Cushion First Meaning in Billiards

Cushion first is a shot where the cue ball hits a rail before touching any object ball. This is also known as a ‘kick shot’ and is usually used when your target is blocked by other balls. You must judge the angle of the bounce perfectly to make successful contact. If you miss the object ball after hitting the rail, it is often a foul. For example, a player hits the side rail first to bounce the cue ball into a hidden solid. This cushion first move allows them to escape a difficult safety play by their opponent. It is a vital skill for getting out of trouble on a crowded table.