Deconstructing the Jump Shot

Degrees of Difficulty
So it's time to take it to the table. For a beginner-friendly exercise, replicate the layout shown in Diagram 1. The cue ball is a few inches off the rail, and the blocking balls (2 and 3) are a foot away. Start with the blockers a ball's width apart, so won't be jumping over an entire ball. Also, with the cue ball close to the rail, you will be at an advantage, since your bridge will be on the rail (thus, a little higher than if it were on the bed of the table).

If you're feeling comfortable with the shot in Diagram 1, there are a few ways to increase the difficulty. Take a look at Diagram 2. First, notice how the 2 ball is now directly in line with the cue ball and 1. This tweak forces you to jump the entire ball, instead of just the edges of the 2 and 3 like you did in the first shot. Also, move the cue ball off the rail, while still keeping it on the same shot line. This will increase the difficulty in two ways. First, you won't be able to use the rail for your bridge, which allows you to get higher on the cue ball. Also, the cue ball will be closer to the blocker, meaning you'll have to get higher faster.

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