Jump Six... Make Two

This really is a pretty easy jump shot. But it looks cool! Just place the one through six ball between the 1st and 3rd diamonds as shown below. Place the eight in the side pocket and freeze the nine to it so they are lined up to the right side of the corner pocket.. they are frozen remember, so they will throw to the left. Well, they'll throw to the left if you hit the eight on the right side!

This is a JUMP, so the english on the ball is as if you are looking DOWN on the ball. I hit this shot with a full jump/break cue.... 'cause I can. :) You, you should probably hit this shot with either an actual jump cue or a broken down jump/break. The elevation on this shot is pretty steep. I'm above 45 degrees with my full cue, but under my shoulder with a jump cue. Remember, the cue ball needs to get over a full ball less than a diamond away, hit it's peak just past the 2nd diamond and get down on the table before the side pocket. So really what is critical on this shot is how high you get the jump. Get the shot too high and you'll either slam into the 8/9 on the fly or go over them. Get the shot too low and you'll either not get over the first ball or come down early into the 4,5, or 6 ball. To be honest, I actually hit this shot with a slight draw. I want the cue ball ON THE TABLE when I hit that 8/9 combo.. that way the cue ball isn't bouncing off the table to the right.

I've always said I can teach anyone with an ok stroke to jump a full ball in under 5 minutes, and time and time again I've proven I can do it. The other day, this kid Pete wanted to learn to jump, I had him doing the above shot with a broken down jump/break in a few minutes. Really, it's not that hard!! I watch the guys at Golden Cue struggle and struggle with jumping (which, by the way, is not allowed at that pool hall!) They need to get beyond the fact that I'm a chick and let me help them!! Remember, I'm always at Diamond Eight to teach, have fun, or show off! Come in and say Hi!!