Pool Lesson: 1 Rail Banks & Kicks

Welcome back to another lesson in pool. Today, I cover a system that I use that reliably works for both 1 rail bank shots & 1 rank kick shots.
Sorry for the blurriness that occurs in the middle of the video. I didn't realize it until I was rendering the video, and thought it was still good enough to demonstrate the system.
Enjoy!
#PoolLessons #PocketBilliards #PoolBanksAndKicks

[@gladysamherdt6903]

AS A 71 YR OLD GRANDMOTHER TRYING TO LEARN NEW TRICKS TO BEAT HER 13 YR OLD GRANDSON I HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT ALL KICK SHOT VIDEOS FOR WEEKS. i FOUND LIL CHRIS AND WAS SO ABLE TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTION AND i AM NOW A FORCE TO RECKON WITH! THANK YOU LIL CHRIS "OLD DOGS CAN LEARN NEW TRICKS

[@stanleyhutsell2879]

Just split the difference on any kick shot then you have to determine little lock or a little right

[@yesod7]

Go, Gladys!

[@JerryLee..]

That's awesome grandma.

[@peterdauwe4877]

❤😀

[@triggerhappydad65]

God bless you Grandma!

[@bororobo3805]

Finally, a human who clearly explains and speaks proper English... And no music.

[@markheithorn3905]

Absolutely. Good video.

[@de348]

Finally, I understand counting diamonds to make a bank shot! Thank you!!

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

After watching about five of your videos I can say without a doubt that you have at least one awesome gift. That gift is the ability to teach. There are very few in this world that have this teaching gift, at least not on your level.

[@Mrfallouthero]

He's a great shot too!

[@prajeethamand7213]

man this person is soo under rated he deserves more recomentations and subs

[@TheOriginalSimonSays]

I kept reading over and over about numbering the diamonds, and couldn't make any sense of it. You're explanation was amazing. I'm digging all of your pool instructional videos. Glad I found this channel, and I'll be sharing with my APA teammates.

[@genghisk4808]

Its not hard to understand. All diamonds are reference points. There is a better system put there, the one I use was developed in the 60's. It basically math. Now, to really throw a loop in the mix, tap around 3-cushion billiards. His explanations can put you to sleep. It all else fails, try mirror image banking on all 1-rail banks...MATH!

[@bigmojunior]

This is the best video I have found on bank and kick shots. Thanks Lil' Chris!!

[@LilChrisPoolPlayer]

Thanks! I also recently published the very first banking system I learned many years ago. Here's that video too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ7CXnWro92DrKM

[@bigmojunior]

@@LilChrisPoolPlayer Awesome! I'll check it out

[@Brucelee-pv6uf]

Omg I love ur explaining patience skills 😭❤

[@danportz2655]

Ive been playing pool for 50 years and nobody had ever explained this to me correctly. Thank you so much and watch out league players this year.

[@lapnguyen2898]

I wonder how many banks or kicks you missed in those 50 years.

[@BillyBob2015]

"With enough practice, sometimes a guess is not a guess." .. True dat.

[@prestigiousaristocracy4232]

Funny, I scrolled down to comment about that same statement and saw this.

[@chalvinbergado6804]

thank you sir!. before that is my problem.i've been trouble like that. i don't have idea how to shoot the ball.

[@grantcornwell1026]

True with most things, eh.

[@stormriderWI]

Yeah I liked that too. I'm gonna remember that.

[@stevedoe1630]

It’s the same time that “luck” becomes “skill”.

[@markspangler5316]

Diamonds were always a mystery... thanks for explaining!

[@jajaid6]

Really enjoy this video! Can't tell you how many times I've watched it!

[@LilChrisPoolPlayer]

Glad you enjoyed it! Be sure to check out the first banking system I learned here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ7CXnWro92DrKM I even go into adjusting banks with different speeds and spins on the cue ball!

[@alvinglenn458]

Lil' Chris I learned how to play by lots of Practice, and the fact I was a Surveyor I learned by Dissecting the angles not spots, Spots makes it easy for a beginner to understand. You explained the Angles by using the spots. Very easy for a beginner to understand. My Compliments !! !

[@YerryBalenzuela]

I would like to dissect the angle. Any recommendations on videos or searches

[@alvinglenn458]

@@YerryBalenzuela I just stumbled onto this video. I don't have any recommends other than to search KZbin for Pool ..... Remember there are other Billiard games where there are no Spots/diamonds ..... Watch the Videos you find download them and watch over and over .... Good Luck .....

[@robertway5756]

Having been one myself, whenever I see a surveyor or rodman by the road I yell "GOOD!!!" 😄

[@kevinh2781]

The Good LORD has blessed you with Great talent and teaching skills !

[@hoho7151]

Excellent video. Clear, concise, understandable explanation. And excellent sound and video quality as well. After trying a few times I was start making a lot more kicks. And bank shots have always been pretty good but now are much more consistent. Many thanks for this. Now, if you could simplify long cut shots with english and when to use which english I'd be in heaven!

[@parrotheadmuddy534]

I have been playing pool since I was 8 years old. I'm 48 now, and hold my own with the local big dawgs. However I have never used the diamonds on the rails. This may just take my game to the next level. Thank you very much!

[@TangFiend1]

Love it

[@xtinct6584]

So, did it work? 😂😂

[@pamgregg5127]

THANK YOU for explaining this so skillfully. I’m a teacher and can say without any hesitation that is one of you gifts. Please continue to share your knowledge. I’m a novice and am so delighted to have found your work !

[@DilshadDilliwala]

I love the way you explain these rail shots. Thank you very much for making such amazing learning content. ❤❤❤

[@dennisddd8243]

What bro robo said. Clearly explained. Well spoken you almost brought me to tears bro. I like the fact he did not over explain. Simple and to the point

[@alleymdevita]

Hi, I am a beginner pool player. I am starting to learn how to bank balls, as it is a situation that can dramatically improve your odds of winning. I have listened to various pros teach this technique on KZbin; however, you are the best teacher, for me, by far. Thank you for your time and dedication to education.

[@ejrattorney]

Great system for showing proper angles for bank shots.

[@donaldthompson7772]

You explain it so easy,instead of making it more complicated than it needs to be.thanks

[@-ZeuS_]

My friend you dont believe how interested I got when watching your video . It was so helpful thanks so much for your gentleness explanation. All the love 🌹👏🏻

[@Forest_Knight]

I've just learned that half of two is one. Joking, great explanation!

[@nickjohnson410]

I thought half of two is tv

[@901tsharper]

nah - you are right - You have learned that half of 2 is one and none of this matters if you have to use english - Waste of video time - Simple and usless!

[@obby4792]

Nick Johnson Now I’ve just learnt that from you 😂😂

[@obby4792]

Troy Harper come on man🙈🙈 what was wrong with that??🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@cherylcassidy2697]

I found this the most easily understood of all the banking videos I've watched. I will play it many times until it actually sinks in. Thank you

[@zenpoolbuddha1320]

Lil Chris Killing it in the virtual world 🌍🙏🙏🌍💙🛹🛹🛹💪💪💪💪💪🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾let's Gooooo!!!

[@mariahjuhl702]

Finally someone who explains this fully and clearly enough to understand! Thank you!

[@canbo7643]

Best explanation of parallel shift method I've ever found.

[@martinlepper4522]

I agree....need to use the word parallel. Nice lesson.

[@rickwade7931]

This was the first video of yours i watched. And im sorta hooked now. Banks were my nemesis. I have only been playing serious since the fall. Heart and other issues brought me to the game. And you have helped take me to a low 3 player to a borderline 5 with improvement every week. Well you and Corona as now i have a table in the Barn. Please keep teaching!!

[@hooflungpoo8757]

This really helped me understand bank shots. Thank you sir!

[@CAMacD-fi7tw]

YES!!!!! Finally, a pool shot instructor that a novice player can truly learn and improve from. Ty Lil' Chis, 1st time viewer here. Of the countless pool (bank / kick shot) instruction vids that I've watched. This vid was by far the most basic, easy to follow and highly effective pool lesson for me EVER.

[@richardgonzalez8135]

Finally a clear and concise explanation. Thanks so much

[@livingthelife4710]

Finally a video that my slow brain can actually process. Thank you great job explaining the system you use. I am going try this today.

[@kenhall3851]

Hi Chris, thanks so much for sharing. Will be great info for helping players. If I could I'd like to point out that the adjustment is not a parallel shift, but half the distance of the parallel shift. It's easily demonstrated by picking the "spot on the wall" technique for kicking or banking. Once you have the spot (that is the 'true' line back to the pocket, if you move your object ball to another position, that spot should still take you to the pocket). If you do a parallel shift, you are no longer pointing to the "spot on the wall". If you do half the distance of the parallel shift you are. Your eyes may be making the adjustment for you but on your demonstrations if you measure, your stick is actually inadvertently moving to the half the distance point and not parallel (easily demonstrated by laying two sticks parallel to one another). This method is the case for 1 and 3 rail kicks (the parallel shift does work for 2 rail kicks - I'm not sure why yet... it shouldn't for the same reason). This method can also be used to pocket an object ball that isn't in the pocket. It just means you may have to make two adjustments (one for your cue ball position and one for your object ball position - but the method is the same and it's no longer a guess). For your shot demonstration, start with the cue ball, pick the closest diamond, if the cue ball isn't on the line to the pocket, shift 1/2 half the distance of the parallel to a point on the rail. That should take you to the pocket. But you want to get to the 8 ball and the 8 ball isn't on that line. So take the point that you just determined on the rail for the cue ball and make a line to the pocket you are trying to kick into. Look at the the position of the 8 ball from that line. It is also a shift of 1/2 the distance from that return line to the pocket and wherever the 8 ball is (not a parallel shift or guess). In your example of the kick on the 8, figure your cue ball point just as you did (but it is 1/2 the distance your stick moved, it didn't move parallel). From that point now make a line to the corner pocket. 1/2 the distance from that line to the 8 ball is actually the exact distance you would need to shift down table - it's not a guess. So if that distance is 1 inch for example, simply shift down table 1 inch. You'll find this method works on extremely difficult length of table kicks as well and kicks at balls that may be sitting near the middle of the table on table length kicks and banks. It's not uncommon for players to believe it is a parallel shift (instead of 1/2 the distance of the parallel), and I've had to correct some professional and road players as well. It made perfect sense when I put it into the perspective of the 'spot on the wall' technique for them. I think this will help anyone begin to make those shots much more accurately. Again, thanks for sharing. I just try and give accurate info when I think it can help. You did a great job explaining. I just wanted to correct that one step.. This will also help as you make your side spin video. I'm gald to see so many accomplished players sharing info. Great for the game, when accurate. explain it correctly.

[@patriciarosica8739]

You are correct. And love the spot on the wall. Use it often

[@carlhooper8581]

One of the best, easy to understand, no bs explanations of banking I have seen.

[@abumuneeb6225]

Thank you so much. This is the best explanation on KZbin on how to do a bank shot.

[@pete-do3fz]

I thought you did an exceptional job of explaining....diamond system across and lengthwise. Presented well .

[@LilChrisPoolPlayer]

pete boyce Very much appreciated!

[@kenarmstrong5807]

I agree. Most videos don't cover kicks or banks when going to the short rail.

[@rustOfunk]

Good explanation. Watched a young man’s video on how to make “99.9% of banks shots” and yours is 100% better.

[@norml2464]

This is the best example and demonstration on how to use diamond. Thanks

[@josejoubert4395]

Clearly shown and explained, can't wait to try this strategy

[@LilChrisPoolPlayer]

Thanks! If this proves to be too difficult to replicate, I just recently published the very first bank/kick system that I learned here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ7CXnWro92DrKM

[@DGA-expert]

EXCELLENT PRESENTATION. METHODICAL!

[@thewolf8956]

Saw the video yesterday. Tried it yesterday. This shit works.

[@addab1924]

Why bad words say this sh**

[@lizerherrera5374]

of course it does its solid mensuration.. parallel lines with same angles

[@bororobo3805]

It never occurred to me that the whole idea is just calculation of the angle.

[@A.Dotin4K]

This is by far the best and easiest tutorial ever

[@skroll82]

Just used this system tonight, made a great kick that caught everyone by surprise! Great lesson, thanks!

[@TonjaHammel]

I appreciate the conciseness of your explanation. Now I've got to try & put it into practice!

[@NeilSpoonhower]

I watched 5 videos before this on banking...yours by far was the best!!

[@jasongibbs8338]

This is the best bank/kick video I’ve ever seen. And you explain it perfectly, there are so many out there that just turn into a mess to understand. Just knowing now that it is just 1 of 4 options with a shift. Watching this video just made the 💡 go off in my head!

[@jasongibbs8338]

Just a quick question on it.. if you have a full table side rail bank do you just extend it out to the 5/2.5 or 6/3 lines?

[@LilChrisPoolPlayer]

The system works best up to 4 diamonds distance. After that, the balls typically will bank short so an adjustment will have to be made.

[@gregblunier5813]

Thank you for taking time to instruct us

[@aztecajoe]

I have looked up and watched many videos on how to determine the bank and kick shots. You have been the most helpful on how to measure and determine the bank and kick shot. I’m going to watch this again and try this tomorrow and practice it. Thanks for explaining the bank and kick so it was easily understood.

[@Omarmohammedd]

What a great explanation, this will take my game to the next level, gonna shock my friends with this 😅

[@johnvannewhouse]

Excellent vid!! So simply explained that even this old ex-grunt could understand it!! THANKS!!

[@victormcdavidphiri4601]

Very clear and concise with very objective rules for his systems. You sir are a very good teacher.

[@jasondub9373]

Wow, this really opened my eyes. I've always had general success from just the "feel" of where I should go, but not consistent. This info is a game changer. This makes it repeatable with consistent results. Thank you Lil' Chris!!!

[@Prairie7777]

Just found this video series and am very impressed. I've been shooting pool for a long time but you have explained in very "Easy to Understand" principles of the game and I'm very happy to have found this. Liked and Subscribe..... definitely!!!

[@lordservant1]

great undestandlable lesson

[@kennethharrell1291]

Thanks Chris your videos are really helping me with my game

[@Spider_King2097]

Watching your videos has drastically improved my game. Keep them coming.

[@jamespardue3055]

Angle of incidence = angle of reflection, as long as you hit the ball straight with no side spin. This is a very good easily understandable video, thanks Lil' Chris.

[@cntryboygeetar]

Ty man, about time someone showed this where you can understand it.

[@afrodrift2]

When I was a kid I would read books about banking but it was hard for a 10yr old to grap those concepts but this is very nice. Made it simple and explained not only how but why and I respect the why more than the how in anything I learn!!!

[@dds1125]

Cheers man... I've been struggling with rail bank shots a lot... This really helps

[@BelieveB23]

That was excellent. The clearest explanation I’ve ever heard.

[@troygodwin8245]

I enjoy watching you videos

[@jonathanreynolds1579]

You explained this system in simple terms. Thank you for helping me to understand. I've been trying to learn it forever, but a lot of people either don't truly understand how it works, or they make it more difficult than it has to be.

[@LilChrisPoolPlayer]

Glad it helped!

[@WebsterA]

I've just jumped back into the 9 ball world. I went from a 3 to a 5 in 2 weeks. Pretty stoked that it's all coming together. Dr Dave and yourself have been an integral contributor to my studies. Thanks, man. Keep up the great work.

[@robertrains1436]

You know if you don't mind racking I could take you out and show you how to play. But you'll be paying for the lessons. Don't worry I'll let you keep your deed and your title. I have a pair of pool socks haven't ever been washed 42 years and My girls throw them away. That s*** is so messed up but I made up with it for an $800 pool stick so whenever I just like to break 8 ball down about every eighth break I'll put 50 dollars on that

[@johnwayne7383]

@@robertrains1436 weird flex bro...🤔

[@misteroughtright5557]

I was able to apply this system tonight playing by myself and with others at the pool hall. You broke it down so well and simplified. I now have this in my arsenal. Thank you!!! 🎱

[@papayeaststack3743]

Bing watching your vids.thank you.now when I go play I'm that much better

[@burtonbarmore3451]

I thought this was an incredible instructional video. Thank you

[@peeplesvictor]

Excellent video. After one days play, I’m banking like a pro astounding friends and myself. I’m nearly clearing the tables with ease. Now on to ball control like side spin English.

[@CoachScott61]

Great Explanation. Seen this system before, but you do a great job of explaining it.

[@LilChrisPoolPlayer]

Thank you!

[@SammyEddie]

Been playing for 30 years and never learned this. I thought it was too hard. Thanks.

[@GmdElectric]

Thank you, this class may actually change my life!! Your a great teacher.

[@kenhall3851]

Great explanation. Very helpful. One point. When you are shifted, your shot had English imparted on it and hit the rail first. The actual shift isn't parallel. It's 1/2 the distance of the parallel between the cue ball and diamond line. An easy test is to mark the mirror image of the object ball off the table. Aiming at the mirror image, you'll see your shift is actually 1/2 the distance of the parallel and not the parallel. If you shift to the parallel and aim there, you are no longer aiming at the mirror image. If you aim at 1/2 of that distance, you are also still aiming at the mirror image (the true line back to the object ball). One final point. If your object ball is off the line to the pocket, you can also determine the exact adjustment by doing the same thing to the object ball. Take the midway point to the pocket then 1/2 the distance between that line and the pocket to find the distance you need to shift your aim point on the rail further. This gives you your exact aim spot back to the object ball. Still a very well explained lesson. If you look at where you are pointing on the rail and if you are actually hitting that point, you will notice that you aren't. In each case you actually hit 1 inch, 1/2 inch further than you pointed. Those distances were 1/2 of the parallel shift for the shots.

[@MrKlaus314]

Ken Hall correct. I‘m a mathematician.

[@kareemamer2821]

Tried this in every pocket during power play, this man got the perfect system.

[@emilyguerra8667]

Wow!! This is so helpful. I appreciate your speed of sharing the information. I've seen so many videos on this and none of them are like this. Thank you!

[@kriegsbereit84]

OMG Chris you are fcuking awesome! Your explanation is simplest and better than any in a hole web! I bought a cheap wood 8-foot table (my first one) to my country house and only after this video I understood that manufacturer made diamonds fcuked up. I mean they were located completely wrong. So i found exact measures from international pool rules for 8-foot table and made them by myself. Miracle! After that and after another examination of this video 2/3 of my rail shots became accurate and succesful. But moreover now I understand how it works! Thank you sir, you made me love this game more and more. By the way I am an amateur player. Cheers from Russia and excuse me for my English.

[@niltomega2978]

How frustrating that they did not even bother to place your diamonds in the correct location during manufacture...wtf?

[@kriegsbereit84]

@@niltomega2978 Yeah mate, this is totally inexplicable and outrageously, because it's not "under the order manufactured table", they produce these tables as serial production. But thanks to Chris, now after little "DIY upgrade" this table is OK and I impress my guests with great rail banks =)

[@donkqdonkq1747]

I never noticed what the diamonds are for. Thanks for the lesson.

[@kevinerichsen3653]

Lil' Chris!!! Your videos are very informative and I am always eager to practice your techniques after watching your videos! Starting with your bank shots! I want more!!! You rule! Thanx!

[@tomfisher3117]

Absolutely EXCELLENT lesson. I can't wait to try it because I know it works. I will be viewing it a few more times before I practice it. Thanks and Blessings to you!

[@bcontra1]

Awesome. Love the bank shots. both methods. I learned both ways. Not an expert on either but still learning. You are by far my go to guy to learn stuff.

[@MixMasterLar]

Awesome, my bank shots are some of my weakest I feel. Appreciate this

[@neonknight-1522]

Bruh i didnt even know what banking shots was before watching this. 😂

[@saulrodriguezmontenegr1238]

what an amazingly explained video. This method truly works

[@VakpathiRaoManupadi]

Awesome trick! Simple n Sweet technique 👍

[@justinstory2974]

Love the way you teach, and giving multiple examples.

[@kikimomikuto6689]

Wow, this is just simplest explanation I've seen.. Thanks.

[@LilChrisPoolPlayer]

Zernan Hernandez That’s exactly what I’m going for! Thank you!!! 😊

[@ronniebishop2496]

Really helped me for the first day of my new pool table in my game room. I’ve played snooker but I didn’t play pool as a young man.

[@fahimhasanchoudhury]

This is the best video on banks and kicks in youtube. Guys trus me,you can trust me on this.

[@michaeltscott3826]

Good explanation, thanks for your time and video

[@jamesjr9216]

Omw to pool hall. Very informative. I can go practice off this

[@arndvolker9956]

Great video Chris! Love the content 👍🇩🇪

[@RobertSpiller]

For me...you gave one of the best, if not the best breakdown on how to bank and kick. I'll use this system I promise you lol. I enjoyed it, and learned from it.

[@RobertSpiller]

Thanks for the love Lil Chris...my next move is to get a coach, or trainer, to help me improve my game and become more consistent. As an example, today the 10th of April, I couldn't even make a straight in shot...I kid you not...I shot terribly...I was embarrased....but last Friday I shot very well, making bank shots that I try to avoid, and cut shots...not a problem, but straight ins, and ...it was just a very frustrating day. If I can become more consistent, I'd win more games. Any suggest, and do you know any trainers, or instructors in the Metro Detroit area.

[@angelodangeles373]

@@RobertSpiller Your back stroke may not be straight back when you shoot a straight in shoot but in an angle.

[@LilChrisPoolPlayer]

I don't know of any trainers or instructors in the Metro Detroit area. What I can suggest is to be mindful of the mistakes you make, that's where I feel us pool players learn best. Most players will just make a mistake and just be like, "Eh, I will hit it this way next time" without really looking into the cause of the mistake (Not aiming properly, Grip hand twitches during final stroke, Bad position from the previous shot, etc... etc...). As far as being consistent, I would advise taking the same amount of time on each shot. It's very easy to just rush through shots when they are difficult, or when they are very easy. Easy shots we tend to take for granted and don't really pay much attention in shooting them.

[@allenwoolard4549]

Very helpful lesson. I LOVE a bank shot. Could you do a video on cutting a ball against the rail? If I'm saying that right. Lol. Thank you for what you're doing.

[@csgnjaxnc]

Great job in explaining it... I subscribed to your channel

[@stevewilson7915]

Thank you Chris for posting this video and the great explaination. I have been not bad at bank shots just by guesstimating but this is the proper way to figure it out. This will help me improve my game. Cheers

[@phxengr8705]

I just found your channel and after watching 3 videos I am very impressed. Thanks for your efforts.

[@80slimshadys]

On all the tables i see there are pop rivets where the diamonds are. I didnt know they wernt structural but there like dots on guitar neck telling you measurements. Awesome

[@TEE78SR]

I realize my message did not make any since the first time Deleted Wanted to let you know this video is VERY useful will put this into play. I have repeated this video several times so I can understand it better I normally visualize the shot, but the geometry is starting to make more since. Really never thought of the diamonds and pockets.👍💪🎱

[@tomlarussa8300]

Awesome still photos from "The Hustler" hanging on the back wall. Thanks for that.

[@lobosygopoke]

Yes! Glad I found you. Thank you! This explains it all great and now time for me to practice 👍🙏🏼💯

[@hlee8348]

New to pool an watching a few of your videos has me killing my friends now . there so mad at me lol