Pool Vocabulary

Any of the triangular strips of cloth-covered rubber that line the inside perimeter of a pool table.

The location on the pool table surface where the rack is positioned before the break.

Balls numbered from 9 to 15, also called “highs.”

The reverse rotation of the cue ball, i.e., when it rotates in the direction opposite the direction in which it is traveling; usually the result of a below-center hit on the cue ball. Also called “bottom spin.”

The location on the pool table surface on or behind which the cue ball will normally be placed before the break.

Any of 18 markings (three between each pair of pockets), also called “diamonds,” found on the pool table rails, and used by players to line up shots.

A shot made after the player verbally identifies the pocket s/he intends to propel a ball into.

A shot in which the object ball is bounced off one or more cushions before being pocketed.

A version of pool in which players attempt to pocket balls in numerical order, with the winner being the first to pocket the 9-ball.

The first shot of a game, in which the cue ball is propelled into the mass of object balls.

A substance used in cube form to improve contact between the cue stick and the cue ball.

Returning a ball to the table after it has been pocketed or has jumped off the table.

A white or off-white ball propelled into object balls using a cue stick.

Any of the boards that form the perimeter of a pool table.

The practice of contorting one’s body while a shot is in play as if expecting the body movement to somehow influence the balls’ paths of travel.

Any of the four imaginary lines on the pool table surface.

Any of six holes cut into the rails of a pool table.

A version of pool in which one player’s goal is to pocket all the solid balls and then the 8-ball, and the other player’s goal is to pocket all the striped balls and then the 8-ball.

A shot during which a player strikes the cue ball at a downward angle, causing it to launch into the air.

The set of balls players attempt to pocket during the course of a game.

Balls numbered from 1 to 8, also called “lows.”

A player’s hand or a separate device used to help guide the cue stick toward the cue ball during a shot.

A triangle-shaped device used to align object balls at the start of a game.

A long wooden stick used to strike the cue ball.