Distance Meaning in Billiards

Distance refers to the gap between the cue ball and the object ball during a shot. Long-distance shots are much harder because any tiny error in your aim is magnified over the length of the table. Close-range shots offer a much higher margin for error and are generally easier to sink. Controlling the distance through position play is the secret to high-scoring runs. For example, a player works hard to keep the cue ball within two feet of their next target to minimize distance. This makes every shot high-percentage and reduces the chance of a costly miss. Mastering your stroke at different distances is a core part of becoming a consistent player.