Introduction
Greetings readers! My name is Adam and I'm here today to share some truly impressive trick shots with you that are sure to amaze. Trick shots take incredible skill, timing and creativity to pull off. While they may look effortless when performed by the pros, don't let that fool you - there is a ton of practice that goes into being able to consistently make tricky shots under pressure.
In this post, I will showcase some of the best trick shots I've seen online from talented pool players, snooker trick shot artists, and other game enthusiasts. My hope is that seeing these inspiring shots will motivate you to try practising your own trick shots. Mastering even a few trick shots can really elevate your gameplay and add an exciting element of fun and showmanship. Who doesn't love seeing (and making) an amazing shot that leaves others in awe?
So without further delay, let's get into our first mind-blowing trick shot showcase! I think you'll agree these are some shots you have to see to believe. Keep reading to the end to learn how you can start working trick shots into your own practice routine.
Pool Trick Shots
When it comes to trick shots, pool is where many talented artists get their start perfecting shots that push the limits of the possible. Let's look at some truly incredible pool trick shots now:
● Behind the Back Bank Shot: Pro pool player Karl Boyes is known for his amazing trick shots, but this behind the back bank shot still stunned viewers when he pulled it off. With his back turned to the table, he somehow was still able to judge the angle perfectly to bank the ball in. The level of skill this requires is simply astounding.
● Under the Leg Shot: In this shot, pool player Thorsten Hohmann shocks onlookers by somehow getting position to shoot the cue ball between his own legs and still pocket a ball on the opposite side of the table. Getting the right angle, speed and follow through while shooting between your legs is an unbelievable feat.
● 10 Ball Sink from the Sky: You read that right - this shot involves sinking all 10 balls on the table in one shot dropped from above the table! Pro trick shot artist John Machado performs this jaw-dropping shot by carefully calculating the angle and speed needed to make all the balls fall into various pockets. It's hard to fathom how he could control something falling from that high.
● 6 Ball Sinker from Behind the Line: Another pool shot by John Machado that exemplifies his incredible talent. From behind the head string, he is able to pocket 6 balls in various holes on the table in quick succession. Getting all the needed angles, speeds and pocketing balls from an illegal position is truly a work of art.
Those are just a few of the amazing pool trick shots out there by top artists. The skill, precision angles and crazy shots these pros can consistently make never cease to amaze me. With dedicated practice, even amateurs can start to pull off some truly impressive trick shots on the pool table too.
Snooker Trick Shots
Snooker is another game well known for producing many talented trick shot players, and its wider table surface allows for some truly epic shots to be possible. Here are a couple incredible snooker trick shots to check out:
● Red, Yellow and Green Through the Same Pocket: For this trick shot, snooker player Robin Hull demonstrates incredible ball control by somehow getting a red, yellow and green ball all to go through the same pocket simultaneously on the first attempt! It's extremely difficult to judge the multiple speeds, paths and pocketing angles for three balls at once with such precision.
● Under the Chin Shot: In a shot that seems nearly impossible without special effects, talented trick shot artist Keith Toseland somehow manages to pocket a ball after striking it under his chin first! The coordination, angles and feel for the queue this would require is absolutely mind-boggling. I'm still not sure how he pulled it off so smoothly.
●15 Ball Pyramid Sink: Yet another astonishing trick shot featuring Keith Toseland, who painstakingly places 15 snooker balls in a perfect pyramid formation and is somehow then able to sink them all into various pockets in quick succession with a single shot. The sheer difficulty of calculating and executing this feat of absolute ball control leaves witnesses in disbelief each time.
Snooker lends itself wonderfully to the art of trick shots due to its larger surface area and players often push the limits of what seems humanly possible. Those shots displayed an unbelievable mastery over cue ball control and positioning that has to be seen to be believed.
Pool Trick Shots On The Move
We've seen some incredible stationary trick shots so far, but some pros like to take things up a notch by performing trick shots while on the move or balancing in precarious positions. Here are a couple wild pool shots done with an added challenge:
● Pool Shot While Juggling: Now this is taking multitasking to an incredible new level. In this video, pool player Jason Glidewell amazes onlookers by successfully juggling three balls with one hand while taking an impressive bank shot with the other. The hand-eye and body coordination it must have taken to practice and land this shot is mind-blowing.
● Pool Shot While Headstand: Leave it to Master pool trick shot artist John Machado to take a headstand on the pool table edge and somehow still flawlessly execute a bank shot from that position. The core strength, balance and feel for the table and queue angles this requires in an upside down position is simply astonishing. Talk about raising the bar on difficult trick shots!
● Drive-By Pool Shot: For an extreme trick shot with a dynamic element, check out YouTube pool player Cody Ley shooting a tricky bank shot from a moving vehicle going around 25 mph down the road. How he was able to judge speed, angle, follow through and make clean contact while in motion is anyone's guess. A true shot for the ages!
Injecting motion and unusual body positions into trick shots takes the difficulty and wow factor to an entirely new level. It's unbelievable to see artists like John Machado and Jason Glidewell continuously refine shots while achieving what seems physically impossible for us mere mortals.
Few Unique trick shots from other sports:
Darts Trick Shots
No trick shot showcase would be complete without featuring some of the incredible precision feats accomplished by top dart players. Here are a few mind-bending darts trick shots to add to the list:
● 15 Darts, 15 Bullseyes in a Row: Pro player Kyle Anderson absolutely obliterated a long-standing world record by consecutively landing 15 perfect 501 darts (three darts each in the bullseye) in under a minute, exhibiting laser focus and consistency many can only dream of.
● Blindfolded 180: In an astounding display of feel for the board, world champion Glen Durrant amazingly hits a perfect 180 score throw wearing a blindfold. To consistently land darts in the treble 20 area without sight takes phenomenal darting instincts cultivated through endless practice.
● 7 Darts, 7 Bullseye Shots: In yet another awe-inspiring performance of accuracy under pressure, superstar player Michael Van Gerwen not only lands 7 consecutive bullseye shots but does so in just 7 darts, an almost impossible feat of timing and precision. No words can do this stunt justice.
● Behind the Back Bullseye: For a trick shot with a memorable "wow factor", Mensur Suljovic stuns crowds by landing not one but two perfect 501 bullseyes while throwing with his back turned to the board. Getting the required angle and following backwards is mind blowing.
Darts players show incredible control over flight, angle and grouping through displays like this. Their consistent precision at hitting tiny targets leaves onlookers in disbelief at such a high level of skill.
Other Unique Trick Shots
While pool, snooker and darts regularly produce stunning trick shots, talented artists in other games also create unbelievable stunts worth spotlighting:
● Bowling Perfect Backwards Strike: Leave it to professional bowler Norm Duke to roll a perfect 300 game backwards, throwing flawless strikes over his head without even looking at the pins. The sheer feel for trajectories and footing this must have taken to master is incredible to contemplate.
●14 Balls Football Billiards: In an astounding display of creative trickery, YouTuber Ryan O'Rourke thought of an insanely difficult billiards shot involving carefully launching 14 coloured balls from the table into various soccer goals on another elevated platform some distance away. Executing this Rube Goldberg-esque creation was a true test of mastery over the game.
●13 Ball One-Handed Juggle Shot: Juggle master and viral trick shot phenom Wes Peden juggles 13 pool balls with one hand while somehow still pocketing a shot with a thrown cue. The sheer hand-eye coordination and reflexes this sharpshooting juggler displays constantly push the limits of believability.
● Bottle Flip Pool Trick Shots: Leave it to TikTok star Drew Martin to find wild new twists on traditional trick shots by incorporating viral trends like flipping water bottles. Landing spin shots off bottles that still pocket balls or sink full racks is as fun as it is impressive to watch, requiring pinpoint accuracy.
FAQs
What is the hardest trick shot?
There is no definitive answer as different shots require various skills, but some contenders for hardest trick shot include John Machado's 10 ball sink from above the table, Keith Toseland's 15 ball pyramid sink, or Jason Glidewell's pool shot while juggling balls. Shots that combine multiple angles, speed adjustments and obstacles take incredible precision.
How long does it take to learn trick shots?
Learning basic trick shots may only take a few hours to a few weeks of dedicated practice depending on natural ability. But truly mastering advanced trick shots on the level of professionals often requires years and even decades of almost daily practice to develop the kind of fine control, spatial awareness and consistency under pressure that is displayed. Progress happens gradually with experience.
What is the best way to practise trick shots?
Start with basic bank shots, kick shots and combinations, and film yourself to review technique. Practice isolation drills like pocketing specific balls from various positions. Record attempts and celebrate successes. Vary speed, use obstacles, and try shots from unusual stances to improve hand-eye coordination over time. The more creative you get with challenges, the faster skills will progress.
Can practising trick shots improve my regular game?
Yes, absolutely. Practising trick shots trains valuable skills like cue ball control, position play, shot making under pressure and developing a "feel" for the table. This elevated control then naturally carries over to standard shots during games. Mastering trick shots also boosts confidence which can give a mental edge over opponents.
What equipment is needed for trick shots?
The basic gear needed is a pool/billiards/snooker/darts table or set up and standard balls/darts. But specialty trick shot channels also use obstacles, hula hoops, bottles or other props. A video camera can help analyse form. Many top players also use a personal cue designed for their style. A good understanding of angles is key, so it helps to study geometry too through books or online tutorials.
Can trick shots be used in tournament play?
While many impressive trick shots are simply for showmanship rather than competition, some advanced shots can in fact provide a strategic advantage in games. For example, kicking out of tough snooker positions, drop shots, jump shots and bank shots are all advanced skills often seen in pro matches when needed. With enough practice, creative trick shots can absolutely be brought to bear under pressure in sanctioned play.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the trick shots showcased here represent just a small sampling of the incredible feats accomplished by top players around the world. The skills displayed take an immense amount of dedication, creativity and feel for the game to develop. While these shots may look easy when performed by pros, don't be fooled - there are countless hours of failure and practice behind even the simplest of trick shots.
For those looking to elevate their own game and entertain friends with some jaw-dropping shots, I encourage you to start practising your own trick shots regularly. Begin with basic position shots and banks, then progressively add obstacles and unusual stances to build your control. Be sure to also record yourself to evaluate form and growth over time. With patience and experience, you’ll be surprised at what’s possible.
Most importantly, have fun with your practice! Trick shots are meant to be an exciting and memorable part of any game. Don’t get discouraged by misses - celebrate each successful shot as a chance to show off an impressive new skill. You never know, with enough creativity and practice, maybe one day you’ll devise a trick shot that even the pros stand up and applaud. I hope this showcase has inspired you to try your hand at the art of trickery. Now get out there and start elevating those games!