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This is one of the most important techniques to master because of the way the cue ball travels afterwards. Let me explain.
The cue ball will travel in a line perpendicular to the line which joins the object ball (OB) and the pocket, after successfully executing a stun shot. Look at the following images to learn more.
If you know the line where the cue ball will travel, then that, combined with the speed of the cue ball and the amount and type of english used, and of course with some knowledge about rail paths, will give you a fair idea where it will eventually come to rest, even after travelling 1, 2 or more rails.
Keep in mind that whenever it is a straight pot, it will not be called a stun shot, but a "stop shot", as the cue ball will travel very little or not at all perpendicular to the pot in any direction and just stop right there.
How do you execute a stun shot to perfection?
Well basically, you have to ensure that there is no forward or backward spin on the cue ball at the time of contact. What I would advise you is to just practice hitting short to medium distance straight pots at first. Try different combinations of speed, and the amount of bottom english that you give. For starters, place the blue on it's spot, and try a straight pot it in the center. Try to stop the cue ball on the spot. Use medium speed and just a little bit of bottom english for this shot. Next try it with low speed and good amount of bottom english. Then, very low speed and extreme bottom english. Try to stop the cue ball at all times.
In my opinion, the most controllable stun shots are between three quarter ball and half ball shots. I will try to explain, say you have a quarter ball blue in the center, but the cue ball is on the opposite side such that you would have to apply stun with a little bit of draw or follow and come back 2 or 3 cushions for the reds near the pink area. Potting the blue may be easy, but consider playing for position after the pot, you will have to be very precise. It is very much make-able, let me admit, but much more difficult than a half ball blue. Also, a 3 quarter or a little more thicker blue in the center will be equally bad in this case if you have to travel through the baulk, because you would have to use a lot of force which might spoil the shot.
The cue ball will travel in a line perpendicular to the line which joins the object ball (OB) and the pocket, after successfully executing a stun shot. Look at the following images to learn more.
If you know the line where the cue ball will travel, then that, combined with the speed of the cue ball and the amount and type of english used, and of course with some knowledge about rail paths, will give you a fair idea where it will eventually come to rest, even after travelling 1, 2 or more rails.
Keep in mind that whenever it is a straight pot, it will not be called a stun shot, but a "stop shot", as the cue ball will travel very little or not at all perpendicular to the pot in any direction and just stop right there.
How do you execute a stun shot to perfection?
Well basically, you have to ensure that there is no forward or backward spin on the cue ball at the time of contact. What I would advise you is to just practice hitting short to medium distance straight pots at first. Try different combinations of speed, and the amount of bottom english that you give. For starters, place the blue on it's spot, and try a straight pot it in the center. Try to stop the cue ball on the spot. Use medium speed and just a little bit of bottom english for this shot. Next try it with low speed and good amount of bottom english. Then, very low speed and extreme bottom english. Try to stop the cue ball at all times.
In my opinion, the most controllable stun shots are between three quarter ball and half ball shots. I will try to explain, say you have a quarter ball blue in the center, but the cue ball is on the opposite side such that you would have to apply stun with a little bit of draw or follow and come back 2 or 3 cushions for the reds near the pink area. Potting the blue may be easy, but consider playing for position after the pot, you will have to be very precise. It is very much make-able, let me admit, but much more difficult than a half ball blue. Also, a 3 quarter or a little more thicker blue in the center will be equally bad in this case if you have to travel through the baulk, because you would have to use a lot of force which might spoil the shot.
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