The Stun Shot: Sliding Cue Ball Technique

Between the stop shot and the follow/draw shots lies another essential technique: the stun shot. Also known as the slide shot, it allows the cue ball to travel in a straight line after contact before friction or spin takes over. Mastering the stun shot provides players with pinpoint control over angles and position, making it a vital tool for competitive play.

1. What Is a Stun Shot?

A stun shot happens when the cue ball is struck at center-ball with enough speed so that it slides instead of rolling. When it collides with the object ball, the cue ball moves at a precise 90° angle (perpendicular) to the line of the shot.

  • Sliding Motion (No Roll or Spin)

  • Cue Ball Deflects at 90°

  • Controlled Positioning

2. Benefits of the Stun Shot

  • Perfect Angle Control: Cue ball travels on predictable 90° lines.

  • Position Play: Helps move the cue ball sideways to ideal shooting spots.

  • Safety Options: Allows strategic placement behind blockers.

  • Cluster Breaking: Directs the cue ball into specific areas for planned results.

3. Technique Breakdown

  • Cue Tip Placement: Strike the cue ball at true center.

  • Stroke Speed: Hit firmly enough to create sliding motion.

  • Cue Level: Keep the cue flat to avoid accidental spin.

  • Follow-Through: Controlled follow-through ensures clean contact.

  • Distance Control: The stun effect lasts longer with higher speed.

4. Practical Applications

  • 90° Positioning: Use stun shots to place the cue ball at right angles.

  • Shot Sequencing: Transition smoothly between stop, stun, and follow/draw.

  • Cluster Breaks: Slide into a group of balls at controlled angles.

  • Defensive Play: Hide the cue ball while leaving the object ball open.

5. Common Mistakes

  • Too Soft: Cue ball rolls instead of sliding.

  • Too High or Low: Accidentally turns into a follow or draw shot.

  • Side Spin Errors: Striking off-center adds unwanted english.

  • Poor Speed Judgment: Failing to maintain sliding momentum.

6. Practice Drills

  • 90° Drill: Set an object ball and practice making the cue ball slide at a perfect right angle after contact.

  • Stun Zone Drill: Mark an area on the table and consistently stun into it.

  • Distance Drill: Increase distance between cue ball and object ball to improve sliding control.

  • Combo Drill: Alternate between stop, stun, and follow to strengthen adaptability.

7. Equipment That Improves Stun Shots

  • Low-Deflection Shafts: Reduce errors when striking center-ball.

  • Cue Tip: A medium-hard tip helps maintain consistent sliding hits.

  • Advanced Cue Design: BIZU Carbon Fiber Pool Cues deliver smooth power transfer, ensuring precise stun shots with minimal effort.

Conclusion

The stun shot bridges the gap between the stop, draw, and follow shots, giving players unmatched positional flexibility. With practice, it becomes a powerful tool for controlling angles, navigating clusters, and setting up perfect runouts. Combined with reliable equipment like BIZU Carbon Fiber Pool Cues, the stun shot becomes a reliable weapon in any player’s arsenal.