Cushion Meaning in Billiards

The cushion is the rubber lining inside the rails. It makes balls bounce back onto the table. Cushions create predictable rebounds during bank and kick shots. Good cushions respond evenly across the table. Worn cushions cause weak or uneven bounces. For example, a player banks a ball off the side cushion. The ball rebounds at a clean angle into the pocket. Cushions shape how angles work in the game.