About The Shot

The cue ball hits the tray sending the 3 ball up the rail. The cue ball, meanwhile, goes three rails and meets the 3 ball by the side pocket, knocking it in, if you're lucky!

Discipline: Special Arts

Difficulty: Advanced

Shot Compilations

Tim Chin Originals

Tray Side Timing

Make This Shot

Here you can see the edge of the ball tray is about even with the first diamond. Four object balls in the corner slots weigh the tray down so it won't flip, but is light enough so it propels the 3 ball down the rail. I like keeping the 3 ball off the rail initially. (Figure 1)

I place the cue ball one ball width off the short cushion on the long centerline of the table. (Figure 2)

I use an aim point on one of the balls in the tray to start with, hitting with about a half tip of draw and half tip of left. More left will send the cue ball longer. Being a timing shot, speed is very important as it affects how fast the 3 ball travels down the rail. It's best to try to get the 3 ball to stop in front of the side pocket.

Video: Tray Side Timing

Video: Tray Side Timing

Tray Side Timing

Figure 1

Tray Side Timing

Figure 2

Tim's Tidbit

Here's a devious shot I invented that helped me with the 2010 UTS Championships.