Double Hit Fouls

This was originally posted on 12/28/15, but it is important enough to re-post. Note that when the cue ball is very close to the object ball and a clean hit is attempted by even very highly skilled players (by elevating the cue and hitting directly towards the object ball), the end result will usually be a double hit. Because this is an amateur pool league and we don’t have the benefit of slow motion video and/or a referee on every shot, the rule in PACS is that if a skill level “5” or lower makes the attempt by elevating their cue 35 degrees, it is ruled a good hit. Even though that is the rule, players should not abuse the rule by taking a shot that they know is almost certainly going to result in a double hit. In most cases when the cue ball is very close to the object ball, a better option for the shooter is to take a shot that will not almost certainly result in a double hit. It is very important that all players and teams understand this. The video below explains it very clearly. In addition to the video, the higher skilled players should share this information and have the discussion with the other players on their team so that we can get everyone better educated on the physics of the double hit.

Original post on 12/28/15
Bruce Lenker recently shared this video on Facebook and it was too good not to share on here. It explains some of the more common double hit fouls that occur. Since we don’t have the benefit of referees on every shot and it’s an amateur league, players who are skill levels 5 and lower are usually exempt from being called on these double hits provided that they

A) elevate the butt of their cue at least 35 degrees ( no need for protractors…do your best to exceed 35 degrees to eliminate controversy)
B) Use a legal stroke
C) Make an attempt at a legal hit

Note that there are still situations that may occur that would not exempt “5”s and lower from double hits. For example, if the cue ball is very close to a cluster of balls or a cushion and is being hit towards the cluster or cushion, it is very likely that a double hit will occur.

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