Have you ever watched Jeanette Lee, commonly known as Black Widow, shoot impossible tricks on a lavish pool table? Her skills inspire pool amateurs all over the world, and while pool tables are readily available, her skills are a little harder to come by. If you’re just starting out, the following tricks are easy to execute and will have you well on your way to being a trick-shooting expert — or at least you’ll appear that way to your friends!

The Cut Shot

This trick may look difficult on TV, but it’s actually one of the quickest to learn. Start with one ball about a foot away from a corner of your choosing. Place it along the rail and put the cue ball at a right angle from the original ball.

Now for the actual shot:

  • Instead of aiming for the ball, aim for the rail
  • Hit the ball off center at the side nearest to the angle created by the ball and pocket
  • As the cue ball spins, press down on the rail
  • The ball should hit the wall and simply fall into the pocket

The Double Shot

Simpler than the cut shot, the double shot might actually require more practice. To pull this trick shot off, make sure you pay attention to the amount of force you use when hitting the ball. Start with the cue ball at the bottom rail. Place the other ball next to the middle diamond. The goal is to try to knock the ball into the corner pocket, pull it out and re-pocket it off of the cue ball’s rebound.

  • Aim the cue ball between the first and second diamond
  • Hit the cue ball at its right side. Make sure you strike with enough force to create an effective rebound.
  • Once you’ve sunk the first shot, pull the ball out—quickly
  • When the cue ball hits the upper rail, place the ball close to the pocket corner for the second shot

Two Rails Reverse Shot

While the double shot required extensive force, the two rails reverse shot relies on minimal force. Start with the ball touching the edge of the rail. The cue ball should be at the centerline of the table forming a line with the ball that creates no angle with the table. Remember: the ball has to hit two rails before it can drop in the pocket.

  • Aim for either half of the ball
  • Pull the pool stick back as far as you can
  • Hit the cue ball below center
  • The backspin should cause the ball to move backwards and then forward to the pocket

With these instructions, you should be a pool wiz in no time. Still, practice makes perfect. Don’t expect to nail each shot on the first try. You aren’t on the Black Widow’s level—yet. Put in a little time, and you will impress your friends the next time you meet up to play pool!