Bank Shots: Mastering the Art in Pool and Billiards

There's more than one way to win a game of pool. While, in most cases, you'll win by simply pocketing the balls directly, there's another tactic you can deploy on your journey toward success. After all, it doesn't matter how the balls go into the pocket, so long as they go in.

Bank shots are an effective strategy for pocketing balls that you can't get in directly, either because there's no clear sight to the pocket or because there's one or more balls in the way. These types of shots can sound difficult, but they're much easier than you might think, so don't be afraid of giving bank shots a try even if you're a beginner.

We'll run through everything you need to know to begin performing these useful tricks as soon as possible.

What is a Bank Shot in Pool?

First, let's take a closer look at what bank shots are. They're simply shots that use one of the sides of the pool table in a shot. For example, let's say one of your balls is close to one of the side cushions, and it's not possible to pot the ball directly.

When you play a bank shot, you'll play your ball onto the side cushion. It'll bounce off the cushion and begin moving to the other side. If you've aimed it correctly, then it may end up in one of the pockets on the other side.

That's one way to play bank shots. The other is to play the cue ball off the side to hit one of your balls. It's beneficial to know how to perform both types of bank shots, as you'll draw upon them again and again. And trust us, there's nothing quite like potting a difficult shot using a bank shot!

Mastering Bank Shots: Tips & Tricks

Bank shots are more difficult than regular shots, it's true, but they're also not overly difficult. With a little bit of practice, even newcomers to the game can master bank shots. Let's take a look at some tried and tested methods for becoming an expert.

Understand Angles

Successful bank shots rely on using angles correctly. The cue ball will bounce off the side at an angle when you play your shot; getting good at bank shots involves figuring out what angle it will be.

All pool shots, in fact, rely on angles. You have to hit the ball at the right angle for it to go into the pocket. Bank shots are just a continuation of that idea. If you can figure out how the cue ball will bounce off the side when it's played, then you'll become a master bank shot player in no time.

Use the Right Speed

Bank shots require a bit more precision than regular shots since there are more variables at play. You might hit the ball that you're aiming for, but you probably won't hit it as smoothly as you would if you were hitting it directly. It's best to hit these shots a little slower than you usually would.

Use Your Mind

You can't fully predict what will happen after you've played your shot, but you can get pretty close to it. You can do this by visualizing the chain reaction that might unfold if you play a particular shot. For example, where will the cue ball go? What other balls might be impacted by the shot?

The Art of Banking in Pool

Bank shots aren't just useful; they're also highly thought of. It's always fun to see someone pot a ball using a bank shot. Pool is generally a fun game anyway, and this is one of its most charming — even artful — components. Here are some tips to really become a master of the bank shot.

Get Creative

You can't play a bank shot if you don't recognize when they might be useful. Remember that there's more than one way to play a shot. If you can't pot a ball directly, then take a scan of the table — is there a ball you can hit/pot using the sides? Once you begin looking for these possibilities, you'll find that they present themselves many more times than you might realize.

"See" Where The Balls Will Go

Your mind will help you make the correct shot. Once you've got some experience, you'll develop a sixth sense of how to play bank shots correctly.

Know When To Use Them

Bank shots are a great tool, but they're also more risky since it's harder to control the outcome of these types of shots. Understanding when to use them — and when not to use them — is paramount. For instance, if all of your balls are blocked by your opponent's balls, then using the sides may be the only way for you to play a legal shot. On the other hand, if you have a lot of balls in play, then playing a bank shot may be unnecessary.

Don't Be Afraid to Fail

As we've already said, bank shots are a little more complex than regular shots. But they're not something that you should be afraid of. It's recommended to get creative and try a few bank shots when you have the opportunity. The first few might not be overly successful, but over time, you'll get better.

Line Up Perfect Bank Shots

Practice makes perfect in pool. After you've been using bank shots for a while, they'll simply become second nature. You'll know exactly where you need to hit the ball in order to get the outcome you're looking for.

Getting to that level can take time, however. You can speed up the process with the following two tips.

Use the Lines to Guide You

Playing a game of pool at 247pool.com? Then you're in luck — bank shots could not be easier when playing at the site! When you're lining up a shot, you'll see where the balls will end up based on the angles you've used. The same principle applies when attempting bank shots. Point your cue towards the side, and you'll see a line that indicates in which direction it'll bounce "back." If it lines up well with the ball you want to hit, then go for it!

Think of Where The Cue Ball Will End Up

Remember that while your primary focus will be on the ball that you're trying to play, you'll also need to pay some attention to the cue ball. Make sure that it ends up in a safe space, rather than in a pocket or somewhere else damaging.

Top Billiards Techniques: Bank Shots

Anyone looking to become a top player — or simply wishing to win as many games as they can — will need to know how to use bank shots not only well, but very well. At the top level, bank shots aren't just a handy tool that might result in a good outcome; they're an essential part of winning pool games. The very best bank shot players:

See The Potential

Sometimes, the need to play a bank shot is obvious. At other times, it may not be obvious, but it's absolutely the correct shot to play. The best players get into the habit of scanning the table before every shot, and you should too. If you see a potential bank shot possibility, then go for it!

Use Spin

Good players make sure they hit the target ball when using bank shots. Great players ensure they pocket the ball and set themselves up for the next shot. By using spin on your shot, you can control the movement of the cue ball and set yourself up for an easy following shot.

Improve Your Game: How to Hit Bank Shots

Play Them As You'd Play a Normal Shot

You might be playing shots off the side, but it's still the same table. Don't worry too much about playing the perfect shot when you first get started with bank shots. Just play the shot as you normally would.

Slow and Steady

Bank shots are a bit more chaotic than regular shots, so don't be too aggressive when playing the shot.

Essential Skills for Pool Bank Shots

Developing Your Visualization

The outcome of a shot can seem random, but it's not really. By working on improving your visualization capabilities, you can see what might happen as a result of your bank shot.

Controlling the Cue Ball

Don't forget the cue ball! It has to end up somewhere, even when it's being played off the side. Learn how to control the cue ball, and your bank shots will improve. In fact, all of your shots will improve!

Banking Pool Shots Explained

You can win pool games without knowing how to perform bank shots, but your odds of success will be greatly enhanced if you have the skill in your toolkit. Indeed, in some games, it might just be a bank shot that secures victory. Want to practice bank shots? At 247pool.com, you can play as many games of pool as you like, completely free of charge.

DISCLAIMER: The games on this website are using PLAY (fake) money. No payouts will be awarded, there are no "winnings", as all games represented by 247 Games LLC are free to play. Play strictly for fun.