Quick answer: To shoot behind the back in pool, stand with your back half turned to the table, reach your cue behind your back with your shooting hand, set a bridge on the cloth with your other hand, and keep at least one foot on the floor. Lean over just enough to see the line of the shot, then use a short, smooth stroke. It is useful for shots that are awkward to reach but too close for the mechanical bridge.
Behind the back shots look like a trick, but they are a real tool. Many good players use them in matches when a shot is hard to reach with a normal stance.
When to Use a Behind the Back Shot
- The cue ball is in the middle of the table and hard to reach.
- You cannot reach a shot with your normal hand and do not want to switch hands.
- The shot is too close or too soft to set up the mechanical bridge.
If the shot is far away, a mechanical bridge is often the safer choice. Many players also use the rail bridge for shots near the cushion. See how to use a rail bridge in pool.
The Rule You Must Know
Under most common rules, you must keep at least one foot touching the floor when you shoot. If both feet leave the floor, it is a foul. Sitting on the rail is usually fine as long as one foot stays down, but check your league or house rules.
Step by Step
- Walk around the shot. Find the line from the cue ball to the target.
- Turn your body. Stand with your hip next to the table, facing mostly away from the shot line.
- Make your bridge. Put your bridge hand on the cloth a few inches behind the cue ball. An open bridge is easiest for this shot. See open bridge vs closed bridge.
- Put the cue behind your back. Hold the cue with your shooting hand behind your lower back and lay the shaft on your bridge.
- Look down the line. Turn your head to look along the cue. Your eyes should be over the line as much as you can.
- Keep one foot on the floor.
- Use short practice strokes. Your arm can not move as freely, so keep it smooth and short.
- Shoot with soft to medium speed. Hard shots are harder to control from this position.
Tips for Better Behind the Back Shots
- Grip lightly. A tight grip pulls the cue off line.
- Keep the stroke short. Long strokes wobble from this angle.
- Stay still after the hit. Hold your finish like you would on any shot. See how to follow through in pool.
- Practice it. Set up a few easy shots in the middle of the table and try them behind the back.
Behind the Back vs Other Options
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Behind the back | Medium reach shots with soft or medium speed |
| Mechanical bridge | Long reaches across the table |
| Switching hands | Players who can shoot with both hands |
| Sitting on the rail | Shots near the edge, with one foot still on the floor |
Common Mistakes
- Lifting both feet. That is a foul in most rules.
- Hitting too hard. Control drops fast with power.
- Not looking down the line. You need to see the shot, not guess.
- Skipping practice. Try it in practice before you use it in a match.
Want to work it into practice? Add a few behind the back shots to the routine in pool drills for beginners. And remember good pool etiquette for beginners when you try new shots in a busy room.
The Bottom Line
To shoot behind the back in pool, turn your hip to the table, set a steady bridge, put the cue behind your back, look down the line, keep one foot on the floor, and use a short, smooth stroke. Practice it on easy shots first so you can trust it in a game.
Keep Reading on This Site
- Pool Drills for Beginners: 7 Simple Drills to Practice Every Week
- How to Play Pool with Glasses: Simple Tips to See Every Shot
- How to Use a Rail Bridge in Pool: 3 Bridges for Shots Near the Cushion
- How to Hold a Pool Cue: A Simple Grip Guide for Beginners
- How to Line Up a Pool Shot: 7 Simple Steps for Beginners
- How to Warm Up Before Playing Pool: A 15 Minute Routine
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shooting behind the back legal in pool?
Yes, in most rules, as long as you keep at least one foot on the floor. Check your league rules to be sure.
When should I shoot behind the back?
Use it for medium reach shots that are awkward with a normal stance but too close for a mechanical bridge.
What bridge works best for a behind the back shot?
An open bridge is usually the easiest for this shot.
Can I hit hard behind the back?
It is best to use soft or medium speed, since control drops when you hit hard from this position.