Top is applied to the cue-ball by striking above centre and following-through with the cue. This high striking causes the cue-ball to spin with a forward motion that gives it the extra momentum to run-through after the object-ball.

On a straight shot the cue-ball will obviously run along behind the object-ball in a straight line (as shown in the second exercise on cue-action). On an angled shot the cue-ball will run through on a slightly thinner angle than if it were struck lower (as illustrated in the Stun section).

The exercise shown below should be studied by players making breaks of 40 or less. Variations of these positional problems occur throughout every game.

First pot the straight pink with a fairly strong 'punching' type of shot, striking the cue-ball just above centre as shown in Diagram 1. The cue-ball should then run through three or four inches to drop behind the nearest red. With a little practise you will consistently make this positional shot.

The second stroke, potting the red nearest the pink to gain position on the black, requires the cue-ball to be struck much higher as shown in Diagram 3. More top is required due to the short distance between the cue-ball and the red. Hit the cue-ball too close to the centre on this stroke and you will probably stop the cue-ball dead, ending your break. Strike it high, follow-through and practise until you get straight on the black. Pot the black and replace the cue-ball behind the pink.

Now start the sequence again but play for the second red. Strike the cue-ball a little higher and play with the same strength as you did for the first. If you get straight on the second red you will need to strike the cue-ball as shown in Diagram 2 to gain position on the black.