Banking off the End Rail into the Side

[sfleinen]

"Vertical safety" on the 10-ball?

With the 7 ball there the side pocket's a couple inches wider, and the 8 ball is handy to hide behind for a two-way, so I'd try it from that position. Most any other circumstances I'm looking for a safety.

pj
chgo

"But Patrick, isn't the opponent already safetied on the 10-ball -- sort of 'vertically safed'? The opponent's going to have a tough time on that 10-ball. Unless you jack-up and jump the cue-ball into the 10-ball with a little draw (so that the cue-ball will roll back onto the table surface), and the 10-ball banks off your opponents forehead, cross-side into the side pocket closest to you?"

(Black-Balled -- you're a real piece of work! See what you caused? )

-Sean

EDIT: Folks, if the mention of a "10-ball" confuses or bewilders you, just refer to Black-Balled's original Wei diagram in post #10 (as well as the replied-to copies in posts #12 and #19). Look at it *real* carefully.

 

[Eric.]

It's not a "standard" shot by any means. But it is a higher possibility than most people realize. I have done it a few times when there wasn't much else to do.

Exactly, Neil! For that matter, the 2 rail (end rail, side rail to side pocket) bank isn't as tough as people think too and is a very viable shot in rotation games(9, 10 ball, etc). The shot goes a decent amount of time and usually makes for a good 2 way shot.


Eric

 

[9BallPaul]

On second thought

OK, after thinking it over and playing some on my home table, I'll concede that it's a viable shot when no other exists. But it's the kind of shot that comes up what, once every 500 innings?

I do appreciate the thoughful responses to my opening post. Even so, this isn't an arrow I'm gonna pack in my quiver. I've got more important skills to master. Cheers.

 

[Patrick Johnson]

Me:
...it's like trying to bank through the eye of a needle.

To wit:



pj
chgo

 

[RascalDoc]

welllllll

Exactly, Neil! For that matter, the 2 rail (end rail, side rail to side pocket) bank isn't as tough as people think too and is a very viable shot in rotation games(9, 10 ball, etc). The shot goes a decent amount of time and usually makes for a good 2 way shot.


Eric

I'm an average player. APA 6, and I personally like the shot. It sure helps to know the table, and it helps a HUGE amount when a ball is by the side you want to bank into. It is worth practicing. IMO I have been beaten on a number of occasions by people playing that 2 rail bank in the side. Both shots are worth practicing.

 

[trustyrusty]

I play a lot of banks, and I've only attempted this shot a couple of times...that said, the 2 rail into the side I've used a bit and am much more comfortable trying it. Even with a bunch of practice I'm not sure I'd use this shot much, if at all...

 

[s0lidz]

Not sure how wise it is to choose to shoot this bank under normal circumstances however, I can say I scratch a hell of a lot coming off the end rail.

I usually don't pay much attention to the side pocket because the angle of entry makes the scratch seem impossible. It happens all the time so I guess it is more feasible than I give it credit for. Always pisses me off when this happens.

CueTable Help

 

[LPHooper03]

Very difficult shot. But in congruence with many others in here...I would MUCH rather go for the 2-rail bank. If not the side, then the corner.

 

[TXsouthpaw]

Not something i would normally try. But I kicked the 1 ball into the side once.I dont remember the game or why I was kicking at it, but I remember I was playing Robin adair(for fun, thats the only way id even tried it) I remember it because I called it and then made it. Of course I acted like I make it all the time. I dont know if robin remembers it but its a shot ill never forget.

Anyways this was the layout. I kicked the one into the top side pocket.(and then screwed the runout up on the next ball )

CueTable Help

 

[Patrick53212]

Banks

I play a lot of banks, and I've only attempted this shot a couple of times...that said, the 2 rail into the side I've used a bit and am much more comfortable trying it. Even with a bunch of practice I'm not sure I'd use this shot much, if at all...

Well perhaps you should come to Milwaukee and play some.... Not only will you see this side pocket bank with one or two rails...but you will also see more than a few 3, 4, and 5 rail shots during the game!!!

 

[WoodyJ]

... or it was a two way shot (shot/safety) ...

-Andrew

Yup. I've tried this maybe a dozen times and actually made it a couple of times. But, each time it was actually a two way safety. Why? Because the place I was playing at doesn't allow safety play (all shots must be an "honest effort"). So, I honestly tried to put it in the side pocket; and, if I missed, no shot for the other guy (and, when hit at pocket speed, the object ball often ended up next to the side pocket in a better position than it was to begin with).

 

[Black-Balled]

Sure, we've all made it for fun and we've all been fortunate to make it when it counted and there was no other option. However, as a shot-by-shot proposition when it REALLY counts is totally different. The pocket is the size of a BB after the first miss or 2....or 3....

I think I can recall tales of (Eddie Taylor?) Banking a spotted ball into the side for the cash...not that we should use the Bear as any sort of guide!

 

[Black-Balled]

Excellent point!

Not sure how wise it is to choose to shoot this bank under normal circumstances however, I can say I scratch a hell of a lot coming off the end rail.

I usually don't pay much attention to the side pocket because the angle of entry makes the scratch seem impossible. It happens all the time so I guess it is more feasible than I give it credit for. Always pisses me off when this happens.

CueTable Help

 

[CreeDo]

The secret to this shot, which very few players know, is this: act nonchalant when you make it. Be absolutely cool and calmly brush the chalk on and stroll around looking at your next shot. It will f%ck with your opponent for weeks. They will wonder if it's somehow easier than it looks.


This same secret should be applied to every absurd shot you try and make.

 

[enlightphoto]

Have I been living a sheltered life, or is this a standard shot in your book?

It's not an often-used standard shot or one that I'd consider as a first option, but yes, I've done it a bunch, and I always look to see if it's an available option via bank or kick of the end into the side.

Since it's far from a gimme, it always seems to be the strong offense play vs. ducking for cover w/ a safety. However, when treated with the same respect you give other banks, plus a little extra dose for good measure, they are fairly doable shots. I make sure first that the OB is outside the near side pocket point to 1 1/2 diamond mark on the end rail. The closer to that line the OB is, the softer the bank hit needs to be to have the OB rolling at pocket speed as it nears the side.

It's def. something you want to have in your arsenal, and have practiced enough so you don't fear the shot as either impossible or too difficult.