to place. You can pick it up and set it anywhere on the playing surface. Then you shoot from that spot. Under most standard 9 ball rules, ball in hand after a foul is anywhere on the table, not just behind the head string.
2. What Fouls Give Ball in Hand?
Under many standard rules, these are common fouls in 9 ball:
- Scratching. The cue ball goes in a pocket or off the table.
- Wrong ball first. The cue ball does not hit the lowest numbered ball first.
- No rail. After the cue ball hits the right ball, no ball goes in and no ball hits a rail.
- Touching balls. You touch a ball with your hand, clothes, or cue by accident.
- Both feet off the floor. Some rule sets call this a foul.
When your opponent fouls, you get ball in hand. Rules can be different in leagues and bars, so always check.
3. Where Can You Place the Cue Ball?
Under most standard rules, you can place it anywhere on the table. Some house rules limit ball in hand to behind the head string, also called the kitchen, after certain fouls. The break is also a special case in some rule sets. Agree on this before you play.
4. How Do You Place the Cue Ball?
You can use your hand or the tip of your cue to move the cue ball into place. Be careful. If you are moving it with your cue and you touch another ball, that can be a foul. Many players place it by hand to be safe.
5. How to Use Ball in Hand Well
Ball in hand is a gift. Here is how to make the most of it:
- Do not just place it for an easy shot. Think about the next ball too.
- Leave a small angle. A straight in shot can make it hard to move the cue ball to the next ball.
- Fix a problem. If two balls are stuck together, use ball in hand to set up a shot that breaks them apart.
- Look for a safety. If the lowest ball can not be made, ball in hand can be used to play a great safety.
6. Why Fouls Matter So Much in 9 Ball
Because you get ball in hand anywhere on the table, one foul can give your opponent an easy path to run out. That is why good 9 ball players work hard to avoid fouls, and why a good safety that forces a foul is so strong.
Three Foul Rule
Some rule sets have a three foul rule. If a player fouls three times in a row, they lose the rack. Many rule sets require a warning after the second foul. See our page on the 9 ball three foul rule for more.
Quick Summary
| Question | Common standard answer |
|---|---|
| What is ball in hand? | Placing the cue ball anywhere you want |
| When do you get it? | After your opponent fouls |
| Where can you put it? | Anywhere on the table, under most rules |
| How do you place it? | By hand or carefully with your cue |
| Biggest tip | Plan for the next ball, not just this one |
Practice With Ball in Hand
A good way to practice is to spread three or four balls and take ball in hand on the first one. Place the cue ball so you can make the first ball and get a good shot on the second. Then try to run the rest. This builds the habit of thinking ahead with ball in hand.
Ball in hand can turn a hard rack into an easy one. Learn the rules, avoid fouls, and use it wisely when you get it.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Run Out in 9 Ball: 7 Steps to Plan Your Pattern
- 9 Ball Three Foul Rule: How It Works and How to Use It
- 9 Ball Combination Shot: How to See It and Make It in 5 Steps
- How to Play 9 Ball Pool: 6 Easy Steps and Key Rules
- How to Kick at a Ball in Pool: A Simple Guide to Kick Shots
- 9 Ball Safety Shot: 6 Simple Ways to Leave Your Opponent Nothing
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ball in hand mean in 9 ball?
It means you can pick up the cue ball and place it anywhere on the table before you shoot.
What gives you ball in hand in 9 ball?
Under most standard rules, any foul by your opponent, such as a scratch or not hitting the lowest ball first.
Is ball in hand anywhere or behind the line?
Under most standard 9 ball rules it is anywhere on the table, but some house rules are different.
Can you move the cue ball with your cue stick?
Many rules allow it, but if you touch another ball while doing it, that can be a foul.