How Pros Bank Shots in Pool [VIDEO]

If you spend enough time around a pool table, eventually you’ll learn to bank shots. But there’s a secret to banking that separates pros from amateurs: cue ball control. In this article, we're breaking down Cue Pros resident pro player, Thomas Hart’s, favorite drill for perfecting bank shots while freezing the cue ball in place, and covering why cue ball control is the key to banking shots like a pro. 

We also tackle the tricky topic of cross banks, and how English can help you make one of the hardest shots in pool. Finally, we explore how Cue Pros can help you choose the right cue to elevate your game (bank shots and all). Whether you're just learning the mirror angle or you're ready to control the entire table, these pro techniques will transform your game.

Banking Shots in Pool

• The Basics of Bank Shots
• The One Drill You Need
• Why This Works
• Mastering Cross Banks
• Elevate Your Game

The Basics of Bank Shots in Pool (for Beginners)

This section is for complete newbies. If that’s not you, skip straight to the drill! 

A bank shot in pool is when you hit the object ball so it bounces off one or more rails before going into a pocket. The basic rule to remember is that the angle at which the ball hits the rail is roughly the same angle at which it leaves the rail. For example, if the ball approaches the rail at a 30-degree angle, it will bounce off at about 30 degrees going the other direction. 

To practice a basic bank shot, look at the object ball and the pocket you want to bank into. Imagine a mirror image of that pocket on the opposite side of the rail. Aim to hit the object ball so it crosses the rail at the point directly between the ball and that imaginary mirror pocket. Start with slow, controlled shots and watch how the ball travels off the rail. The more you practice, the better your brain gets at seeing the right angle automatically. 

The One Drill You Need to Bank Shots Like a Pro

In the video below, Thomas reveals the real secret of mastering bank shots: leaving the cue ball in the perfect position. Let’s cover how to do that while practicing a standard bank shot: 

1. Set up your starting position

Stand at one end of the table, looking lengthwise down the long rail.

2. Place the object balls

Line up all your object balls in a straight row. This row should be halfway between the center of the table and the right-hand pockets. The farthest ball in the row should reach roughly to the side pocket (middle pocket) on that side.

3. Shoot the nearest ball first

Take the ball closest to you and bank it toward the right corner pocket that’s nearest to where you’re standing. Aim so the ball travels off the rail and into that pocket.

4. Have two objectives

What makes this drill unique is that it requires you to have two objectives: make the bank shot while leaving the cue ball exactly where it contacts the object ball. That means the cue ball should stop dead after striking the object ball. If you can do this all ten times in a row, you know you’re a pro. 

5. Keep practicing until perfection

Repeat the drill until you can consistently hit the bank shot and have the cue ball remain perfectly still on the spot of contact.

Why This Works

Most players think being a "pro" means making flashy bank shots from anywhere on the table. But the real secret separating pros from amateurs isn't really about pocketing the ball. It’s about cue ball control. Any decent player can eventually learn to guess a bank angle and get lucky. A pro, however, banks the shot and leaves the cue ball exactly where they want it for the next shot. 

That said, this drill works for beginners too. If you're new to pool, don’t worry too much about cue control at first. Simply line up the balls and practice banking the object ball into the pocket. Once you can reliably make the bank shot, then introduce the challenge of stopping the cue ball. Over time, you'll naturally progress from just "making the bank" to controlling the cue ball like a pro. 

Mastering Cross Banks 

A cross bank is a bank shot where the object ball is forced to cross the path that the cue ball will take after the shot. The main danger is that the cue ball and object ball hit each other a second time after the bank, spoiling the shot. Thomas demonstrates what this looks like in the video below, as well as how to deal with them.

It turns out that a little English (sidespin) is the secret to pulling off cross banks without the double kiss. Specifically, by hitting the cue ball high and slightly to the side away from the object ball's path, you alter the cue ball's trajectory after contact. The high English helps the cue ball move forward and out of the way more quickly, while the sidespin slightly changes the angle at which the object ball leaves the rail. This combination creates just enough separation between the two balls so they don't collide a second time. Here’s how it’s done:

Elevate Your Game with the Right Cue

Ready to take your bank shots and cue control to the next level? Consistent weight, grip, and tip feel can take drills like the ones in this article to the next level. 

Browse Cue Pros today to find the perfect cue for your style and skill level, whether you're a beginner learning your first bank shot or a seasoned player dialing in your English and stop shots. 

With same day shipping on a wide variety of products, and private pricing available for cues over $400, we work hard to get you into the right cue fast, no matter your price point. Check out our curated selection of beginner and pro cues to get started, or scroll down to browse some of our best sellers!