Stop Shot and Stun Shot: How to Stop the Cue Ball Dead

For players2 min readUpdated October 2026By Billiard Action Time

The stop shot is the first position shot every player should learn. Hit it right and the cue ball stops dead where the object ball was. Its cousin, the stun shot, controls the cue ball on angled shots. Together they're the base of good position play.

How a stop shot works

For the cue ball to stop, it must be sliding, not rolling, when it hits the object ball on a straight-in shot. A cue ball hit in the center starts out sliding and then picks up natural roll as it travels. Hit a little below center and it slides farther before it starts to roll.

• Short shot: aim at center or just below center with a medium stroke.
• Longer shot: aim lower and hit a little firmer, so the backspin wears off just as it reaches the object ball.

Step by step

1. Line up a straight-in shot about a foot from the pocket, with the cue ball a foot behind the object ball.
2. Aim one tip below center.
3. Use a smooth, level stroke and follow through. Don't jab.
4. Watch the cue ball. If it rolls forward, hit lower or firmer. If it backs up, hit higher or softer.

Stun on angled shots

On a cut shot, a cue ball that's sliding at contact (stun) leaves the object ball at a 90-degree angle, along what's called the tangent line. That's the "90-degree rule." Add follow and it bends forward from that line; add draw and it bends back. Knowing the tangent line helps you predict where the cue ball goes, and helps you avoid scratches (see how to stop scratching).

Common mistakes

• Lifting up: raising your head or body during the stroke moves the tip off target.
• Jabbing: stopping the cue at contact gives you inconsistent spin. Follow through.
• Too high on long shots: the cue ball starts rolling and follows the object ball.

Drills

• Ladder drill: set up a straight-in shot and stop the cue ball from one diamond away, then two, three and four. Repeat until you can stop it from the full table length.
• Stun target: place a coin on the tangent line on a 30-degree cut and try to stun the cue ball over it.

A training cue ball with dots shows exactly where you hit and how the ball spins. Next step: how to draw the cue ball and position play.