Drill for Close Control of the Cue Ball

The first 4 (maybe 5) shots of this routine use the bottom rail (and below center striking) for position for the next ball. And the next 4 (maybe 5) shots use the side rail (striking above center) for position. (See image below)

Begin at position A. Pot the 1-ball in the corner bag, striking 1/2 a tip or so below center with a soft/moderate stroke. The cue ball should come out to position B (above the 2-ball). Repeat the same stroke whilst potting the 2 ball, to come out off the bottom rail (do NOT use the side rail for position for the first 4 shots) and out for the 3. Continue until you get on the 4-ball.

When you are playing position for the 5, you could finish above or below it, as either would allow for position on the 6. Above = use bottom rail, Below = use side rail.

When you get to the shots that use the side rail for position - you will have to strike high to keep the cue ball from floating away ( use a tip to a tip and a half above center)

Continue the run until you run out of position - if you do, try and recover if possible without disturbing other balls, eg if you are straight in on one of the first 4 balls, you could draw back off the side rail for easy position without disturbing anything else.

There are a few targets:

Beginner - 3 Balls
Intermediate - 5 balls
Advanced - 7 balls
Professional - 1 complete set +

Have fun!