8-ball pool rules are quite complex and sometimes contradictory at times due to many variations of across the world where the game is played. At least for professional leagues, things are a bit clearer since they follow official rules such as WPA, APA and BCA rules, but it makes things challenging for casual games, especially for a beginner.
Everybody seems to play pool by their own set of rules, and for this reason, whether to shoot backward or not at the pool table is a matter that is often debated. The article clears all doubt by diving into what entails a backward shot so that you know what to expect next time this happens.
Can you shoot backward in pool? Of course, yes! On a pool table during the play, there’s no concept of backward or forward shots unless the player fouls.
After a scratch shot, the next player can place the Cue Ball anywhere while executing the ball in hand if the rule applies, and the player is free to shoot in any direction.
Upon a scratch foul on the break, official rules state that a player should place the Cue Ball behind the service line. The Cue Ball must move forward past the head string before hitting any object ball.
As a result, this implies a player cannot hit the ball backwards behind the line if the ball in hand is given in the kitchen. So, in this scenario, backward shots are prohibited.
House rules vary from place to place, and for this reason, it’s always good for both sides to agree on a set of rules to use before the game begins.
Can you move the white ball in pool?
Yes, official rules allow the player to move the white ball whenever the opponent player commits a foul or scratch shot during their turn. The Cue Ball is moved either behind the service line or anywhere they want if the rules allow.
Following any legal shots, players cannot move the Cue Ball anymore.
When the player commits a scratch foul on break, the player who didn’t commit the foul is free to move the Cue Ball anywhere in the kitchen while executing ball in hand. In that case, players can only shoot forward, and the Cue Ball should not hit any object ball before it passes the line.
Can you shoot a ball behind the line pool?
During normal gameplay, the player can shoot in any direction they want. However, things change if the player fouls or scratches at anytime during the game or on the break.
On a scratch shot, the opponent player gets ball in hand behind the baulk line. A player should shoot the Cue Ball forward, and it must pass the line before it hits any object, or else a foul will be committed.
Can you shoot backward after potting white?
Yes and no, depending on where the Cue Ball is placed after scratching. When the white ball sunk on the break, most rules state the Cue Ball should be placed behind the service when executing the ball in hand.
In that case, a player should shoot the Cue Ball forward, and it must cross the line before it hits any object. Failure to which a foul resulting in another scratch.
As a result, the player cannot hit any ball behind the line directly unless the Cue Ball goes forward beyond the line beforehand. Thus, a backward shot is prohibited in such a situation.
If the white ball gets sunk during gameplay, most rules give the player the freedom to place the Cue Ball anywhere around the table. In such a situation, the player can shoot in any direction from wherever the Cue Ball is placed.
Shooting backward only applies if the white ball is placed behind the head string line, then you cannot shoot backwards unless the ball crosses the line beforehand.
Shoot Backward in Pool: Conclusion
Whenever a scratch or foul happens, the incoming player gets ball in hand, which can be executed in two ways depending on the rules applied. Some rules give the player the freedom to place the Cue Ball anywhere around the table, and allow the white ball behind the service line in the kitchen.
The above two situations determine whether a player can take a backward shot or not. In a situation where the Cue Ball is placed anywhere, the player can shoot the white ball in any direction.
When the Cue Ball is placed behind the baulk line, only forward shots are allowed, and the white ball must not hit any object before it passes the line.
Yes, players can hit the ball in any direction on an open play, but a player must follow the legal requirement for a fair shot. Again, house rules vary from place to place, so always find time to go through them for both players to agree before starting the game.