Pool Bank Shot Formula: 5 Practical Applications

The bank shot is one of the most important techniques in pool, allowing players to use the cushion to make accurate shots when no direct angle is available.

What is a bank shot?

A bank shot is a technique where the object ball contacts the cushion and rebounds into a pocket on the opposite side.

Basic bank shot formula

Ball position	Formula
Position 1–4	Halve the distance, subtract ¼ diamond spacing
Position 5–8	Halve the distance, subtract ½ diamond spacing

Forward bank vs Reverse bank

Forward bank

Used when the ball continues in the same direction after hitting the cushion. Best with center cue ball strikes.

Reverse bank

Used when the ball travels in the opposite direction after the cushion. Aim slightly wider to compensate for spin.

5 practical applications

Case 1: Ball at position 1 → pocket 4

Halve the distance, add ¼ diamond. Strike firmly.

Case 2: Cue ball at 1 → object ball to pocket 4

Halve the distance, subtract ¼ diamond. Moderate force.

Case 3: Cue ball at position 2 → end pocket

Simplest case — standard shot.

Case 4: Ball at mid-position (3)

Halve, subtract ¼ diamond. Moderate force.

Case 5: Ball at far position (5+)

Hardest case: halve the distance, subtract ½ diamond.

Bank shot vs Kick shot

Feature	Bank shot	Kick shot
Path	Object ball hits cushion → rebounds to pocket	Cue ball hits cushion → contacts object ball
Difficulty	High	Lower

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