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Big Ball Position - Billiard Term Definition

Welcome to the billiard, pool, and snooker glossary of terms. This is the definition of Big Ball Position as it relates to cue sports. You can also view the entire billiard dictionary

Definition of Big Ball Position

Big Ball Position is a billiards term that is a part of Game Rule Terminology.

A carom billiards metaphor, big ball refers to when a ball lies very near a cushion, but just off it, such that the cushion adds a greater margin of error to a shot, because such a ball can then be made either by hitting directly with the cue ball, or by going rail first, or even by simultaneously hitting the rail and ball. Also, defensively, when an object ball lies anything less than a full ball's width off the cushion, thus creating a larger target to hide the cue ball behind. Essentially, it is as if the ball were larger than normal, making it easier to contact. Normally a ball a couple inches from a rail is a big ball, but only if being approached from an angle and if all the prerequisite rails have already been contacted. A ball near a corner can effectively be a foot wide. Not to be confused with the eight-ball term the big balls. In older British billiard usage the concept was referred to as large ball.

See: big ball, large ball, big pocket for more on the meaning of "Big Ball Position".

Big Ball Position - Usage

The blue ball is in big ball position based on the way it sits near the corner, and your shot angle.

Billiards - Big Ball Position

  • Title: Big Ball Position
  • Author: (Billiards Forum)
  • Published: 1/9/2007
  • Last Updated: 10/24/2007 9:48:11 AM
  • Last Updated By: billiardsforum

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