As you've moved through this book, you've figured out by now that position play is key to keeping you at the table, pocketing consecutive shots. Here's a popular drill to get you started in practicing your position shots.

Set up a semicircle of object balls around a side pocket. Place the cue ball at a slight angle with one of the end balls and the side pocket. Set up the shot so after shooting it, your cue ball will head in the direction of the other object balls. The trick to this drill is to get the right angle on each shot that allows you to move the cue ball into position for the next shot.

This is a tough drill, so don't be discouraged if you don't get it right away. It may take you several tries to figure out the right combination of speed and draw to get you to your next angle. Good luck, and don't forget the “no pain, no gain” saying as you suffer through the drill! Just remember the pros. They did it, too.

Learning to play position is critical and takes a lot of practice.