Imagine a second cue ball frozen against the object ball at the moment of impact. That imaginary cue ball is the ghost ball. Its center marks the destination for the center of the real cue ball.

Start with the intended object-ball path—from the center of the object ball toward the pocket. Extend that line backward through the object ball. The ghost-ball center sits on that extension, one ball diameter from the object-ball center. For standard pool balls, that center-to-center distance is approximately 2.25 inches.

The sequence matters. First choose the pocket. Next trace the centerline from the pocket through the object ball. Then place the imaginary cue ball on the far side of the object ball so the two balls are touching. Finally, align the real cue ball's center with the ghost-ball center.

This describes the ideal geometric collision between equal balls. It gives you a repeatable reference line instead of asking you to guess at a tiny contact point on the curved surface of the object ball.

The ghost ball is a starting line, not a promise. Good players learn the geometry first and then calibrate it to the speed, spin, cloth and condition of the balls.

Real balls have friction. During an angled collision, that friction can push—or “throw”—the object ball slightly away from the frictionless geometric line. Cut angle, shot speed, ball cleanliness and sidespin can all change the amount and direction of that throw.

If you use sidespin, cue-ball deflection and curve can also move the cue ball away from the line on which the cue was pointed. That is why the pure ghost-ball position is most useful as a baseline while learning with center-ball hits and controlled speed.

1. Choose the pocket and entry line Stand where you can see the object ball and pocket together. Decide whether the pocket accepts the intended line before you think about cue-ball position.
2. Place the ghost ball Extend the pocket line through the object-ball center and place the imaginary ball on the opposite side, tangent to the object ball.
3. Choose a visible reference You may find it easier to remember the ghost-ball center, its rear edge or the point on the cloth directly beneath its center. Use whichever remains clearest as you lower into the stance.
4. Enter the stance on the line Bring the cue and body into position without losing the chosen line. If it looks wrong once you are down, stand up and reset instead of steering the cue during delivery.
5. Deliver and observe Use a smooth center-ball stroke at controlled speed. Watch where the object ball enters—or misses—the pocket and whether the cue ball followed the intended line.

Drill 01

Find the center

Remove the object ball and identify the spot where the ghost-ball center would be. Practice bringing the cue ball to rest at that visual target. Use an adhesive practice marker only if the table owner and cloth maker approve it, and remove it before assessing a very slow roll: even a thin label can affect a ball coming to rest. Never leave a coin or chalk cube in the ball’s path.

Drill 02

Repeat one cut

Set one moderate cut angle and shoot it ten times with center-ball contact at the same speed. Record which side of the pocket receives the ball.

Drill 03

Change the distance

Keep the object ball and pocket line fixed while moving the cue ball farther away. This tests alignment without changing the required contact geometry.

Drill 04

Add speed last

Once the line is reliable, repeat the shot softly, at medium speed and firmly. Observe the different throw and cue-ball outcomes.

Pitfall 01

A vague ghost ball

Fix: Identify the center point during setup. If you use an approved removable marker, follow its removal instructions and avoid leaving labels on the cloth for long periods; a cleaner outline can remain beneath them. You can instead position a spare ball as a visual reference and remove it before shooting.

Pitfall 02

Ignoring throw

Fix: Treat geometric aim as the baseline. Calibrate slowly and consistently for the table, speed and spin you actually use.

Pitfall 03

Steering mid-stroke

Fix: Make the aiming decision while standing. If the line looks wrong after you lower into the stance, stand up and begin again.

Pitfall 04

Adding sidespin too early

Fix: Learn center-ball delivery first. Sidespin introduces deflection, curve and throw that can hide whether your basic alignment is sound.

// Make the invisible line repeatable

Use the ghost ball to find a disciplined starting line. Then let carefully recorded practice teach you the small corrections that geometry alone cannot supply.

The Workshop Review · Ghost Ball Aiming · Technique & Systems Series

References checked October 19, 2026: Dr. Dave: practice labels, slow-roll interference, outlines and removable-ball alternatives.