How to Line Up the Spot on a Billiards Table

Billiards tables (also called pool tables or pocket billiards tables) come in a variety of sizes, but regardless of the size, the two spots on the table---the head spot and the foot spot---are located in the same position relative to each end of the table. The head spot is located in front of the head rail, and the foot spot is at the other end of the table in front of the foot rail. The balls are racked on the foot spot, and they're struck by hitting the cue ball from any position behind the head spot. You can mark these spots on the table by using the dots located on the head, foot and side rails.

Instructions

1

Stand at either end of the billiards table and find the center dot on the rail. Standard pool tables have three dots on each end rail (called the head rail and the foot rail), and three dots between the corner pocket and the side pocket on the side rails. The center dot is the middle one on the end rail.

2

Place a longer straightedge (such as a yardstick) flat on the table, directly aligned with the center dot on the head rail.

3

Place a second straightedge on the table, directly aligned with the middle dot of the three dots located between the corner pocket and the side pocket.

4

Double-check the alignment of the two straightedges. Use a marker to pinpoint the spot on the table where the two straightedges intersect.This is where you should position the head spot.

5

Move to the other end of the table and repeat Steps 1 through 4 to line up and position the foot spot.

6

Mark the head spot and the foot spot using spot stickers, which are available at billiards supply stores.