Learning pool tricks not only impresses your friends, but also can be a lot of fun and a way to create a new challenge for billiards players. Trick shot competitions exist for those serious about their tricks. Videos and instructions on how to make those impossible seeming shots can be found on-line through many web sites created by pool players and trick shot competitors, to include many amazing videos on You Tube.

The WPA (World Pool Association) Artistic Pool division is the governing body for Artistic pool, the competitive sport of using trick shots. Artistic pool is a relatively new competitive sport that was derived from artistic billiards, and recognized both professionally and internationally in 2000. The Artistic Pool and Trick Shot Association is the largest league and player organization, and their competitions allow the players three chances to perform each trick in a playbook. The tricks are scored for difficulty and whether the shot was made in the first, second or third attempt. Number scores are given to each competitor with the top players moving on to determine a winner through head-to-head competition.

There are eight recognized disciplines of trick shots. The Trick or Fancy shot includes set up shots, multiple configurations and extreme cut shots. The Prop/Novelty or Special Arts uses objects not for their original purpose, such as a beer bottle, bridge, chalk, ball rack, coins or using a behind the back or under the leg approach. These are also called general amusement shots. The other disciplines include the Draw, Follow, Bank/Kick, Stroke, Jump and Masse. Masse and Jumps often utilize specialized cue sticks.

For beginners wanting to learn pool tricks, some of the most common tricks include a few different variations of a “machine gun” shot, where multiple balls are hit in a series making a machine gun like noise. Another popular shot is the “butterfly” where six object balls are grouped in a butterfly shape and in one shot each ball drops into a different pocket.

Here is a link about trick shots.