Lesson
13

Jump Shots and Massé

Specialty shots: check the rules first

Goal

Know how to use them when the rules and the table allow it.
7blockerelevated cue, strike down
Elevate the cue and strike down on the upper half of the cue ball so it hops over the blocker. Only where the rules allow it.
Video lesson

Key points

Jump shot: elevate the cue and stroke down on the cue ball so it bounces off the cloth. Many clubs don't allow jumping with a regular playing cue.
Massé: with the cue almost vertical, the cue ball travels on a curve.
Both can tear the cloth if you get them wrong, so practice on a table where they're allowed.

Common mistakes

Using them when an ordinary safety would have done the job
Hitting the cloth instead of the ball
Drill
Place a blocking ball 20 cm from the cue ball and practice jumping over it with a dedicated jump cue.