"With my 6-ball deep in the pocket and the 1-ball against the rail, blocked by the 8-ball, I had no choice but to take the duck [A "duck" being an easy, hanging ball - Billiards Guide].
A normal half ball cut shot would bring the cue ball closer, maybe too close for a good aim angle on the one.
The eight lay in an accessible position and the I saw a quality player make this pool trick shot successfully once, so I practiced and was able to imitate him as shown.
The objective is to get the cue ball close to the cushion behind the 1-ball so you can hit a stop shot as a trick shot, for an easy setup for the 8-ball and the win."
How To Play This Pool Trick Shot Upon The Unsuspecting
Here is what Marcel did. He struck the six almost dead center and with high right english taken at medium speed. The cue ball lost nearly all its forward momentum upon collision with the 6-ball, bouncing partway backwards only to move forward once again.
The right sidespin of the cue ball, following contact against the cushion, actually reaccelerates the ball toward the rail on its right, behind the 1-ball. Takes some practice attempts to learn, but this can be a worthwhile shot.
The most difficult part of this pool trick to amaze the competition (nay, of all pool shots to learn!) is the speed plus spin combination of control. It is the trick shot's spin that determines the eventual speed toward the rail.
Spin control plus speed control equals sheer domination at pool. Many shots similar to this trick shot are missed by hitting the wrong speed though the aim is accurate.
