While the curve, jump, and massé shots will get you out of some sticky situations, so will a slight change of perspective and a few more handy techniques. This is why a walk around the table can be particularly important. What looks like an impossible shot may actually be rather simple if you know a couple of standard tricks.

Push Shots

Let's say you have the cue ball frozen to an object ball. The balls are positioned in such a way that a cut shot will not allow you to pocket the object ball. In this case, with the use of English, you can actually shoot the ball in the opposite direction from where you would have attempted to cut it in. In essence you are using throw to pocket a frozen ball. The shot will require precision. If you don't hit the ball with the exact amount of English, you run the risk of missing the pocket.

Frozen-Frozen Shots

There are a few shots that will make you cringe when you come across them — some more than others. One of the worst situations to be in is to have both the cue ball and object ball frozen to each other and against the same rail. This could be particularly bad depending on where along the rail the balls are located.

Obviously in this type of shot, you're not going to aim for a side pocket — that would be impossible. If you're trying to pocket the object ball in a corner pocket and you don't have to bypass a side pocket, you can do the following.

• Using a soft stroke, aim slightly away from the rail, so that your cue is not running parallel to the side rail.

• Elevate the cue stick just a tiny bit so that the tip strikes slightly below center on the cue ball.

• Aim for the outside edge of the pocket.

If you follow these steps you should be able to pocket the ball.

A frozen-frozen shot is a dreaded sight — the cue ball and object ball frozen against the cushion. You'll have to exercise great patience and use a soft stroke.

If the balls are frozen in such a position that, in order to pocket the object ball, you have to bypass a side pocket, you would use the same technique with a slightly firmer stroke and aim just a tiny bit further to the outside edge of the pocket. This should keep your object ball away from the side pocket to land it in the corner pocket.

As your playing skills improve, you may find yourself combining many of these shots in a single evening of pool. After all, you never know where the balls will land on the table. The more you apply these techniques in your game, the greater your perspective will be on shots that previously appeared to be impossible. It's not a miracle that gets you out of a tight spot, just experience.