Compared to the other shots you just learned about, this one is easy, but it uses all fifteen balls and the goal is to pocket only one of the balls. The ball-combo shot is a set-up shot that will impress your friends, not because it will be hard for you at this point, but because it will look hard to anyone who doesn't have your level of skill.

The ball-combo trick shot looks harder than it is.

Standing at the foot rail facing the head rail, place the 1 ball on the foot spot with the 8 ball frozen right behind it (on the far side away from the foot rail). Place the 2 ball about fi inch to the left side of the 1 ball. The 1 and 2 balls will be between diamonds five and six on the long rails. You will have twelve balls left. Line up the remaining balls in an arc toward the far right corner pocket. Leave one full ball space between each.

Line up the cue ball with the last ball in the arc. This will put you on the head rail side of the table, shooting from within the head string. With a medium stroke, hit the first object ball in the arc. If you have your stroke speed right, you should be able to pocket the 8 ball in the side pocket (the pocket which is not to your right). If it doesn't work, try adjusting the position of the 2 ball for better aim.

Once you have successfully mastered these trick shots, you will be well on your way to making up your own tricks. If you go to bed at night thinking up new props and patterns, you won't be alone. Trick shots are just one of the elements that manipulate billiards between the realms of sport and game. Have fun with it.