STUDENT TRAINING BREAKDOWN:
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It is my strong belief that in order to reach a high level in pool, a player must follow a structured learning progression. As a player improves in one stage of development, they should graduate to the next, building layer upon layer of skill and knowledge. The outline below is what I believe to be the optimal order of development for progressing from a beginner to an advanced player. I’ve worked with many students whose games had plateaued—not because they lacked dedication, but because they skipped key foundational stages.
For example, some never learned proper fundamentals, others lacked a clear understanding of position play, or they skipped center-ball training altogether. Instead, they began spinning the cue ball early in their learning and relied on vague positional control. As a result, their improvement stalled.
But once these players were taken back through the proper learning stages, their skill level—and their understanding of the game—improved rapidly. One stage leads to the next, and with each progression, your game becomes more refined, consistent, and powerful. Below is a breakdown of each training stage:
Stage 1: Fundamentals
If you’ve been playing pool for a long time but are still struggling to improve, it’s important to first identify your true skill level before beginning any new training. Please watch the video linked below and perform the exercise provided to accurately assess your current ability. This will serve as your starting point. With consistent and focused training, the goal is to improve by at least two balls over the next six months.
Skill Level Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgdrAwaaCBU
The first stage of pool training focuses entirely on fundamentals. This foundation is critical and must be firmly established before moving on to more complex aspects of the game. Before developing stroke or cue ball control, players should first learn proper bridge mechanics. I recommend practicing all 27 types of bridges—not just the standard open and closed bridges. Understanding how to execute various bridges improves your versatility and your ability to handle shots in different situations. Even away from the table, players can rehearse bridge formations to develop finger strength and familiarity. 27 Bridges: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASZLN-qZdc4
Another key part of the foundation is learning to visualize both pocket lines and shot lines. The pocket line is the path from the pocket’s center through the object ball, while the shot line is the path from the cue ball to the object ball that aligns the entire stroke. Once a player can see and understand these lines, it becomes much easier to construct a stance that supports accuracy and consistency. From there, players begin learning how to build their stance around the shot line. A proper stance involves aligning the back foot, bridge hand, grip hand, head, and cue along the same line.
Each part of the body plays a role in stroke accuracy. If even one element is off-line, it will compromise the entire shot. Finally, we focus on developing a proper stroke. This includes understanding the correct distance between the tip and the cue ball, mastering the mechanics of the backstroke and forward stroke, adjusting grip pressure, and learning how to follow through smoothly. A detailed stroke drill is introduced at this stage, and it should be practiced repeatedly—hundreds, even thousands of times—to build reliable muscle memory.
Stroke Drill - This is a new video that is available as a bonus video with each purchase.
Stage 2: Ball Pocketing
Once the fundamentals are in place, we move to the next critical phase: learning how to pocket balls effectively. This stage starts with basic ball pocketing drills that use center-ball hits only. In the beginning, these drills should be as simple as possible—straight-in shots or very slight angles, with the cue ball positioned just a few inches away from the object ball.
The key focus in this early phase is to develop a smooth, repeatable stroke while pocketing the ball. Each shot should be approached with a complete pre-shot routine, proper stance, and full attention to the stroke mechanics learned in the previous phase. The goal is not to shoot many shots quickly, but to shoot each one perfectly.
As the player builds consistency, the next set of drills increases the difficulty by extending the distance between the cue ball and object ball. These longer shots require greater control and reinforce the importance of a stable stance and accurate stroke. Again, the shots begin straight-in and gradually progress to slight angles, maintaining the use of a rolling cue ball (cue tip striking slightly above center).
Eventually, players transition into cue ball path drills. In these exercises, the goal is to not only pocket the object ball but also to control the cue ball’s travel after contact. For example, after striking a ball, the player observes where the cue ball contacts the side rail. They then attempt to repeat the shot multiple times, ensuring the cue ball follows the same path. Once a consistent path is established, the player marks the target with object balls and continues the drill—now using the target as a visual cue. This drill introduces cue ball types such as rolling, sliding, stun-follow, and stun-draw, helping players understand how different types of cue ball motion affect position. It's also important that
Ball Pocketing Drills Video - These drills can be found on the Center Ball Training videos
Sliding - Stun-Follow - Stun-Draw - This is a new video that is available as a bonus video with each purchase.
Stage 3: Half-Table Pattern Play
After a player has learned to consistently pocket balls and control the cue ball using only center-ball hits, the next stage in their development is to explore the fundamentals of pattern play. This begins with a simplified yet highly effective drill known as Half-Table Pattern Play.
In this exercise, the player is required to run a sequence of balls using only one half of the table. All six pockets are available, but the cue ball must not cross the center line. The drill is intentionally restrictive to sharpen key aspects of cue ball control and positional awareness.
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One of the most important constraints in this drill is that players may only strike the cue ball using center, center-high, or center-low—no sidespin is allowed. By eliminating sidespin and preventing unnecessary cue ball travel, players are forced to rely on proper shot selection, accurate speed control, and effective use of angles. This teaches players how to plan their patterns with purpose, not guesswork.
To begin, place the 1 and 2 balls randomly on one half of the table. Start with ball-in-hand, pocket the 1 ball, and play precise position for the 2 ball. Be deliberate with your cue ball path and define a specific landing area—don’t settle for vague positioning. If your cue ball misses the target zone but still leaves a shot on the next ball, consider it a failed attempt. The goal is repeatable precision, not just survival.
It may help to place each ball on a sticker. See how many times in a row you can execute the pattern with a consistent path and precise cue ball positioning. This visual feedback reinforces discipline and consistency. Half-Table Pattern Play is one of the most effective drills for developing true speed control and pattern planning. Once you are able to successfully complete five different two-ball patterns in a row, you can progress to three-ball patterns. When you can execute five three-ball runs consistently, move on to four-ball patterns, and then five-ball patterns.
Half-Table Pattern Play - https://www.zerox-billiards.com/pattern-play-video
Stage 4: Full-Table Pattern Play using Center Ball
When the player becomes proficient in half-table patterns, we expand to full-table pattern play. The rules remain the same—no sidespin allowed—but now the player must manage position across the entire table. This teaches players how to think ahead, move the cue ball efficiently, and play proper angles. These drills are essential for players who want to understand the rhythm and flow of real match play. Start by throwing the one and two ball out on the table. Now take ball-in-hand and pocket the one ball and play position for the two ball. Similar to the Half-Table exercise, try to be precise when playing position. It may help to place a small coin or small piece of paper to use as a target for the cue ball. If you land near this target then you can shoot the two ball. If you miss the target by quite a bit, more than the width of three balls, then shoot the one ball again and try to land closer to the target. Keep shooting the shot until you can consistently land on or near the target. Once you can run five different two-ball patterns in a row move on to three-ball patterns. Remember that the goal of these drills is tight cue ball control. Use the target for each shot. If you come across a shot that you are struggling with, spend some time working on the shot until you can develop a feel for it. Once you can run five three-ball patterns move on to four-patterns, then five-ball patterns. Before starting full-table pattern play it may help to understand position windows, angles and pattern strategy.
Full Table Center Ball: https://www.zerox-billiards.com/pattern-play-video
Position Principles: https://www.zerox-billiards.com/12-pool-instructional-videos
Advanced Position Principles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQkyXdMMHPk
Stage Five - Sidespin Drills
Once the player demonstrates a firm grasp of fundamentals, center-ball control, and pattern play, we begin sidespin training. Introducing sidespin too early can lead to poor habits and inconsistency, which is why it's reserved for this later stage.
We start with basic sidespin drills using minimal spin. Players learn how to apply left or right english and how sidespin affects the cue ball’s deflection, throw, and trajectory. Drills involve pocketing balls and sending the cue ball off a cushion toward a specific target. These exercises help players develop spin control and make accurate aiming adjustments.
Sidespin Drills - https://www.zerox-billiards.com/pattern-play-video
Half-Table Pattern Play with Sidespin
With a basic understanding of sidespin, we then introduce pattern play using sidespin. It's through this stage of development that the player develops a feel for speed control using sidespin. Similar to center ball Half-Table Pattern Play, place the 1 and 2 balls randomly on one half of the table. Tor has created several half-table patterns designed for sidespin training. You can find the patterns here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/half-table-play-103112049
Full-Table Pattern Play with Sidespin
The final stage of training involves full-table pattern play using both sidespin and center ball. Now the player has the freedom to use the full range of cue ball control tools. They must analyze patterns, apply the appropriate spin, manage speed, and control angles. This stage reinforces the principles of pattern recognition, object ball angles, and positional windows. With time, players will build a strong shot repertoire and be able to plan several shots ahead with precision.
Full table patterns with sidespin: https://www.zerox-billiards.com/pattern-play-video
70 9-Ball Patterns Explained: https://www.zerox-billiards.com/challenge-series
Next, the player needs to develop a proper training regimen. First, determine how long your practice sessions are. For example, if your practice session is only an hour you need to emphasize ball pocketing, pattern play and strong fundamentals.
One-Hour Training Session:
30 Minutes: Full table pattern play. Start with four balls and throw them out on the table. Make sure none of them are tied up. Place a sticker under each ball. The goal is to run the pattern in order using tight cue ball control. If your cue ball ends up far from the intended target, set that shot up again and shoot it over and over again until your cue ball following the intended path. Try to run the pattern 3x in a row with consistent cue ball control. Then, throw four balls out on the table and, once again, try to run them in order.
15 Minutes: Stroke Mechanics exercise.In this exercise you'll be throwing 15 balls out on the table and shoot each ball into a pocket (no cue ball). When performing these shots all your attention is on proper setup, stance and stroke delivery. Stay still until the ball goes into the pocket. You can also use a stroke drill mat to shoot balls into a corner pocket.
15 Minutes: Ball pocketing drills. Work on problem shots that you find when performing the full table pattern play. When practicing these shots, remember that you not only have to pocket the object ball but also land the cue ball in a small area. It may help to place a small piece of paper on the table for the cue ball target. The goal is to be able to pocket the object ball and control the cue ball 15x in a row. Once this happens you have successfully added the shot to your repertoire. If you can only perform the shot successfully 3x in a row, then write that down and move on to the next shot. Try to work on two problem shots within 15 minutes.
Two-Hour Training Session:
45 Minutes: Full table pattern play. Start with four balls and throw them out on the table. Make sure none of them are tied up. Place a sticker under each ball. The goal is to run the pattern in order using tight cue ball control. If your cue ball ends up far from the intended target, set that shot up again and shoot it over and over again until your cue ball following the intended path. Try to run the pattern 3x in a row with consistent cue ball control. Then, throw four balls out on the table and, once again, try to run them in order.
15 Minutes: Stroke Mechanics exercise.In this exercise you'll be throwing 15 balls out on the table and shoot each ball into a pocket (no cue ball). When performing these shots all your attention is on proper setup, stance and stroke delivery. Stay still until the ball goes into the pocket. You can also use a stroke drill mat to shoot balls into a corner pocket.
30 Minutes: Ball pocketing drills. Work on problem shots that you find when performing the full table pattern play. When practicing these shots, remember that you not only have to pocket the object ball but also land the cue ball in a small area. It may help to place a small piece of paper on the table for the cue ball target. The goal is to be able to pocket the object ball and control the cue ball 15x in a row. Once this happens you have successfully added the shot to your repertoire. If you can only perform the shot successfully 3x in a row, then write that down and move on to the next shot. Try to work on four problem shots within 30 minutes.
30 Minutes: Breaking / Safety Play / Kicking Spend time working on defensive shots. Keep track of defensive shots that were unsuccessful during league or tournament play. Keep track of kick shots that were also missed. It's important that you learn your true break speed. The true break speed is the speed at which you can break the balls and still control the cue ball. Any speed above this tends to result in a loose cue ball. Once you find your true break speed then gradually ramp up the speed slightly and keep track of your cue ball's direction after striking the one-ball. If your cue ball consistently moves left off the one-ball at this higher speed then make a slight adjustment with your aim until your cue ball is under control.
100 Defensive Shots: https://www.zerox-billiards.com/challenge-series
Diamond Systems for 8-Ball and 9-Ball: https://www.zerox-billiards.com/diamond-systems
Breaking Exercise: https://www.zerox-billiards.com/12-pool-instructional-videos
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