Don't jump ahead to these specialty shots unless you're really ready — if only for the reason that you don't want to get frustrated before you even begin. If you don't have the skills you need to make these shots successfully, you may start thinking you're not a good player and you'll close this book, throw in the towel, and store your cue stick in the musty basement. Don't do it! Before you read on, be sure you're confident with the skills you've learned so far.

This is where one of the many mental aspects of the game comes into play. Sure billiards is all about stance, grip, and know-how, but a huge part of the game has to do with your state of mind. You will know when you are ready to move on to specialty shots, because you won't feel the need to keep practicing what you already know. Maybe you've “oohed and aahed” some of your friends at the pool hall and you no longer get that queasy stomach or nervous jitter when it's your turn at the table. You may feel confident with the cue stick and you automatically fall into your stance when you lean into the shot. By this time, you can spin the cue ball with the best of them. Those are all pretty good indicators that you're ready to move on to the next step. Now get ready to really impress your fellow pool-playing companions.