Virtual Pool Hall Hints: ------ Pool is about patience: never rush or force your shot. Push the cue ball just hard enough to make your shot. Slamming each shot will increase your chances of scratching. Always follow through after your cue stick strikes the cue ball. This will give your cue ball the appropriate spin needed and help you avoid ball-squirt. Make sure you can sink normal shots before experimenting with English, massé, or jump shots. These techniques will do you no good if you haven't mastered the fundamentals first.