Judging Distance
When striking the object ball, you also need to keep in mind the distance from the object ball to the pocket and the distance of the cue ball from the object ball. If the object ball has a long way to travel to the pocket, you have to pay particular attention to the aim and collision points. If you don't focus on the aim and collision points, you could send your shot into the cushion and reeling several feet away from where you intended it to go.
If you choose a shot that requires you to cut the shot to the pocket at the end of the table, it is critical to know where to aim and to observe the actual collision point before striking the cue ball. A ball that has a long way to travel requires a good eye. A ball that is right in front of a pocket is usually a pretty easy shot and you have a greater margin for error.
Stroke and Speed
If you are confident and in control of your stroke, then you will be able to control the speed at which the balls travel. This is not only important for getting position on your next shot but will help you in actually pocketing the object ball as well.
For example, a thin cut shot against the rail often will require a firm stroke in order for the object ball to make it to the pocket, but don't hit it too hard. If you hit the ball too hard, it may hit the side of the pocket and bounce right back onto the table. If you hit it with just enough force, you will be able to pocket the ball quite easily.
Practicing Your Speed
The easiest way to practice your speed technique is to stand at one end of the table — either the head rail or foot rail — and place the cue ball in front of you. Strike the ball to the other end of the table and use these guidelines to gauge the strength behind your stroke. Keep in mind, though, if you're practicing on a fast cloth, allow for a few extra feet, and if you're playing on a slow cloth, you can take away a few extra feet. This exercise is meant to help you gauge your own speed so you will have a frame of reference.
Soft hit: When the cue ball comes to rest just before hitting the cushion at the other end of the table.
Medium hit: When the cue ball hits the cushion at the other end and comes back to you. This is the most common speed. You will find yourself using it on more than half of your shots.
Hard hit: When the cue ball runs three table lengths before resting at the far end of the table. You will use this much strength on about 5 to 10 percent of your shots.
You can use your speed practice as a means to practice your stroke. Try using the medium hit for this. Strike the cue ball to the end cushion and if it comes back to you and touches the tip of your cue stick, you know you're hitting a straight shot.
