In this video I break down a simple way newer players can start predicting cue ball paths: the tangent line, also called the 90° rule. When you hit a shot with a stun-type hit (not rolling forward and not drawing back), the cue ball wants to leave the object ball on a line that’s close to 90 degrees from the object ball’s path. Once you understand that picture, cue ball control stops feeling like guesswork and starts feeling repeatable. I focus on how to use that tangent line as your “default” cue ball route so you can plan position on the next ball. The big takeaway is learning what makes the cue ball follow that tangent line versus when it starts to bend off it—like when you add follow, draw, or extra speed. If you’re a beginner trying to get out of the habit of just pocketing balls and hoping for shape, this is one of the first systems I recommend learning because it gives you a clear starting point for aiming your cue ball, not just the object ball.