Stun Shots: Sliding the Cue Ball for Advanced Positioning

Once a player has mastered the stop shot, the next step is learning the stun shot. Unlike the stop shot, where the cue ball freezes in place, a stun shot makes the cue ball slide across the cloth after hitting the object ball. This sliding action allows players to achieve precise positional control in angles where a simple stop isn’t possible.

1. What Is a Stun Shot?

A stun shot occurs when the cue ball reaches the object ball while still sliding, not rolling or spinning. The result is:

  • Cue ball deflects at an angle after contact

  • The direction follows the 90-degree rule (perpendicular to the object ball’s path)

  • Allows creative setups for the next shot

This makes stun shots a core positioning tool in competitive play.

2. How to Execute a Stun Shot

  • Cue Tip Placement: Hit the cue ball slightly below center to eliminate forward roll.

  • Stroke Speed: Deliver enough speed so that friction doesn’t convert the slide into roll before impact.

  • Cue Alignment: Maintain a smooth, straight stroke to keep accuracy.

  • Practice Distances: The farther the object ball, the more speed is required to preserve the slide.

When done correctly, the cue ball glides into a controlled deflection angle.

3. Applications of Stun Shots

  • Angle Control: Helps maneuver the cue ball into exact zones on the table.

  • Breaking Clusters: Useful for nudging balls apart without losing cue ball control.

  • Safety Play: Positions the cue ball defensively after contact.

  • Positioning for Run-Outs: Creates smooth transitions between complex shot patterns.

Stun shots turn difficult layouts into opportunities for precise planning.

4. Common Mistakes

  • Insufficient Power: The cue ball stops rolling instead of sliding, ruining the stun effect.

  • Too Much Draw: Overhitting below center turns the stun into an unwanted backspin shot.

  • Misjudged Distance: On long shots, friction may kill the slide before contact.

  • Inconsistent Stroke: Small errors in execution cause unpredictable angles.

Awareness of these mistakes is key to mastering stun shots.

5. Practice Drills

  • 90-Degree Rule Drill: Pocket a ball at an angle and check that the cue ball travels perpendicular.

  • Distance Challenge: Practice sliding the cue ball into object balls placed farther down the table.

  • Cluster Drill: Use stun shots to open up two or three balls without losing control.

Repetition builds consistency and confidence under match pressure.

6. Equipment Support

  • Low-Deflection Shafts: BIZU carbon fiber cues minimize error on precise below-center strikes.

  • High-Quality Tips: A well-shaped tip ensures reliable contact for sliding action.

  • Balanced Cue Weight: Helps deliver smooth, stable power for maintaining the slide.

BIZU cues provide the accuracy and feel needed to perform stun shots consistently.

Conclusion

The stun shot is an essential stepping stone between stop shots and advanced spin techniques. By mastering it, players gain the ability to control angles, plan patterns, and dominate positioning battles.

With focused practice and the support of BIZU Carbon Fiber Pool Cues, you can turn stun shots into a weapon for both offense and defense.