Just Showin’ Off: A Trick Shot. ~ Florian Kohler

For this column we are going to revisit a classic—probably one of the most famous—trick shot.

The original version was made famous by the great Steve Mizerak as he executed this trick during the miller lite commercial and is now called the “just showin’ off.”

In this version we are going to pot 6 balls as well but we will add a jump shot to finish the shot.

This is a pretty hard shot to execute perfectly and it should take you a bit of time to master but once executed you will stun your audience or friends.

Let’s study the set up first:


Balls 1 and 2 are frozen to each other with ball 1 frozen to the rail. There is usually a gap of 1/2 a ball or more depending of the table between the point of the pocket and the one ball. Balls 1 and 2 are also on a straight line.

The next balls to be set up are balls 3 and 4. Again these balls are frozen to each other on a straight line with ball 4 being set up a bit to the right of ball 2. Check the zoomed view of these balls for more precisions.

You will then take care of ball 5.

Like Mike Massey would say the important thing here is the tangent line. Always aim to the right of the pocket due to the “throw.”

This effect is only depending on the conditions—the quality of the balls as well as their state— and mainly the cloth. Usually on old cloth and with balls that aren’t clean, you will get a lot more throw than on a brand new felt. Of course there is no magic for that ball; the best is just to try it and watch where the ball goes.

The rest of the setup is simpler.

Set up a ball 6 in front of the corner pocket but not too deep and on the long rail side. You will then need a bridge that you are going to place as diagrammed on the rail, making sure you have enough space under it so the cue ball can roll.

Pick also a jump cue and prop it up on the table or laying on the rail so it doesn’t disturb the shot.

The last element of the shot is the cue ball.

There are a few options for that ball, but I personally set it after the diamond line and almost in line with ball 2, maybe a centimeter to the its right.

Let’s study the execution of the trick shot now. Shoot the cue ball 3 rails with a medium to hard stroke using top left English, and the cue ball will travel as drawn while balls 1, 2, 3, 5 are being made. Ball 4 will replace ball 6 in front of the pocket while pocketing it.

In the meantime the cue ball should now pass under the bridge. Once the cue ball is in this zone, drop your cue (don’t break it please 😉 ) and quickly pick the jump cue in order to jump the moving cue ball into ball 4.

Of course the white ball has to be hit while still in motion. I said it before, this shot is far from easy as it combined the elements of a set up plus a jump shot.

You will need some patience and skill to perform it but it will for sure bring the house down if you can perform it correctly.

Due to complexity of this shot it is hard to really explain more and like I say, the best thing to do to master this shot is practice, so have fun practicing!

Florian Kohler

Photo: {Source} Editor: Dana Gornall

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