Skip to content

Watch

Gospel trick shots.

Each entry keeps the shot number, name, description, scripture, setup, and theme from Pool Table Parables. A video is shown only when that shot was found on theGospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc. channel.

Visit our YouTube channel

Catalogue text and diagrams are from Pool Table Parables, Complete Edition v1.1, published by Gospel Trick Shot Ministries, Inc..

Permitted use and attribution

Gospel Trick Shot Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry, our goal is to share messages of faith through the game of billiards. Therefore, permission is gladly granted to individuals, churches, youth groups, and ministry leagues (such as church pool leagues) to:

  • Download and print copies of individual trick shot pages for physical distribution during live demonstrations or devotionals.
  • Share the complete, unaltered PDF file digitally via email, messaging apps, or church websites.
  • Use the scriptural illustrations and trick shot names in sermons, lessons, or online media.

To protect the integrity of this ministry outreach, you may not:

  • Sell, rent, or monetize this PDF, printed copies, or any individual shots for commercial profit.
  • Alter, remove, or edit any text, scripture references, or graphics.
  • Remove the ministry's name, logo, or contact information from any shared materials.

When sharing these parables, please credit the source. For booking live exhibitions, instructional clinics, or inquiries about international outreach, please contact Gospel Trick Shot Ministries, Inc., 13261 Stanbridge Ave, Downey, CA 90242. Phone: 714-742-9271. Website: www.GospelTrickShot.org.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#1

Obstacles

PERSEVERANCE

trials · endurance · hardship · trust · courage

Obstacles - My personal life was full of obstacles. Having been separated from my wife for 19 1/2 years taught me to go on and go through the obstacles of my life!

Scripture. Romans 5:3-5; Il Corinthians 4: 17; James 1:2-8; Proverbs 3:5-6; John 14:27; and Psalm 31:24. Each one is worth reading in any translation.

Cue ball
Place the cue ball as shown and shoot directly through the center of the butterfly.
Object balls
Place the six object balls on the table first as shown allowing for directional throw in each pocket. Lay your stick-on table to make sure the center two balls of the butterfly (6 balls) are centered and about 2/3 of a ball width apart. Place the two remaining object balls frozen to the cue ball and headed to the inside of the side pockets.
Objective
Pocket all eight balls as shown thereby going through the obstacles of life.
Notes
Focused concentration on firm center cue ball hit, straight stoke, and follow through.
History of the shot

This is a spin-off of the "Butterfly Shot" made famous by Willie Mosconi on the Ed Sullivan Show in the 1960's. I saw Jim Rempe add two balls in the front of the cue ball creating an obstacle. I concluded that this shot would now represent the obstacles in my life. My good friend, Pastor Scott Packard in Albany, NY, used a video tape of me doing this shot and 10 others as part of his weekly APA church league's 15-minute devotional. At the time, Scott owned that APA Mohawk Valley franchise.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#2

Deception

TRUTH

lies · discernment · appearances · God’s Word · direction

Deception When I finally mastered the shot, I realized that the shot was very deceiving as the cue ball heads in one direction with the 8-Ball going in the side pocket moving in the opposite direction. I thought about situations in life that appear to be headed in the wrong direction and people who mislead you. I realized that we must rely on God's Word and what He will do!

Scripture. Jeremiah 29:11; I John 1:8; Proverbs 12:19-22; Philippians 1:6; Galatians 6:3; Romans 10:9,13; John 3:16; Romans 8:28.

Cue ball
Place cue ball as shown moving no more than a diamond width from that position.
Object balls
Place object balls as shown frozen with the two pairs of balls on rail with the top ball in the pair about ½ ball over the other. The pair of balls on the bottom rail are the key balls in the six-ball combination with the other two pairs of balls clearing out for the 8-Ball to pass towards the side pocket. The 8-Ball is pocketed aft er kicking off the single object ball sitting in front of side pocket E.
Objective
Pocket only the 8-Ball using all the object balls (see note below) in the set-up of the trick shot.
Notes
You can add or remove one or more object balls from side rail DE combination to adjust for proper contact from the pair of balls on head rail DA. Split first pair of balls on rail DE with slight low draw English on the cue ball so it does not collide with the 8-Ball coming up rail DE.
History of the shot

The first time I saw this shot was the early 1970's when a road player came to my pool room in Verona, NJ and set up the shot to show off aft er beating up on some of the locals. I tried the shot unsuccessfully until years later when my road partner Mike Massey gave me some pointers.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#3

Peer Pressure

CONVICTION

choices · influence · conformity · character · courage

Peer Pressure - Having been a teacher for 23 years to mostly college freshmen, I often thought about the tremendous peer pressure imposed on them. In many of my college shows, I almost always include this shot to remind students about choices in life. I ask them to pick one of the four pockets ABDE which represent four possible directions in life. I remind them that their Creator has a special plan for them as each person is uniquely different. Peer pressure can take them out of God's good plan for their life. Be careful who you keep company with!

Scripture. Romans 12:2; Proverbs 22:2425; Proverbs 4:14-16; Proverbs 22: l; II Corinthians 6:8; I Corinthians 15:33.

Cue ball
Depending on designated pocket ABED, the cue ball will be placed accordingly.
Object balls
Place six balls frozen around the black 8-Ball as shown with four ½ inch gaps.
Objective
Hit the object ball closest to cue ball full and firm and watch 8-Ball go in designated pocket.
Notes
Continue to reposition cue ball same distance from closest object ball so that you can make 8-Ball in all four pockets around the symmetrical shape. Place scarf over the object balls for special effect. Then position cue ball so that the line to strike the object ball is directly to the opposite pocket. In diagram you would aim for pocket D and 8-Ball would come out from under scarf to pocket A.
History of the shot

The first time I think I saw this trick shot was in an exhibition by the late great BCA Hall of Fame pool player Jimmy Caras. There are many other names for this shot as it has been around for a long time. One other name for the shot that I am aware of is the Rosebud.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#4

Proud/Humble

HUMILITY

pride · servant · others-first · Jesus · surrender

Pride/Humble Shot-When I was lookingfor GTS shots, I remembered seeing the balls in this particularshot fall to the table. My mind went to Proverbs 16:18 that "pridecomes before a great fall." Many times in my life I have becomeprideful and suffered the painful consequences.

Scripture. Proverbs 16:5, 18;our example Jesus in Philippians 2:5-1 1.

Cue ball
Place cue ball directly in line with pocketB as shown.
Object balls
Suspend two object balls on twodifferent coin wrappers with one cut about twothirds the size ofthe other placed closest to cue ball so that when the object ballscrash to the table they will collide and travel into pockets B andE. Place a third object ball in front of pocket B.
Objective
Shoot the cue ball and pocket the third object ball infront of pocket B. Hit about half of the ball so that the cue ballgets out of the way of the other object ball headed to that samepocket.
Notes
Must hit both coin wrappers as cue ball passesunder suspended balls while heading towards third object ball.Lift hands off table to avoid obstructing the path of object ballmovingto pocket E.
History of the shot

The first time I saw this shot was in ashow in Chattanooga, TN performed by the great BCA Hall ofFame pool player Nick Varner after he won his first WorldChampionship in 1980. Thirty years later, I did a show with Nickin Arizona as his special guest.He remarked after the show thathe never saw that shot and others used that way. I thanked Nickand shared that my shots are GTS shots.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#5

Walls

FORGIVENESS

anger · jealousy · relationships · reconciliation · self-control

I never forgot that night with Fats. Years later I would name the shot “Walls” because it looked like a wall as I related it to matters of the heart. We build walls with people when we get angry, don’t forgive, are jealous, or lack self-control. This shot became a GTS favorite as stories about my own walls revealed the need to take down the walls and have healthy relationships with people.

Scripture. Proverbs 27:4, 15:18, 27:4, 3:31, 14:30 and James 1:19, 20.

Cue ball
Place cue ball as shown but its position can be adjusted forward or backward slightly.
Object balls
Start with the first object ball closest to side pocket E as shown. Then place the other three in a straight line in front of the first object ball. Notice balls are slightly to the right of side pocket E. Place an object ball in corner pocket C as shown.
Objective
Pocket four object balls (wall) near side pocket as shown with cue ball coming back to pocket final object ball near corner pocket C.
Notes
Hit cue ball in the center aiming to split the middle two balls. You can go slightly forward or back with the cue ball after you see the direction of the cue ball. You can also place the triangle in front of the object ball hanging in pocket Cto make a larger target area for the cue ball to pocket theball.
History of the shot

In 1983 in Tupelo, Mississippi at a pro 9-Ball event, Minnesota Fats did this shot five times missing the first four in his special trick shot show. Each time he missed he told a better story to the delight of the crowd. Earlier that day he had invited me to do the show with him to be his caddy. I got to witness first hand not only the shot but the art of telling stories during a trick shot show!

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#6

Be Still

STILLNESS

quiet · listen · rest · reflection · presence

When I observed that the cue ball in the center of the shot does not move, I thought about how God wants us to be still and reflect on Him. My nickname is “Leapin” and I did not get that name by being still. This shot always reminds me to spend time being still as I seek the Lord.

Scripture. Psalm 46:10 says to “Be still and know that I am God;” and also Proverbs 8:34 and Psalm 131:2 say more on the subject.

Cue ball
Place cue ball in between the two object balls as shown. Use another object ball to replace the cue ball as the ball you strike to set the shot in motion.
Object balls
As shown in the diagram below.
Objective
Hit center ball on the third object ball to the outer edge (1/4 ball) of the object ball closest to pocket A. If hit at just the right angle the balls will go in as shown with the cue ball remaining still.
Notes
Some cushions play shorter or longer so you can move the three balls left or right on the head rail to make an adjustment. They must always be frozen to the bottom rail and to each other to be successful. A variation to this shot is to place a dime 1/4 inch on the cushion in front of the object ball closest to pocket A. Place a coff ee cup 2 inches behind the dime and standing upright on the rail. Shoot the “Be Still” shot in the same way and watch the dime pop up into the cup for added aff ect.
History of the shot

The first time I saw this shot was probably in a trick shot show by the great Hall of Fame pool player Irving Crane from Rochester, NY. I had the privilege of playing in the 1977 World 14.1 Straight Pool Championship with him where he took 4th in his mid-sixties and I took 9th as a 26-year-old. This classic shot was used by many of the game’s greatest players in their trick shot shows.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#7

Salvation Bracelet

SALVATION

sin · cross · blood · cleansing · heaven · grace

The five Gospel colors in order are black for the darkness of sin, red for the blood of Jesus, white for the cleansing of sin, gold for the promise of heaven, and green for growing in grace. The Serving Hands group at the Hawthorne Gospel Church has made tens of thousands of these bracelets for Gospel Trick Shot. They have been distributed all over the world as the shot was being performed.

Scripture. Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10, 10:13 and Il Peter 3:18.

Cue ball
Place cue ball in between the other four colored object balls – black, red, gold, and green. Use another object ball or another cue ball to perform the shot.
Object balls
As shown in the diagram below with the black eight ball first, then red three ball, white cue ball, gold or yellow one ball, and green six ball.
Objective
Using another cue ball or object ball hit the eight-ball firm full in the face and directly in line with pocket A. All five Gospel colored balls will be pocketed as shown in diagram.
Notes
If the cue ball is a different size and weight then adjust the tangent line accordingly on the red, white, and gold balls to successfully pocket all balls. Observe that the last two balls are a combination into pocket F and the green six ball will throw about two ball widths because of the directional force.
History of the shot

My former road partner in the 1980’s, Mike Massey, used this classic shot in his fabulous repertoire for years. He is still considered by many the greatest trick shot artist of all time. Mike called it the “Smiley Face” and later when we traveled together with Gospel Trick Shot, I used the five specific Gospel colors and renamed the shot the “Salvation Bracelet.”

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#8

Titanic

RESCUE

Jesus · Ark · saved · eternity · decision

The first thought I had about this shot was that everything must be sunk and hence the name Titanic. I later realized that there was another boat called the Ark, built by God, that was designed to float and save humanity. The comparison about which boat to be on as we travel through life crossed my mind! I realized that for years, I was on the Titanic. When I met Jesus, I switched to the Ark.

Scripture. Genesis 6:1-11:32; Hebrews 9:27; and Acts 4:12.

Cue ball
Place cue ball as shown and hit firm through the middle of the six object balls.
Object balls
Place two balls each hanging near pockets B and E as shown. Follow set-up of Gospel Trick Shot #1 but move the two balls with the cue ball back about 1.5 inches. Aim those two balls frozen to the cue ball directly at the balls closest to pockets B and E. Place one ball near each of pockets A and D as shown. You can adjust to other sides of pockets A and D if needed. Place 8 Ball on rail on a cube of chalk.
Objective
Stoke hard with good follow through to make 14 balls in one shot. For added affect, you can place the eight ball on a cube of chalk nearby and after the shot simply drop it in your side pants pocket.
Notes
Remove six balls in the middle and test with a firm stroke the cue ball with the two frozen object balls and the two hanging balls in each of pockets B and E. If this works then do the complete shot.
History of the shot

My Gospel Trick Shot road partners Mike Massey and Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman worked with me on this shot. Mike was the first trick shot artist I saw use this shot in his show.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#9

Joy

JOY

Jesus-first · others · strength · contentment

After practicing the shot, the thought came to me that I can use the balls to represent the letters J, O, and Y spelling the word joy. I further thought about a Bible lesson I learned years before about putting Jesus first, others second, and yourself last if you want to have lasting JOY. Since I was an English professor, the letters in the right order form the acronym JOY.

Scripture. Nehemiah 8:10 and Psalm 73:26.

Cue ball
Place cue ball as shown but it can be adjusted to accommodate the shooter.
Object balls
Place the one-ball frozen to the rail as shown. The two-ball is in front about one half ball width away from pocket A. The three-ball is set up for a combination into pocket D as shown allowing for directional throw.
Objective
Hit the cue ball to pocket the one-ball with inside English hitting the rail and the ball at the same time. Ignore the other balls as if they were not there. All three balls will go in order with the one and two balls going in pocket A and the three-ball following across in pocket D.
Notes
This configuration can be adjusted by moving the one-ball slightly in either direction along side rail AB. The other balls will remain in approximately the same formation.
History of the shot

This is one of those oldies but goodies! A very simple l, 2, 3 shot that I had seen BCA Hall of Fame players Nick Varner and Jimmy Caras use along with a few others.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#10

Parting of the Red Sea

GRACE

free gift · deliverance · salvation · receive · cross

Naming the shot “Parting of the Red Sea” idea was suggested to me by Mike Massey. When you read the objective below, it should be obvious why the name was given. However, the message is the most important thing in this shot. I added a bag to the shot and added the name “Free Gift.”

Scripture. Exodus 14 and Ephesians 2:8-9.

Cue ball
Place the cue ball approximately one ball width from the side rail diamond as shown. If needed move cue ball back from frozen two balls on rail another ½ diamond.
Object balls
Place the two balls frozen to each other on the side rail one inch to the right of pocket E. Use the eight ball to be the ball frozen on the rail. Measure two balls width from outer frozen ball and place a third object ball ½ ball to the left. Now freeze another object ball ½ ball up from that third object ball. Repeat the process three more times with a two-inch gap between the pairs of balls.
Objective
Hit cue ball firm catching about ½ of the outer ball in the two frozen balls on the side rail by side pocket E. Make sure you have a good follow through to catch about half of that third ball. The four pairs of balls will separate as the black eight ball slides across the table into side pocket B.
Notes
Place a small “gift” bag (slightly larger than an object ball) on the table about one diamond width from side pocket B with the opening of the bag facing the path of the oncoming eight ball. It will enter the bag on its way to the side pocket and flip over and be deposited in side pocket B.
History of the shot

This shot has been used by many of the legends of pool. There are many variations to this shot and they can be found in many other published trick shot manuals. Mike Massey’s “World of Trick Shots” is the best in my opinion. My attempt to explain and diagram the shot is below.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#11

Rainbow

PROMISE

faithfulness · covenant · hope · God’s Word

Some trick shot shooters use the seven solid colored object balls in this shot. While teaching 4th and 5th grade back in the 1990’s, I used the acronym ROY G BIV (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) to remember the seven colors of the rainbow in the correct order. In the Bible, the rainbow represents the first promise from God never to flood the world again!

Scripture. Genesis 6-9, Hebrews 13:5, and I Corinthians 10:13.

Cue ball
Cue ball is not needed, however can be included to represent a cloud.
Object balls
As shown in the diagram below in the correct color order ROY G BIV.
Objective
Place a cue stick with the butt of the stick near corner pocket A on the table alongside rail ABC. Shoot the balls in the correct color order, with top right (running) English, so that they hit the 3 rails. The red ball should strike diamond 1 near pocket C and then each successive ball will strike one ball width above that. After 3 rails, the balls will hit cue stick on the table and slide into corner pocket A.
Notes
After you strike that first (red) ball, which is the first ball on the right in diagram, and it goes 3 cushions and passes you, then strike the next ball the same way and repeat the process until all balls are pocketed. You can learn to increase your speed by shooting two balls before one passes you and so on!
History of the shot

The first time I saw this shot was by the late great Lou “Machine Gun” Butera. This was his signature shot. He would shoot this shot in rapid fire and he was one of the fastest pool players on the planet. I had the privilege to play and notch a win again this legend! Years later, he attended our Gospel Trick Shot Bible studies and shared that he was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#12

Showing Off

FELLOWSHIP

together · community · friendship · support

This shot has always been a favorite of mine. For years, I combined it with the Pride/ Humble Gospel Trick Shot #4 for obvious reasons. My good friend and GTS helper, Pastor Michael Hewitt, put an interesting twist on the shot and I will use that below for an explanation.

Scripture. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12.

Cue ball
Place the cue ball about one diamond from pocket E and one ball from rail EF.
Object balls
Place an object ball as shown in line vertically and diagonally with the left point on the side cushion of rail ED. Place another ball directly in front with a third ball pointed to pocket A on a combination shot allowing for directional throw. Then two balls will be placed frozen to each other and the cushion as shown about one inch from pocket E. Place the eight-ball hanging in pocket C.
Objective
Hit the cue ball firm with top left (running) English catching about 1/3 of the outer object ball of the two frozen balls on side rail EF. The cue ball should strike the first diamond on side rail AB before the outer ball of the combination shot reaches corner pocket A. All five balls will disappear with the cue ball coming around the table three rails before depositing the black eight ball in corner pocket C.
Notes
Steve Mizerak in the commercial placed a cup on the table and lifted it to drink before the cue ball came around to pocket the eight ball and said “this is what I do when I am just showing off.”
History of the shot

This shot was made famous by my friend and former New Jersey native Steve Mizerak who is a BCA Hall of Famer and legend of the game. Steve did this shot on a Miller Lite beer commercial back in the 1980’s and went on to become larger than the game of pool as an international celebrity. I had the privilege to successfully compete against Steve many times in my professional career.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

Bonus 1

Friend That Sticks Close

FRIENDSHIP

Jesus · loyal · close · brother · sacrifice

When you see the outcome of this shot, the name and message become obvious. We joke around that I am deep (complicated) and he is shallow (simple). I have a math and physics explanation of Gospel Trick Shot #1 called “Obstacles” that covers about five chapters in my college physics textbook. After I am done, Tom breaks things down so even a child can understand.

Scripture. Proverbs 18:24 and John 15: 13.

Cue ball
The cue ball is placed as shown in the diagram.
Object balls
Use only the special two prop balls that are bolted together which can be homemade or custom made to order. Make sure that the right ball is in line with the right side of pocket B.
Objective
Hit the center of the cue ball firm. The cue ball will strike the center of the right object ball. Shoot the cue and right ball in a straight line to the right side of side pocket B. Both balls will go in pocket B together at the same time. You can comment after the balls go in that you can’t get any closer than that!
Notes
Make sure to hit this firm, as a softer hit will alter the direction of the twisting balls.
History of the shot

The only person I have seen use this shot is my Gospel Trick Shot travel partner Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman. We have been to a dozen countries together and this shot has always been one of his signature shots while sharing the love and joy of Jesus in his portion of the show.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

Bonus 2

Rise Up

RESILIENCE

rise · adversity · tragedy · strength · courage · rest

Like most Gospel Trick Shots when you see the visual image of the shot, the principle becomes obvious. Gospel Trick Shots were created to give an illustrated message using billiards. It can be in story format or simply one spiritual principle that applies to the visual created by the shot. In this particular shot, the Bobble Ball will rise up when struck in just the right way!

Scripture. Philippians 4:8, Psalm 27: l, and Psalm 37:39.

Cue ball
The cue ball or any object ball can be used as the resistance ball as show.
Object balls
Place Bobble Ball in front of resistance ball. Normally the Bobble Ball is placed with a gap of 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch between it and an object ball center to each other.
Objective
Hit the Bobble Ball straight into the “gapped ball” next to it and straight in line to pocket B and object ball will disappear into pocket B and Bobble Ball will remain spinning after it rises until it takes its rest (lying down) again.
Notes
You must hit the Bobble Ball very hard and as far to the right of the thin side as possible. This will generate maximum speed and spin. The record is about 30 seconds spinning like a top!
History of the shot

This shot requires the use of a Bobble Ball invented in 2009 by Fred and Devra Robledo who also made the GTS portable pool table in 2013. The Bobble Ball can be ordered at bobbleball. com. The shot was invented by WPA top 10 world ranked Artistic Pool player Jason “The Michigan Kid” Lynch. It was later used by another WPA top 10 ranked Artistic Pool player Brian “Superman” Pauley, plus BCA Hall of Famer Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#13

It Is Finished

ATONEMENT

cross · finished · accomplished · Jesus · works

The shot was named because with the rack and balls setup accordingly, one can see the head (C, 4, 2 balls), outstretched arms (7 and 6 balls), and feet (8, 5, 3, and 11 balls) of Jesus on the cross. Jesus spoke seven times on the cross, and one of the phrases Jesus said was “It Is Finished.” What Jesus accomplished on the cross, through his death, burial and resurrection was all that was needed to finish the work of man’s salvation.

Scripture. John 19:30, Romans 11:6, Galatians 2:16, and 2 Timothy 1:9.

Cue ball
Place the cue ball approximately 4 inches from the side pocket (B) as shown.
Object balls
Place two balls frozen to the cue ball (2) & (4) so that the object balls will be pocket into the corner pockets (D) and (F) respectively. Place the rack in the center of the table, about 10 inches in front of the cue ball, so there is sufficient clearance for the (2) and (4) ball to travel unobstructed towards the corner pockets. Freeze two additional object balls (6) and (7) against the rack as shown so they too will travel to the corner pockets (D) and (F). Lastly, line up four additional object balls, frozen together, with the (8) frozen tightly against the front of the rack. Make sure they are lined up so they can all travel straight into the side pocket.
Objective
Hit cue ball firmly aiming straight towards the Side Pocket (E). If you hit it perfect the cue ball will bounce back into side pocket (B).
Notes
Make sure you use a rack that is not too heavy or too light, as a flimsy plastic rack does not cause enough energy to cause the object balls to reach their destinations and a heavy rack might absorb too much energy.
History of the shot

This shot was invented by my road partner Mike Massey. After Mike, Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman, and I did dozens of Gospel Trick Shot shows together at various billiard industry events in the early 2000’s, Mike felt inspired to come up with this fantastic shot. This shot was also featured on my life story in a made for TV documentary for the 700 Club and the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) in 2007. The show was called the “Pastor Shoots Pool – The Steve Lillis Story.”

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#14

Narrow Way

WAY

Jesus · truth · life · narrow road · eternal life

This shot gets its name because the cue ball passes through the “narrow way” or window of balls on its way to pocketing the 8-Ball in pocket C. Jesus said in the Bible that he is the way, the truth, and the life. He also said that the way to life is narrow and the road to destruction is wide. Hence the way to a good and prosperous spiritual life and then eternal life with Jesus is narrow and few find it!

Scripture. John 14:6 and Matthew 7:13-14.

Cue ball
Cue ball is behind the long center line and across from the 3 ball. Object Ball(s) placement: The 1 and 2 balls are two balls out from the rail with the left edge of the 1 ball even with the right point of the side pocket. The 3 ball is angled to the left pocket point of the corner pocket. 5 object balls are along the 1st diamond line past the side pocket. There is a twoball gap between 5 more blocker balls to create the window or narrow way. There is a combo in the corner pocket. You can place the 8 ball alone in front of pocket C to make it more challenging!
Objective
Aim the cue ball to the contact point between the 1 and 2 balls with high left spin. This triggers the 3 ball to go into corner pocket A, the 2 ball to cross bank back in the side pocket as shown, and the 1 ball to go into side pocket B. The cue ball goes through the 2-ball gap and spins forward to make the combo or the 8 ball alone.
Notes
The toughest part of this shot is determining the speed of stroke and the amount of top spin that allows the cue ball to go through the gap without touching the balls.
History of the shot

This shot is part of the Artistic Pool program dating back to Year 2000 and put together by Artistic Pool Founder Tom Rossman, myself, and others as part of the WPA Artistic Pool Division. Even though we performed this shot in competition, I did not think of it as a Gospel Trick Shot until I first saw Brian Pauley use it in one of our Gospel Trick Shot shows. Brian is currently a Gospel Trick Shot Board Member and Chairman of the WPA Artistic Pool Division.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#15

Lazy/Energetic Rack

DILIGENCE

work · energy · effort · laziness · excellence

The name was based on truths found in the wise sayings of the Bible in the Book of Proverbs. The results of being lazy verses being energetic are compared. In literature it is called a couplet with antithetical parallelism. In billiards this couplet or two-part shot illustrates the point with a slow or lazy way to rack the balls compared to an energetic or quick way to rack the balls. Which way will you choose?

Scripture. Ecclesiastes 9:10 and Proverbs 6:6-11.

Cue ball
Cue ball is used to prop up rack as indicated in the Lazy Rack part and cue ball in hand as indicted in diagram for the Energetic part of the shot. Object Ball(s) placement: In the Lazy Rack diagram all fifteen balls are racked up with the one ball removed from the rack and with the cue ball used to prop up the rack as indicated in the diagram. The one ball will then go three rails around the table and enter the spot in the rack to kick out the cue ball with the one ball entering the rack to make a full rack of 15 balls all racked up. Part two the Energetic Rack requires a slight jump shot with the eight ball being flipped up off the cue ball and back into a full rack of 15 balls.
Objective
For the Lazy Rack the important part is to know your three cushions so that the one ball can consistently end up back into the full rack of 15 balls. For the Energetic Rack this slight jump shot on the eight ball back into the rack is a “feel” shot and requires patient practice. It is important that you place the cue ball frozen to the rack as indicated in the diagram between the second and third ball down in the rack.
Notes
For the Lazy Rack bank the one ball with running English about medium speed. For the Energetic Rack hit the eight ball with one tip of top right with a slight jump to flick it into the center of the rack.
History of the shot

This shot is a two-part shot. The first part called the Lazy Rack has been performed by the greats for many years. I saw it for the first time in 1980 as Nick Varner did a show in Chattanooga, TN as part of our Mike Massey 9-Ball Open in which I was the tournament director. The second part of the shot called the Energetic Rack is a derivative of a competitive Artistic Pool shot from the original 40-shot program put together in year 2000 as I served as WPA Artistic Pool Division Chairman and a member of the shot selection committee in the early 2000’s.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#16

Audience Participation Shot

PARTNERSHIP

together · participation · honor · helping · cooperation

The name obviously comes from the fact that instead of us showing off the shot ourselves, we can easily instruct an audience member to come up to the table and execute this shot. In the process we can begin a dialogue not only with that audience member but with the entire audience at large as they all look on with great anticipation. This enables us to continue to respectfully share our message which is always so important when we minister with a Gospel Trick Shot show!

Scripture. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 and I Peter 2:17.

Cue ball
Cue ball is placed beyond the center of the table as shown in the diagram to create an angle to make both objects balls as shown in the side pockets. Object Ball(s) placement: Object balls yellow #1 and blue #2 are set up completely frozen to the cue ball as shown in the diagram. Because the balls are frozen the cue ball when struck will create directional throw so it is important that the set up allows for this by aiming both combinations of balls towards the inside points of the side pockets. The red #3 and the purple #4 are set up as shown as a combination kiss shot with the red #3 on the foot spot and the purple #4 aimed to the outside of corner pocket F to allow for throw.
Objective
After you set up the shot, hand your cue stick to an audience member and direct them to hit the cue ball center ball aiming at the red #3 ball on the foot spot with no side spin English and with follow through. All the while you can be carrying on a fun dialogue with your helper! This is very important as the rest of the audience will sympathize with their cohort and root them on to make the shot. Give your helper as many tries as needed to execute the shot and have fun with the entire experience!
Notes
Make sure all balls are frozen as any gaps will cause the balls to not go into the pockets. If you are on a bar table with a large sized cue ball the directional throw will be more so you must make an adjustment in the set up accordingly.
History of the shot

This shot has always been an audience favorite and it is easy to set up and perform. The shot has been around for many years as our Gospel Trick Shot RACK team of performers have been using it for decades to engage crowds. Special memories of this shot date back to our Middle East tour in 2017. Dr. Cue and I used this shot in almost every performance to help audiences feel special and part of our shows. The result was it helped us build bridges and show respect for all people in probably one of the most difficult places on planet earth to minister!

Video coming soon

Shot diagram

#17

The Christian Way

SURRENDER

die-to-self · Christ · sacrifice · discipleship · following

WPA APD Chairman Brian Pauley named this shot “The Christian Way.” As you will see in the video and notice in the diagram set-up, there are many obstacles to push through to make that final ball in the corner pocket while using top spin. Brian explains that being a Christian is not easy as you have to “die daily” to self-interest and wanting your own way. When you let Jesus lead the way you will be wonderfully surprised at what God can do when you follow him.

Scripture. Romans 6:11, 8:13, Galatians 5:24, 2:20.

Cue ball
Cue ball in hand in the boxed area as shown in the diagram in the diamond segment areas as indicated. Object Ball(s) placement: Start by placing the first two balls frozen on the bottom rail about three quarters of a ball width apart. Then you can begin to line up the other ten object balls frozen to each other about one ball width from the bottom rail leaving an opening with the first ball and last ball as shown in the diagram. The final ball will be placed hanging in the corner pocket with the center line of the object ball lining up with the corner pocket points for maximum efficiency in pocketing that final ball.
Objective
Hit the cue ball with top spin first into the second ball of the two balls frozen on the rail and then with that top spin the cue ball will carom off of that first ball frozen to the rail and follow straight through the other 10 balls lined up while pushing those 10 balls out of the way to make a clear path to pocket the object ball hanging in the corner pocket.
Notes
If you are not successful you can adjust the distance between the two frozen balls on the rail slightly and also the ball width of the 10 balls in the line-up. You want to strike as many balls as you can while pushing through with the cue ball.
History of the shot

This shot comes from the 2018 Official Shot/Challenge Program for World Artistic Pool which is sanctioned by the WPA. Brian Pauley is currently the Chairman of the WPA (APD) Artistic Pool Division and executes the shot in the video with a Gospel Trick Shot message as well. This shot comes from Disciple 4 Shot 2a and has a degree of difficulty rating of 7. Disciple 4 contains follow shots as there are 8 disciples in the program. Shots range from 6 through 10 so this shot is not too difficult once you learn the secret of how to make it consistently.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#18

Godly Union

COVENANT

marriage · threefold cord · Jesus-centered · commitment

This shot is a visual illustration of our featured Scripture verse this month from Ecclesiastes 4:12 which says “that two are better than one and a threefold cord is not easily broken.” I just recently officiated my niece’s wedding in California and she picked this verse to be used in the ceremony to represent that her Godly union with her husband was a threefold cord with herself, her husband, and Jesus Christ in the middle.

Scripture. Ecclesiastes 4:12 as mentioned above.

Cue ball
In hand, within two ball widths of slate cut of pocket ‘E’. Object Ball(s) placement: ‘B’ and ‘F1’ balls are in hand, frozen to the cue ball. ‘C’ and ‘F2’ balls are frozen with ‘F2’ ball on the foot spot and ‘C’ ball adjustable.
Objective
Shoot the cue ball towards ‘C’ ball on the left side. All 4 balls will go as diagrammed.
Notes
There are three ways that I can think of to illustrate this shot verbally. One way is by using the two balls on the head spot to represent the husband and the two balls by the side as the wife with Jesus the cue ball in the middle. A second way would be to use the two balls on the head spot to represent that two are better than one meaning that having a helpmate is a good thing according to the Genesis creation story when God made Eve for Adam. The three balls by the side would then represent the three-fold cord of husband, wife, and Jesus. A third way would be to pocket the two balls with your hand by hitting them with any object ball and then quickly setting two other balls back up on the foot spot with the three balls sitting by the side pocket all the while. Then say to the audience that a threefold cord makes it even better with Jesus in the middle and makes it an even better shot as well. Then execute the even better shot with all 4 balls going in!
History of the shot

This shot like Gospel Trick Shot #17 last month, comes from the 2018 Official Shot/Challenge Program for World Artistic Pool which is sanctioned by the WPA. This month Larry Nicholson from Texas who is part of our GTS RACK Team and also the (PBIA) Professional Billiards Instructors Association executes the shot on video and describes the Gospel Trick Shot message that goes along with the shot. This Artistic Pool shot is from Disciple 1 Shot 1b in the program and has a degree of difficulty rating of 6. The shots range from 6 to 10 but none the less a rating of 6 still requires practice, knowledge, and skill to make it consistently!

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#19

Come Back!

RETURN

wandering · draw-near · comeback · God · repentance

This shot is a visual illustration of our featured Scripture verses this month from James 4:8 which says “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” and Zechariah 1:3 “Return to me declares the Lord and I will return to you.” In the video you will see the cue ball come back which is symbolic of our return to God if we are heading in the wrong direction.

Scripture. James 4:8 and Zechariah 1:3.

Cue ball
In hand within 1x1 diamond zone near the corner pocket as shown in the diagram. Special thanks to PBIA instructor Larry Nicholson of Texas for the diagram.
Object balls
Red ball in hand within 1x1 diamond zone near the corner pocket with yellow ball hanging near pocket. Bridge is on the rail top along the 1st diamond. If desired you can prop up the short side of the bridge with a cube of chalk.
Objective
Shoot the cue ball into the red ball, making it into the far corner pocket. The cue ball will jump over the bridge, and draw back under it, to make yellow ball.
Notes
Sometimes the bridge may be unintentionally contacted with the cue ball and the shot will still be successful. The cue ball may also contact the side cushion or the head cushion prior to making the yellow ball in the corner pocket.
History of the shot

This shot is a continuation of converting Artistic Pool shots from the WPA sanctioned World Artistic Pool program into Gospel Trick Shots. In the 2018 Official Shot/Challenge Program this shot is found in Disciple 2 and it is Shot 3b. It is performed in the video by Brian “Superman” Pauley who is a top ranked World Artistic Pool competitor. Brian is on our GTS RACK Team and in the video explains the Gospel Trick Shot message that goes with the shot. This Artistic Pool shot has a degree of difficulty rating of 8. The shots range from 6 to 10 so this shot this month requires more practice, knowledge, and skill to make it consistently!

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#20

Tragic Loss!

COMFORT

grief · death · sorrow · heaven · weakness · hope

Larry came up with this shot the week after his dad went home to be with the Lord. The legacy he left was to love pool and love God. In the video you will notice that Larry explains that he will make the three striped object balls and get position on the eight ball to pocket it last as in a game of 8-Ball. He then draws the cue ball too far and pockets the eight out of turn and holds his head down because he has lost the game. This in turn illustrates Larry’s loss of his dad. In the Artistic Pool program to score the points you intentionally pocket the eight on the shot. You can always modify any Artistic Pool shot to give a visual of your GTS message.

Scripture. These are the Scriptures that spoke to Larry this past month on the passing of his dad: Psalm 30:5; 2 Cor 12:9-10, 1:35; John 14:1-4; Isaiah 54:10; Prov 14:32; Rev 21:4; and Psalms 23.

Cue ball
In hand comfortably as shown in the diagram.
Object balls
Stripped Object Balls (11,9,10) frozen as shown in diagram aiming to the inside of corner pockets A and C to allow for throw on object balls 11 and 10 from 9. The 8-Ball is a chalk’s width away from side pocket (E).
Objective
Shoot cue ball with extreme draw striking the center of the 9-Ball which is in the center of the three frozen balls. 9-Ball pockets in (B), 10-Ball pockets in (C), 11-Ball pockets in (A). Cue ball draws back pocketing 8-Ball in pocket (E).
Notes
Remember that the explanation of this shot in the video has been modified to accommodate Larry’s special message in honor of his dad.
History of the shot

This shot also is an ongoing continuation of converting Artistic Pool shots from the WPA sanctioned World Artistic Pool program into Gospel Trick Shots. In the 2018 Official Shot/Challenge Program this particular shot is found in Disciple 3 and it is Shot 3c. It is performed in the video by Larry Nickleson who is a PBIA instructor from Texas. Larry is also on our GTS RACK Team and in the video, he explains the Gospel Trick Shot message that goes with the shot. This Artistic Pool shot has a degree of difficulty rating of 6. The shots range from 6 to 10 so even though it is on the easy range of the spectrum this shot still requires practice, knowledge, and skill to make it consistently!

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#21

Prodigal Son!

RESTORATION

home · Father · wandering · welcome · forgiveness

Yours truly Steve Lillis did a live-in person Gospel Trick Shot show this past July of this year as Brian streamed it on the Big Money live steam and our GTS RACK Rooms live Facebook page. Brian has been videoing GTS shots for AZBilliards.com “Buzz” Magazine all year in the back room of the Big Money Billiard Parlor. He looks through the Artistic Pool program and is able to come up with a visual Gospel Trick Shot to relay a spiritual message. In this shot you will see why he calls it the Prodigal Son as you view his video. You can always modify any Artistic Pool shot to give a visual of your GTS message.

Scripture. Please read the actual story of the Prodigal Son as told by Jesus in the Bible in the Gospel according to Luke 15: 11 - 32.

Cue ball
Frozen to the cushion at the 3rd diamond.
Object balls
‘E’ ball frozen to the cushion and to the cue ball.
Objective
Shoot the cue ball to bank one rail as diagrammed. ‘E’ ball will roll in front of pocket ‘E’. The cue ball will bank back into ‘E’ ball and make it in pocket ‘E’.
Notes
Speed or pace of the shot is very important as well as your aiming angle on the other side of the table. Find your own and be consistent!
History of the shot

This shot also is an ongoing continuation of converting Artistic Pool shots from the WPA sanctioned World Artistic Pool program into Gospel Trick Shots. In the latest Official Shot/Challenge Program this particular shot is found in Disciple 5 and it is Shot 3a. In the video the shot is performed by Brian “Superman” Pauley in his home pool room called Big Money Billiard Parlor in London, Ohio. Brian serves as Chaiman of the WPA Artistic Pool Division and is on our GTS RACK Team. This Artistic Pool shot has a degree of difficulty rating of 8 with shots ranging from 6 to 10. This is a mid-range shot on the spectrum and requires practice, knowledge, and skill to make it consistently!

Video coming soon

Shot diagram

#22

Trinity — 3 in 1!

TRINITY

Father · Son · Spirit · one · God

This was one of the first Gospel Trick Shots that came to mind over 25 years ago when asking myself the above four questions. The three object balls sitting on the pool table represent the Trinity. You will notice that when hit correctly all three balls will go into the designated pockets all at the same time. Before shooting, I ask the audience who is greater the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit as each object ball represents one of them. After shooting the shot with all three balls going in at the same time, I comment to the audience that they are all equal as God is 3 in 1, the three equal Persons of the Trinity!

Scripture. Genesis 1:17 Then God said “Let US make man in our image” and John 17:11 Jesus said to the Father “that they may be one even as we are one” and Matthew 28:19 where Jesus said “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

Cue ball
Cue ball is not used in this shot.
Object balls
Yellow one ball by side pocket ‘B’ as shown in diagram. Blue two ball to the left frozen with aiming angle toward the inside of corner pocket ‘C’ with red three ball frozen to the right with aiming angle toward the outside of side pocket ‘E’ which is the left side of the side pocket while looking at the diagram.
Objective
Shoot the one ball center ball stroke directly towards the center of corner pocket ‘F’ with a good follow through. All three balls with enter their appropriate pockets at the same time.
Notes
Even though the one ball travels a further distance, the speed of the one ball will be greater than the other two balls. Hence, 3 in 1 all at the same time!
History of the shot

This month we are leaving the Artistic Pool program and sharing a simple trick shot that you can teach a young person even if they are relatively small. When thinking of a new Gospel Trick Shot, yours truly Steve Lillis usually asks four questions: what might the number of balls in the shot represent, or what might the direction the balls are heading in the shot represent, or what might the color of each ball in the shot represent, or finally what might the number on each ball used in the shot represent all in terms of a life lesson and/or a spiritual message. This particular shot has an obvious message as you will read below and observe in the video!

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#23

Detour

GUIDANCE

wilderness · detours · direction · God’s leading · journey

You will notice in the video that the cue ball takes a detour and does not head in the apparent direction it is aiming. In order to do this with the cue ball a fouetté stroke on the cue ball must be applied. A fouetté is a whip shot used when the cue ball and object ball are close together which makes it easy to keep spin on the cue ball. With the slight gap between the cue ball and the object ball in front the path of the cue ball deflects off to the right and then twists around south towards the target which is the triangle. Our Scriptural analogy is found in the Word of God in the Book of Exodus where the disobedient Children of Israel took a detour through the wilderness for 40 years on their way to the Promised Land. Similarly, God has something special planned for us but because we do not listen or grumble and complain we end up taking a detour. When we get back on track with God, he meets us where we are and gets us to where we need to be!

Scripture. This wilderness story is the longest section in the Bible as it spans five books of the Bible starting in Exodus Chapter 16 and running through Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy before God’s people finally arrive in the Promised Land in the Book of Joshua Chapter 4.

Cue ball
Frozen to the head cushion, and the back edge is aligned with the pocket point. Object Balls Placement: One-ball frozen to the head cushion and adjustable. 13 balls are in line, all frozen to cushion as shown in the diagram. The first ball the two-ball may be inside the pocket jaws. A blocker ball the eight-ball in the diagram is on the 1st diamond, exactly 4 ball’s width from the cushion. A rack is wedged into the side pocket, and the left edge is perpendicular to the cushion.
Objective
Shoot the cue ball into the oneball, making it in the corner pocket as shown. The ball will carom off the two-ball, causing the fifteen-ball to travel up the rail, possibly hitting the rack and sitting in front of the pocket. The cue ball will curve around the blocker ball and make the fifteen-ball in the side pocket, optionally hitting the rack on its way.
Notes
The blocker ball the eight-ball may not be contacted by any means until after the fifteen-ball has been made. The rack must be perpendicular. When the fifteen-ball ball hits the rack, it may not go in on its own. It must sit there and wait for the cue ball to knock it in.
History of the shot

This month we are returning to the 2020 Artistic Pool program currently in use on the Artistic Pool Tour with a Stroke Shot in Discipline 6 Shot 2a. This shot in competition is worth 7 points in the first attempt on a 10-point max scale so it is relatively easy for the professional Artistic Pool player but needs practice and experience to perfect for the amateur pool player. Brian “Superman” Pauley is our featured cue artist this month in the video and has aptly named this shot “Detour” as you will read below and then view in the video!

Match needs review

Shot diagram

#24

Candy Cane/Shepherd’s Staff

SHEPHERD

blood · sacrifice · protection · Psalm 23 · Jesus

Back in 2006 Steve Lillis did a candy cane shot on Telesports TV in Albania during the Christmas Season by placing a large candy cane on the pool table while executing another trick shot around it. That 2006 Albania video is on the GTS website at www.gospeltrickshot.org located on the video tab. The white represents the pure perfect Lamb of God Jesus sacrificed for the sins of the world. The red represents his blood that was spilled at the cross. The three strips represent the 39 strips that Jesus endured during a Roman flogging as 40 strips usually killed a person. The candy cane or shepherd’s staff is shaped like a “J” for Jesus or upside down a shepherd’s staff as Jesus is the Chief Shepherd of our souls.

Scripture. Jesus’ blood for us in Hebrews 10:19-22 and Leviticus 17:11 and as the Chief Shepherd in Psalm 23:1 and John 10:1-10.

Cue ball
Cue ball in hand as shown in diagram about a diamond width from object ball 6 in the diagram which is to be contacted first.
Object balls
The 3 ball is placed first along the long centerline of the table and one-half diamond back from the side pocket line. The 2 ball is frozen to the 3 with the 2-3 tangent line as indicated. The 1 ball is frozen to the 2 with the 1-2 centerline as indicated. The 4 ball is frozen to the 3 with the 3-4 tangent line as indicated. The 5 ball is frozen to the 4 with the tangent line as indicated. The 6 and 7 are set as a pair to reflect both the tangent and centerline positions.
Objective
Aim your cue stick to hit the cue ball in the center with no side spin. Aim the cue ball thru the 6 ball to the left pocket point of the side pocket. Do not put draw on the cue ball because it will draw back into the 1-2 path.
Notes
The explanation of the shot in the video relates to the Scriptures mentioned in the article above.
History of the shot

This month we are taking a trick shot out of Mike Massey’s book entitled “World of Trick Shots.” Mike and yours truly Steve Lillis were discussing a new Gospel Trick Shot on the phone for Christmas 2021. Steve mentioned a Candy Cane shot and Mike said that he had something like that in his book entitled “The Inquisative 7” because it looks like a question mark. Steve suggested that adding a cue shaft or cue butt on the table would look like a candy cane while using the red, white, and red striped balls. Steve then realized that there might not be enough of those colors available so adding any colored balls would do and then call it a shepherd’s staff as the candy looks like a staff as well. This particular shot has an obvious message as you will read below and observe in the video!

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#25

Bad Influence

WISDOM

friends · temptation · choices · consequences · escape

As Brian explains in the video sometimes in life there are bad influences or bad choices that can creep up on us and we become trapped. When we make poor choices, we suffer the consequences! Jesus always makes a way of escape for us! Most importantly, he died on the cross and paid the penalty for our mistakes. After that atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus ascended back to Heaven and sent us the Holy Spirit to help guide us to good choices and make a way of escape when needed. Brian also mentions Heaven and uses the 9-Ball to illustrate the goal. Someday after trusting Jesus in this life our struggle with poor choices will be over because we will be with Him for eternity! That’s a good choice and Good News!

Scripture. I Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” And Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Cue ball
In hand between head cushion and blocker balls.
Object balls
‘A’ ball is in hand, but frozen to the cue ball. ‘C’ ball is hanging in pocket ‘C’. A row of 6 blocker balls is exactly two ball widths from head cushion.
Objective
Jump cue ball over the blocker balls. ‘A’ ball will go in to pocket ‘A’. Cue ball will hit ‘C’ ball in to pocket ‘C’.
Notes
Blocker balls may not be contacted by any means until after object balls are made.
History of the shot

This month we are returning to the WPA Artistic Pool program using a jump shot from Disciple 7 Shot 2b. The value of this shot in the recent 2020 Artistic Pool program is 7 points which makes it a relatively easy jump shot. Brian “Superman” Pauley is a world ranked Artistic Pool player and demonstrates this shot in the video. He decided to call it “Bad Influence” when converting it into a Gospel Trick Shot. This is yet another example of using an Artistic Pool shot or any other trick shot for that matter to relay a spiritual principle or life lesson message that will not only entertain the crowd but will leave them with perhaps a life changing message.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#26

Right Side of the Road

PATH

road · Scripture · light · direction · choices

As Brian explains in the video sometimes in life, we get on the wrong road which can lead to problems and difficulties. Most importantly God will not be with us when we decide to take another road apart from His divine will and purpose for our lives. All of us are unique and special as God created us with individual talents and abilities. He also orchestrates the circumstances of our life to give us every opportunity to get on the right road. If we choose the wrong road, we suffer the consequences! If we allow Jesus the Chief Sheperd of our soul to direct us He will get us back on the right road. The Bible says that the road to destruction is wide but Jesus (The Word of God) will light our path if we let Him!

Scripture. Matthew 7:13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.” and Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Cue ball
In hand, but no more than 1 chalk width from the ‘5’ ball.
Object balls
‘5’ ball is slightly above the 2nd diamond line. Yellow striped ‘9’ ball is hanging in the corner pocket as shown in diagram. A prop cue has butt end frozen to side cushion and lies between ‘5’ ball and side cushion as diagrammed.
Objective
Make ‘5’ ball in the side pocket. Cue ball will jump over the prop cue and land between the prop cue and side cushion, contact the head cushion and opposite side cushion, optionally contact the prop cue, and then make the ‘9’ ball in the corner pocket.
Notes
Cue ball may not contact prop cue until after hitting side cushion.
History of the shot

Once again we are in the 2020 WPA Artistic Pool program converting them in Gospel Trick Shots. We are using a stroke shot from Discipline 6 Shot 2c worth 7 points on the first attempt. You get three attempts and the point value decreases by one point after each unsuccessful attempt. Again, this shot is relatively easy by professional Artistic Pool standards and that is why it is worth only 7 points out of 10 maximum points. Brian “Superman” Pauley is a world ranked Artistic Pool player and demonstrates this shot in the video. He decided to call it the “Right Side of the Road” when converting it into a Gospel Trick Shot. This is yet another example of using an Artistic Pool shot or any other trick shot for that matter to relay a spiritual principle or life lesson message that will not only entertain the crowd but will leave them with perhaps a life changing message.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#27

Beginner Shots

FOUNDATION

Trinity · obstacles · stillness · beginning · basics

Scripture. The Trinity is found in John 17:11. Second Corinthians 4:17 mentions that our obstacles and troubles are only temporary. Psalm 46:10 mentioned above is the key Scripture for the “Be Still” shot. Cue Ball(s) Placement: A cue ball is not used in the first shot for 3 in 1 and for the second shot the “Obstacle Shot” a cue ball is stationary and positioned as such in the diagram frozen to the two object balls. In the last shot called “Be Still” another cue ball sits frozen on the rail between two object balls as in the diagram while another cue ball that was used in the preceding “Obstacle Shot” is in hand as in the diagram.

Object balls
For the “3 in 1” shot the 1, 2, and 3 balls are placed near the side pocket as diagrammed allowing for one ball width of directional throw on the 2 and 3 balls aiming to the outside of the opposite side pocket for the 2 ball and the inside of the corner pocket that will receive the 3 ball. For the “Obstacle Shot” line up the combination kiss shot on the 6 and 7 ball allowing for directional throw on the 7 ball by aiming to the outside of that corner pocket with the 6 ball kissing into the opposite corner pocket. The 4 and 5 balls near the center of the table must be frozen to the cue ball and aiming to the outside of the side pockets to allow for one ball width of directional throw. In the final shot “Be Still” the 10 ball is in line with the first diamond on the bottom rail and the cue ball and the 9 ball are all frozen together as diagrammed.
Objective
Shoot the one ball straight into the opposite corner pocket as shown in the diagram and all three balls will disappear at the same time. Then shoot a few seconds later the cue ball straight into the 6 ball with center ball and all 4 balls will disappear. Pick up that cue ball and reposition as shown in the diagram and hit about ¼ of the 9 ball to pocket the balls leaving the cue ball in the center of the 9 and 10 balls on the rail frozen and still.
Notes
Directional throw (friction between ball surfaces) on all shots can be more or less depending the cleanliness of the balls and the humidity in the room. Check that all balls are completely frozen before attempting the shots!
History of the shot

Here are three of our most simple but amazing trick shots with a message that any would be Gospel Trick Shot artist can add to their own personal repertoire! The Gospel Trick Shots are all set up at one time to be made in under one minute with a short message attached to each. To do all three at once as performed in the video by yours truly Steve “Leapin” Lillis takes some extra practice. Sometimes when I start a Gospel Trick Shot show I use this technique as my opening. I saw this first done by Steve Mizerak over 40 years ago in the famous Miller Lite Beer commercial called “Just Showing Off.” Obviously, I am not doing the trick shots to show off but to demonstrate that all shots done in my Gospel Trick Shot show have a powerful message which is much more important than making the trick shots. GTS Names and Why: The first shot executed in the video is Gospel Trick Shot #22 which came out in December of 2021 and is called the “3 in 1” or the “Trinity Shot.” Which one goes in first? They all go in the same time and are equal just like Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the Trinity. The next shot executed seconds later in the video is Gospel Trick Shot #16 which came out in June of 2021 and is called the “Audience Participation Shot” or is a type of obstacle shot because life is full of obstacles. Finally, the third and final shot performed in the video is the classic Gospel Trick Shot #6 which came out way back in April of 2020 entitled “Be Still.” Three balls disappear while a cue ball remains still on the table illustrating the Scripture verse found in Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.”

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#28

Advanced Shots

MATURITY

growth · joy · sin · walls · God’s plan

Scripture. Joy Scripture is found in Nehemiah 8:10. Isaiah 59:2 mentions that our sin separates us from God for the wall shot. For the last shot, after salvation Jeremiah 29:11 says that God has a great plan for us! Cue Ball(s) Placement: Cue ball placement and control is critical for each shot. Look at the diagram and then observe in the video where the cue ball is located.

Object balls
For the “Correct Order” shot the 9 is frozen on the rail at the first diamond to the lower right-side rail in the diagram with the 10 set one half ball frozen over to the left of the 9 with the 11 frozen to the 10 and aimed at the outside of the corner pocket to allow for directional throw. In the “Walls” shot the first ball by the side pocket is the key ball and is in line with the tangent lines radiating outward from the right point of the side pocket when looking at the diagram. The other three balls are simply frozen and in a straight line. The “Salvation Bracelet” shot is the most difficult to set up as you must start with the cue ball along the center vertical line of the table and between the 3rd and 4th diamond (center of the side pocket) as shown in the diagram. Next, the red 3 and the yellow 1 are frozen on each side of the cue ball and imagine a perpendicular line coming out from between the balls straight into the far corner pockets that make the kiss shots “on.” Then set up a similar kiss shot on the black 8 frozen to the red 3 into the side pocket with the green 6 frozen to the yellow 1 for a combination aiming to the inside of the far corner pocket allowing for directional throw. The diagram is a good guide for entire set up!
Objective
First introduce the “Correct Order” shot and then shoot the cue ball with inside English hitting the rail and the 9 at the same time and watch the 10 kiss off the 11 with the 11 on a combination off the 10 into the opposite corner pocket. Then pick up and place the cue ball in line with the outer ball in the wall and in line with the 3rd diamond under where you are standing. Hit the cue ball in the center with a medium stroke splitting the two middle balls as shown in the diagram and watch the wall come down with all four balls pocketed! Finally pick up the cue ball again and head to the other end of the table and line up to shoot the 8 straight into the opposite corner pocket as shown in the diagram. Before shooting the 8 describe what each color represents and then hit the shot firmly and if you can right before you finish your last sentence and watch that last green 6 disappear in the corner pocket.
Notes
Directional throw (friction between ball surfaces) on all combinations and kiss shots can more or less depend on the cleanliness of the balls and the humidity in the room. Check that all balls are completely frozen before attempting the shots!
History of the shot

Here again this month are three more of our favorite Gospel Trick Shots but these are more advanced than our beginner shots from last month. These amazing Gospel Trick Shots with their messages would be a nice addition to your own personal repertoire! The Gospel Trick Shots again are all set up at one time to be made in under one minute with a short message attached to each. To do all three at once as performed in the video by yours truly Steve “Leapin” Lillis takes a lot of practice and rehearsal of the lines for each message. Using this technique is a great way to capture people’s attention! Then you can either do more shots or share something from your heart to point people to Jesus. Not only have I done this in live presentations but I use this one-minute technique to share on social media spaces like Facebook and YouTube which arouses people’s curiosity to find out more about Jesus and Gospel Trick Shot Ministries, Inc. We now have two websites with the original www. gospeltrickshot.org and our brand-new website www. gtsrackrooms.com. GTS Names and Why: The first shot executed in the video is Gospel Trick Shot #9 which came out in the “Buzz” magazine on www.azbilliards.com in September of 2020 and is called “Joy” or the “Correct Order” shot. The three balls in the video the 9, 10, and 11 balls are pocketed in order. The “9” can represent “J” for Jesus, the “10” can be “O” for “Others,” and the “11” can be “Y” for “Yourself.” To have true Godly joy you must put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last. The next shot executed seconds later in the video is Gospel Trick Shot #5 from March of 2020 and is called “Walls.” The setup of balls looks like a wall and if we have walls in our heart with people then there will be a wall or separation with God. Jesus is the great wall-breaker! Finally, the third and final shot performed in the video in under one minute is the classic Gospel Trick Shot #7 entitled “The Salvation Bracelet” which came out in May of 2020. The balls are set up like a bracelet with the following colors: black “8” for the darkness of sin, red “3” for the blood of Jesus, white cue ball for the cleansing of sin, yellow or gold “1” for the promise of heaven, and the green “6” to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#29

Star Burst

PURPOSE

God’s plan · future · creation · calling · hope

The name Star Burst as you will notice in the video by yours truly Steve “Leapin” Lillis comes from the visual display of the balls shooting across the table like shooting stars. Another name for this shot is the “Waterfall” for similar reasons. I have seen Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman do this shot many times in Gospel Trick Shot Shows and each time the “joy” of his amazing life and testimony shines through. God delivered Tom from a serious physical problem just in time to compete and win that 2002 ESPN Trick Shot Magic event which at the time was the highest rated billiard show on TV. The Star Burst not only led him to that first major victory in 2002 on TV but also propelled him to other major Artistic Pool titles and the honor of eventually being selected into the BCA Hall of Fame in 2017. Now Tom uses his credentials and that shot and others to glorify the Lord! God created and had a specific plan for Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman which is stated in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This is what God has for you too!

Scripture. God created the stars in Genesis 1:17 and God made mankind male and female in his image in Genesis 1:27 and by the prophet Jeremiah in 29:11 God says he has a great plan for your life! Cue Ball(s) Placement: In this particular shot a cue ball is not needed!

Object balls
Notice in the diagram the position of the first ball which is the 1 ball as it can be placed in a comfortable position in front of the side pocket where you are standing to make the shot. Notice how the 2 ball is frozen to the 1 ball and aimed on a combination to the left side of the opposite side pocket as you are looking at the diagram to allow for direction throw and the 3 ball is lined up frozen to the 1 ball pointed to the inside of the corner pocket to also allow for directional throw as well. With that principle of directional throw, you can now line up the next 4 sets of balls just like in the diagram. You now have a total of 15 balls in 5 sets lined up so that the middle ball in each set forms a straight line to the opposite corner pocket from where you are standing.
Objective
You must shoot the middle ball in each set of balls straight through and into the opposite corner pocket in 5 successive strokes of the cue with a floating bridge above the balls. The floating bridge takes some practice so work with a few sets of 3 balls to get used to that stroke of the cue stick. If the outside balls in the sets are lined up correctly then they will all go in. If you miss just readjust for the proper directional throw for each ball that misses.
Notes
Please remember that directional throw (friction between ball surfaces) on all combinations, push shots, and kiss shots can more or less depend on the cleanliness of the balls and the humidity in the room. Check that all balls are completely frozen before attempting the shots!
History of the shot

The concepts of this trick shot and many other trick shots that are used today by trick shot artists worldwide and also used in the current WPA Artistic Pool events was introduced by the legendary Japanese trick shot artist Yoshikazu Kimura. Mr. Kimura owned a 3-table pool room in Japan where he practiced his craft. He passed away at the age of 84 in 2016. Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman popularized this shot in America when he made it on the first attempt at every ESPN Trick Shot Magic and World Cup of Trick Shots event that he participated in on TV. The Star Burst was used to defeat World Champion Mike Massey and future champion at the time Stefano Pelinga to win his first ESPN Trick Shot Magic event in 2002. The “Star Burst” then became a favorite Gospel Trick Shot of Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman when he traveled with yours truly Steve “Leapin” Lillis to do Gospel Trick Shot Shows all over the globe and across the USA.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#30

Rainbow Jump Shot

HOPE

promise · return of Christ · eternity · trust

As Brian explains in the video the colored balls represent the rainbow and in this case six of the actual seven colors of the rainbow are used in this particular shot. Yours truly Steve “Leapin” Lillis did another simpler version of a rainbow shot using all seven colors of the rainbow back in November 2020 for the “Buzz” which is on file in the AZBilliards Buzz archives. The rainbow represents not only the promise of God not to flood the world again because of the wickedness of humans, but also many other wonderful promises like the one Brian mentions in the video from John 14: 3 that Jesus will come back for all those who put their trust in him!

Scripture. Genesis chapters 6 – 9 has the entire story of The Great Flood! John 14:1-3 reminds us not to be troubled but to trust that Jesus will come back for his own to be with him for all of eternity!

Cue ball
None
Object balls
6 object balls are in hand within a rack. A rack is placed on the table as shown in the diagram. The point of the rack may not pass the long center line of the table.
Objective
Make all six balls using a 1-handed jacked up stroke, jump all object balls out of the rack, one at a time, into the opposite side pocket.
Notes
In competition the rack may not be contacted by any means. When jumping a ball, no other ball may be disturbed.
History of the shot

Once again we are back in the 2020 WPA Artistic Pool program currently still in use converting them into Gospel Trick Shots. We are using a jump shot from Discipline 7 Shot 5b worth 10 points on the first attempt. You get three attempts in competition and the point value decreases by one point after each unsuccessful attempt. This shot is difficult even by professional Artistic Pool standards and that is why it is worth 10 points out of 10 maximum points. Brian “Superman” Pauley is a world ranked Artistic Pool player and demonstrates this shot in the video. He decided to call it the “The Rainbow Jump Shot” when converting it into a Gospel Trick Shot. This is yet another example of using an Artistic Pool shot or any other trick shot for that matter to relay a spiritual principle or life lesson message that will not only entertain the crowd but will leave them with perhaps a life changing message.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#31

The Unity Shot

UNITY

one · teamwork · marriage · friendship · cooperation

In the video Mike Massey and his current road partner Rob “The Hurricane” Peacock perform this shot in a Gospel Trick Shot show recently in the Sebring, Florida area where they are both currently located. You will notice in the video that Mike and Rob have to be in perfect “unity” to avoid all the possible collisions and obstacles that can result if that are not working together. The result is 10 object balls find their way into the pockets without obstruction because Mike and Rob are in perfect “unity” on the execution of the shot! This is also true in life as people who want to accomplish things together for the glory of God need to work in unity with one another. This can apply to a marriage, a work relationship, a friendship, and in this case pool players executing the shot correctly.

Scripture. Psalm 133:1 “How good and how pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” and Jesus prayed in John 17:21 that we would all be one as he was one with the Father!

Cue ball
Place cue ball(s) a little more than one diamond from side pocket as shown in diagram. Do the mirror image on both sides as shown in diagram.
Object balls
Do the following directions for setup identically on both sides of the pool table as shown in the diagram! Place an object ball in line vertically and diagonally with the point on the side cushion of the rail as shown. Place another ball directly in front with a third ball pointed to opposite corner pocket diagonally as shown by the directional arrows on a combination shot allowing for directional throw. Then two balls will be placed frozen to each other and the cushion as shown about one inch from side pocket.
Objective
Hit the cue ball firm with top left (running) English catching about 1/3 of the outer object ball of the two frozen balls on side rail. The cue ball should strike the first diamond on the opposite side rail before the outer ball of the combination shot reaches the corner pocket. All five balls on each side of the table will disappear with the cue ball coming around the table three rails.
Notes
In order to avoid collisions, the two partners should hit their cue balls at about the same time. This can be done with one partner counting to three and both agree when to shoot ie. one, two, three, shoot!
History of the shot

This classic trick shot is a spin off from Gospel Trick Shot #12 “Showing Off” featured in the Buzz in the December 2020 issue and is double tough to execute. I call it “The Unity Shot” as you will soon understand why! The first time yours truly Steve “Leapin” Lillis did this trick shot was with my former road partner Mike “Tennessee Tarzan” Massey back in the early 1980’s. Mike and I were traveling together around the country competing in tournaments as Mike was doing his amazing trick shot shows and I was learning from the master! Since that time, I have done this shot in many Gospel Trick Shot Shows over the past 25 years with many GTS RACK team members and other world class pool players like BCA Hall of Famer Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman, Tommy Kennedy, Brian “Superman” Pauley, Jason “The Michigan Kid” Lynch, Jeanette “The Black Window” Lee, Robin “Bankroll” Dodson, and LoreeJon “Queen of the Hill” Ogonowski-Brown. If I am alone performing, before a GTS show I will look for someone from the audience who is handy with a cue stick and together we end up doing this shot in the show.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#32

Impossible Shot

POSSIBILITY

impossible · miracle · faith · God-can · breakthrough

Why is it called the impossible shot? Let’s break the shot down into its many parts. First the cue ball and the one-ball need to be lined up frozen to each other to make the push shot while pocketing the one ball with a fouetté stroke of the cue to curve past the side rail into the first cue stick. Then there needs to be enough spin on the cue ball to cut the two-ball off the bottom rail into the same corner pocket as the one. Then the cue ball with enough spin and speed catches the second cue stick knocking the threeball into the side pocket before sliding down the cue stick to pocket the four-ball in the opposite corner pocket of where the one and two were pocketed. Impossible you say? Look at the video and see for yourself! This shot also reminds me of a very important Scripture verse in the Bible and spiritual principle below! Scripture Reference in ESV Translation: Luke 1:37 “For nothing will be impossible with God!” This comes from the story of the virgin birth of Jesus when Mother Mary asked the angel how can this be that I will conceive a child without a man!

Cue ball
Place cue ball as shown in diagram frozen to the one-ball.
Object balls
Place one-ball aiming towards the inside of the bottom corner pocket as shown in the diagram allowing for directional throw and spin after applying top right fouetté English on the cue ball. The two-ball will be placed frozen on the center diamond of the bottom rail. The three and the four balls are placed hanging in their respective pockets as show in the diagram.
Objective
Hit the cue ball firm with top right fouetté english curving past the first side rail and catching the cue stick positioned on the table as shown in the diagram. The spin on the cue ball will cut the two ball off of the bottom rail and into the corner pocket. With all that spin on the cue ball it will catch the second cue stick and pocket the three-ball before sliding down that second cue stick to pocket that final fourball in the opposite corner pocket.
Notes
Observe the position of the two cue sticks on the pool table in the diagram. The fouetté stroke of the cue stick is a combination slight masse with top spin striking downward with top right at about 1:00 O’clock on the cue ball.
History of the shot

Legendary 17-time World Champion in multiple billiard disciplines Mike “Tennessee Tarzan” Massey is back again this month with a shot he named “The Impossible Shot.” This shot was done in a bar in Florida last winter as Mike and Rob “The Hurricane” Peacock were traveling around together doing Gospel Trick Shot shows the first half of 2022. Mike is a walking encyclopedia of billiard knowledge and history and this shot reflects the creativity of his amazing mind. When yours truly Steve “Leapin” Lillis needs to gather insight and information about pool and billiards, I go to my brother in Christ, road partner, and lifelong friend Mike Massey. This is a special trick shot from the mind of Mike who has invented and perfected seemingly an infinite number of shots!

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#33

One Lonely Soul

COMPASSION

lost · lonely · one person · Jesus · outreach

The renaming of the shot will hopefully be obvious as the cue ball going around the pool table represents Jesus going around the world for that one lonely soul. The black eight is placed as shown in the diagram all by itself. The cue ball travels around the table 3 rails after striking the four balls into the three designated pockets as shown in the diagram. The cue ball will travel anywhere from 12 to 16 feet depending on the size of the pool table and should end up in perfect position to pocket that one lonely eight ball in the bottom corner pocket. Most pool tables range from 7 to 10 feet in length and 3 ½ to 5 feet in width! Scripture Reference in ESV Translation: Mark 5:1-20 is a Bible story about Jesus and the demoniac. Jesus left the crowds in Capernaum behind and traveled to the other side of the Sea of Galilee to have an encounter with one lonely lost soul who was demon possessed!

Cue ball
As shown in diagram about one diamond segment for where the 4 object balls are placed.
Object balls
Begin by placing a ball on the spot. This ball helps with proper placement of the 1 and 3 balls. Both balls should be about ½ ball width from that set-up ball with an 1/8-inch gap between them. Imagine a straight line between those balls going through the center of the corner and side pockets. Then line up the 2 and 4 balls so that the 2 ball is heading to the right side of the side pocket and the 4 ball is heading to the outside of the corner pocket. Outer balls should be frozen!
Objective
Aim to hit about 1/5 of the 3-ball on the right side. Use high right english with a medium stroke. When hit correctly all 4 balls will go in while the cue ball travels around the table three rails to end up in a position to pocket that lonely 8 ball in the corner pocket.
Notes
The set up is critical to execute this shot so take great care to ensure the proper position of those important 1 and 3 balls in the middle.
History of the shot

We are back again this month with legendary 17-time World Champion Mike “Tennessee Tarzan” Massey with a shot he named “Position Wizard Shot” in his book entitled “Mike Massey’s World of Trick Shots.” This shot in a Gospel Trick Shot show has been renamed to “One Lonely Soul.” The video for this shot was done in a bar in Florida last winter as Mike and Rob “The Hurricane” Peacock traveled around doing Gospel Trick Shot shows in the first half of 2022. Yours truly Steve Lillis was with Mike in Morocco last month in October 2022 at the Blackball International World Championships competing in multiple tournament categories and doing Gospel Trick Shot shows on a blackball pool table. Mike did this shot successfully in each of our GTS shows in Morocco with the small blackballs on the small 7-foot blackball pool table with small snooker style pockets.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#34

Chattanooga Choo Choo

BATTLE

spiritual warfare · enemy · struggle · victory

It was in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1980 that my travels as a road player came to a screeching halt. After 3 years and 85,000 miles of travel by car around the USA, my wife Camille and I settled in Chattanooga. Mike Massey offered me a job working with him in his two pool rooms. We became road partners traveling to tournaments and we still travel together to this day. One night in Mike’s poolroom I was giving a lesson to a customer named Buddy, who began to share the Bible with me and specifically Ephesians 6:12. This particular Bible verse answered many of my questions that night and I began to read the Bible diligently. You can read the verse for yourself below as I had so many questions about why difficult things were happening in my life and I had no answers until that night! Over the next few years, I realized that I was on my way to heaven having put my trust in Jesus and his Word. The video is a visual of the train to heaven of which I am so thankful to be on! Scripture Reference in ESV Translation: Ephesians 6:12 “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

Cue ball
The cue ball which I call the engine is placed in front of the three object balls which I call the box cars on the train and is all held in place by a small piece of paper.
Object balls
Three object balls (box cars) are placed on the two frozen cue sticks behind the cue ball with the red three ball used as the caboose which goes around the table three rails and hooks up to the back of the box cars. Another object ball, the nine ball, sits in the side pocket near the red three ball as shown in diagram.
Objective
Hit the red three ball three rails around the table at just the right speed to go up the ramp opening as shown in the diagram created by a third cue stick next to the two cue sticks that are frozen together holding the cue ball and the three object balls. The three ball in motion will nudge the back object ball creating all the balls to move towards the side pocket where the cue ball hits the nine ball in the pocket with the other four balls following down into the side pocket!
Notes
Test the ramp opening on that third stick to make sure the three ball or any other ball for that matter can circle around at the top of the corner pocket and make its way down the two frozen sticks to hook up to the train (four object balls). The piece of paper holding the 4 balls will move out of the way when nudged!
History of the shot

This is a trick shot that has been around for probably well over 100 years and has been performed by some of the greatest trick shot artists of all time! Yours truly Steve Lillis has personally seen this shot performed by many of my peers and fellow trick shot artists like Steve Mizerak, Nick Varner, Tom Rossman, and Mike Massey. The shot has seemingly always been around and all that is needed to perform the shot is a few cue sticks, balls, and the pool table. There are also many variations of this shot as well using the same principles. I have used this shot often in my shows not only to amuse the fans but to share a wonderful story about my life and travels around the globe. There also was a famous tune sung by the Andrew sisters back in the 1940’s by the same name!

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#35

Blackball Gift

WAYMAKER

way · sea · impossibility · provision · God

Gospel Trick Shot (GTS) is a sponsor of USA Blackball along with 22 other USA billiard industry friends and partners. In Zambia as in the rest of Africa Blackball is King! The Zambian Blackball team sponsored by their government took second place in the BI World Championships in Morocco behind perennial powerhouse England which is where the game originated. GTS has a special project going on in Zambia supporting an orphanage with 62 young people who have been abandoned. During the past year money has been donated to GTS to supply a water well, bunk beds, and proper bedding for the children. On Christmas Day a pizza party took place to celebrate all that God did in 2022 for the “God at Work for Kids” ministry in Lusaka, Zambia. The media requested a video greeting from GTS President Steve Lillis. Steve in collaboration with Mike Massey worked on producing a video that included a Gospel Trick Shot to be given as a gift to the people of Zambia. The main theme of the shot as you will see in the video is that God will make a way when there does not seem to be a way! God bless Zambia! Scripture Reference in ESV Translation: Isaiah 43:16 Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters…… From the verse above we see that God introduces Himself as the God who makes a way.

Cue ball
The cue ball on a Blackball table is 1 7/8 inches and is smaller and lighter than the 2-inch object balls. Place cue ball as shown in the diagram.
Object balls
The 8-Ball is frozen to the side rail right at the edge of where the side pocket is rounded. All pockets on a blackball table are rounded just like a snooker table. A red object ball is placed frozen directly straight in front of the 8-Ball. Place two more object balls in front to measure a two-ball length to start placfront to measure a two-ball length to start placing the other 4 red balls in a straight line about two thirds of an inch apart. Now place the four 4 yellow balls angled and frozen with an equal distance between them as shown in the diagram. Proper placement of the red and yellow balls will open at just the right angle to avoid a collision with the 8-Ball when it comes through.
Objective
Aim the cue ball to hit about half of the red ball in front of the 8-Ball. To ensure that the light cue ball goes through hit it firm and follow through! Once the cue ball is through the 4 reds and 4 yellows will open up and allow the 8-Ball to have a clear path safely through to the other side pocket.
Notes
Because the object balls are only 2 inches and lighter than American 2 ¼ inch balls, adjustments might need to made by moving the adjustments might need to made by moving the cue ball to diff erent positions and the gap between the four pairs of red and yellow balls might need to be made smaller to ensure quick separation to make a path for the 8-Ball.
History of the shot

This shot was previously Gospel Trick Shot #10 entitled “The Parting of the Red Sea” which was featured on an American pool table in the October 2020 Buzz issue but now is reinvented on a Blackball pool table. This is a timeless shot that has been done by many trick shot artists through the years but not by an American pool player on a Blackball table during a professional Blackball event. The USA for the first time sent a team of pool players in October 2022 to Morocco to play in the 2022 Blackball International (BI) World Championships. While there yours truly Steve Lillis did this shot before a packed live audience in the main arena which was also live streamed to thousands of other people. For two consecutive nights the main arena was reserved for GTS Artistic Blackball shows with BCA Hall of Famers Mike Massey and Tom Rossman and with Steve Lillis leading the team as the first President of the newly formed USA Blackball Association.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#36

Lost Sheep

PURSUIT

lost · shepherd · searching · one · evangelism

In the video Mike Massey does an excellent job of explaining why this Gospel Trick Shot is called the “Lost Sheep.” He explains that the blackball pool table represents the entire world. Mike further points out there is a number of people (souls) who know they are going to heaven in the sheep fold which are represented by the five yellow balls clustered near the side pocket. There is one yellow ball in the far corner pocket which represent one person who has lost his way (lost soul). Jesus who is the Good Shepherd and is represented by the cue ball goes all the way around the world to get that one lost soul. Scripture Reference in ESV Translation: Matthew 18: 10-14 and Luke 15:4 says “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?”

Cue ball
The cue ball on a Blackball table is 1 7/8 inches and is smaller and lighter than the 2-inch object balls. Place cue ball in hand as shown in diagram.
Object balls
Place a yellow object ball as shown in the diagram favoring the left rounded corner (snooker style pocket) of the side pocket and slightly up from the edge of the side cushion line. This first ball is most important in the setup! Then place another yellow object ball directly in front with a third yellow ball pointed to the corner pocket on a combination shot allowing for directional throw. Two yellow balls will be placed frozen to each other on the upper side cushion as shown about one inch from the side pocket as shown in the diagram. Place another yellow ball hanging in the corner pocket at the other end of the table as shown in the diagram. The red object balls are used to help execute the shot but do not go in the pockets. You can make the shot without the red balls if desired but is more difficult.
Objective
Hit the cue ball with top left (running) English catching about 1/3 of the outer yellow object ball of the two frozen balls on upper left side rail. The cue ball should strike about 10 inches up from corner pocket (there are no diamonds on a blackball pool table) on the opposite right lower side rail before the outer ball of the combination shot reaches that corner pocket. All five yellow balls will disappear with the cue ball coming around the table three rails before depositing that final yellow ball in far corner pocket.
Notes
As noted above the red balls in the diagram only help make the shot easier which might be necessary before a live audience. When shooting a video, you can obviously repeat without the red balls as many times as needed to make the shot successfully for the camera.
History of the shot

This shot was previously Gospel Trick Shot #12 entitled “Showing Off” which was featured on an American pool table by yours truly Steve Lillis in the December 2020 Buzz issue but now is reinvented on the Blackball pool table by Mike Massey about two years later. This is a timeless shot that has been done by many trick shot artists on American pool tables for years and particularly was made famous by the late BCA Hall of Famer Steve Mizerack in the early 1980’s on a Miller Lite beer commercial. Mike Massey as you will see in the video performed this shot on a Blackball pool table in front of a live audience in the main arena at the 2022 Blackball International (BI) World Championships in October 2022 in Tangier, Morocco during a Gospel Trick Shot Show. The USA for the first time sent a team of five American pool players to Morocco to compete in that event. For two consecutive nights the main arena was reserved for GTS Artistic Blackball shows with BCA Hall of Famers Mike Massey and Tom Rossman and with yours truly Steve “Leapin” Lillis, the first President of the newly formed USA Blackball Association.

Match needs review

Shot diagram

#37

Parting of the Red Sea

TRANSFORMATION

blood · born-again · change · obedience · deliverance

In the video, Mike Massey does an excellent job of explaining why this Gospel Trick Shot is called “Mike Massey’s Parting of the Red Sea.” Mike explains that the black ball represents Moses, and the row of red and yellow balls represent the Red Sea. Mike further points out that miracles don’t change people, but it’s only the power of the blood of Jesus which allows us to be born again that changes us. He further elaborates that the Israelites still continued to worship idols even after experiencing a mighty miracle such as the parting of the Red Sea. Mike then closes off by saying that when Jesus died on the cross, it was so that we could have a born-again experience! Scripture Reference in NIV Translation: Acts 7:39-41 says But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. They told Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt—we don’t know what has happened to him!’ That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and reveled in what their own hands had made. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Cue ball
The cue ball on the UK 7-foot table is 1 7/8 inches and is smaller and lighter than the 2-inch object balls. The cue ball is placed between the corner pocket and side pocket as shown in the diagram and about 1 object ball’s width away from the side rail.
Object balls
Place the black ball frozen to the side cushion about an inch away from the side pocket and another red object ball frozen to the black ball, as shown in the diagram. The red ball which is frozen to the black ball is very slightly angled to be able to bank the black ball across the table into the opposite side pocket. Then place 6 pairs of object balls, as shown in the diagram, with each pair frozen to each other and each pair about an inch apart from each other. The first pair of object balls are about 2 balls’ width away from the object ball that is frozen to the black ball. The row of paired balls should be aligned in a straight line from the black ball directly to the opposite side pocket.
Objective
Hit the cue ball with about one tip of top (running) English, catching about half of the outer right side of the object ball which is frozen to the black ball. The cue ball should then carom off that object ball and then catch about half of the outer left side of the furthest ball of the first pair of balls. The ball that the cue ball caroms into should deflect its paired ball away and then carom into the next pair causing a chain reaction of caroms causing the “Parting of the Red Sea” effect. The black ball would then just have enough space to pass through the pairs of balls which are all deflected away making a clear path for the black ball to pocket in the opposite side pocket. This is a slightly complex shot, but with enough practice this shot can be one of the most impressive shots to display, as it is a great crowd pleaser!
Notes
The pairs of balls are set up in such a way that the ball that is caromed into will then also carom into the next pair of balls and into the next ball at about half ball. That ball in turn is then also caromed into the next pair also catching the next ball at about half ball and so on.
History of the shot

This shot has been done twice before in Gospel Trick Shot # 10 (October 2020) by Brian Pauley and in Gospel Trick Shot # 35 (January 2023) by Steve Lillis. Each of the previous editions had different story lines to them which shows that one can use the same Gospel Trick Shot to present a variety of biblical and life lesson messages. Formerly known as the “Football Shot” with the use of a paper bag through which the black ball would roll before dropping in the side pocket, now re-invented by Mike Massey on the UK 7-foot table without the use of the paper bag and re-named as “Mike Massey’s Parting of the Red Sea.” Mike uses all seven red balls in this shot. This shot includes a powerful biblical lesson which the Israelites had to learn after walking through the Red Sea which God parted.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#38

Peter in Prison

FREEDOM

chains · prison · prayer · angel · deliverance

The GTS name for this variation is called the “Peter in Prison” Gospel Trick Shot. In the Bible, in Acts chapter 12, we find the story of Peter who was arrested and thrown into prison and an angel was sent to break Peter out of prison. The cue ball in this shot represents the angel of the Lord, the 8-ball is Peter, the surrounding balls is the prison that Peter was trapped in, and the side pocket represents freedom into which Peter escapes. Scripture References in ESV Translation: Acts 12:5&7 – Peter escapes out of prison 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. II Corinthians 4:8-9 - We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. Philippians 1:13 - For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.

Object balls
The 8-ball is about two balls away from the side pocket and with its right edge in line with the left point of the side pocket as shown in the diagram. The object ball to the right of the 8-ball is about a quarter inch away from the 8-ball and ever so slightly further from the side pocket than the 8-ball (about 2-3 mm). The surrounding object balls can be placed all around the 8-ball, as indicated in the diagram, to make the 8-ball look like it is completely trapped. Ensure that there is enough space to the left of the 8-ball for the cue ball to pass through to the 8-ball. The two object balls closest to the side pocket need to be covering the side pocket and not be too close to the 8-ball, so that the 8-ball has enough room to make it over into the side pocket.
Objective
The 8-ball is surrounded by obstacle balls near the side pocket. The 8-ball represents Peter in the Bible after he was arrested and locked up in prison. The surrounding balls represent the prison which Peter was in. The cue ball represents the angel who came and struck Peter to wake him up and miraculously break him out of prison. The pocket into which the 8-ball is made represents Peter’s freedom. The objective of the shot is to make the 8-ball into the side pocket. Jump the cue ball into the 8-ball causing the 8-ball to also jump and be deflected off the object ball and then over the side pocket object balls, so that the 8-ball is made in the side pocket.
Notes
The key to this shot is the amount of power used to strike the cue ball. It will take some practice to perfect this. Playing about one tip of draw on this shot will also assist in the cue ball remaining on the table after the shot. The butt end of the cue should be raised about 10-15 degrees for this shot. If the 8-ball does not jump enough to make it over the side pocket object balls, you do not have to adjust the height of the butt end of the cue, but rather strike the cue ball with a little more power.
History of the shot

This shot was originally invented by Wayne Parker around 2008 in a billiard room called Polley’s Pool and Snooker in Pretoria, South Africa. This shot was originally done on the UK 7-foot table, but is now also done on the 9-foot table. There are different variations of the shot. The shot was originally named the “Parker Pot”. This particular variation involves the object ball being made into the side pocket.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#39

The Dog Catcher

REFUGE

fear · protection · courage · presence · safety

Robin shares in the video her story about a nightmare she had many years ago when she was a new Christian and recovering from drug addiction. In the dream there were three fanged nasty looking cats represented by three stripped object balls chasing her down the stairs and out of the house. On the street was a dog catcher who represents Jesus and is the cue ball who was there to help Robin as long as she stayed close to him. The three object balls disappear as Jesus (The Dog Catcher) takes care of the problem(s) and in the end Robin (the one ball) learns to stay close to Jesus and let him take care of all of her problem(s) because she cannot on her own! Scripture References (NIV): “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid’” (Hebrews 13:6).

Cue ball
The cue ball is placed down the center of the table and about one diamond to the right of the two side pockets, as indicated in the diagram.
Object balls
Two striped object balls (14 & 13 balls as in the diagram), are frozen to the cue ball, with the striped 13-ball lined up to the furthest pocket point of the side pocket. The other striped 12-ball is lined up to the left pocket point of the corner pocket. This is to allow for the throw effect of the two frozen object balls. The 9-ball is near the opposite side pocket and the 1-ball is half diamond to the right of the side pocket, as shown in the diagram. Three cues are also used as props on the table.
Objective
Shoot the cue ball with high lefthand side spin making the two frozen striped object balls into the side and corner pockets. The cue ball will run off three rails and make its way up between the cues, make a u-turn in the corner pocket, and then slowly run down the other two cues towards the 9-ball. After the cue ball makes the 9-ball into the side pocket, it will come to rest near the 1-ball.
Notes
The direction of aim for the cue ball is about one and a half diamonds from the corner pocket. Ensure that the three prop cues fit snug in the corner pocket so that the cue ball can make the U-turn down the other cues. Position the two cues so that the cue ball cuts the 9-ball into the side pocket and comes to rest near the 1-ball. Playing too hard will result in the cue running up the cues and off the table. Playing too soft will result in the cue ball not making it all the way up the cues to make the U-turn.
History of the shot

BCA Hall of Famer (2005) Robin Dodson is the author of this amazing Gospel Trick Shot. She has been a volunteer and helper with Gospel Trick Shot Ministries, Inc. (GTS) since 2001 where she first appeared with the original GTS team of seven including GTS President and Founder Steve Lillis and fellow Hall of Famers Mike Massey (2005), Tom Rossman (2017), and LoreeJon Ogonowski-Brown (2002), along with National Trick Shot Champion Steve Geller, and then GTS VP and MC Jeff Ballantyne. Robin has been sharing the Gospel with pool since 1983 and this shot is yet another example of her creativity in sharing her amazing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#40

Order in Creation

ORDER

creation · steps · peace · discipline · purpose

As Phil Ball explains in the video there are 6 balls in the shot representing the six days of Creation. The balls are pocketed in order one through six because God is a God of order. Furthermore, there is order all around us in our world and the universe with the sun, the moon, and the stars moving in perfect order which gives us days, months, seasons, and years. This would suggest that we need to order our lives to be in tune with all that God created and has for us to do.

Scripture. Genesis 1:31 (NIV) “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.” Psalm 37:23 (NKJV) “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.” I Corinthians 14:33 (ESV) “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.”

Cue ball
About two ball width off the rail and slightly past the diamond that is closest to the side pocket as shown in the diagram. You can adjust but take note of where you place the cue ball after you try the shot.
Object balls
Put the one-ball slightly over the edge of the side pocket and away from the point of the pocket as illustrated in the diagram. Place the two-ball slightly up from the edge with a quarter inch gap between the one and two balls. Place the fiveball directly in front and frozen to the two-ball. Place the three-ball frozen to the one ball but angled slightly back about one-half inch from the five-ball. Place the four-ball frozen to the five-ball and headed to the outside of the opposite corner pocket to allow for one ball width of directional throw. Place the six-ball frozen to the three-ball with a carom lined up to the second diamond on the opposite side rail two diamonds up from the corner pocket where the four-ball is headed.
Objective
Pocket all six balls in order by striking the cue ball with a center ball firm straight stroke with follow through directly full into face of the six-ball. The one, two, and three balls will fall into the side pocket in order with the fourball going next directly into the opposite corner pocket followed slightly by the five-ball sliding down the rail on the same side of the table where you are standing. The six-ball will bank cross corner and go in last after the five-ball drops in the pocket.
Notes
Again, if you move the cue ball around note where and always hit full in the face of the six-ball with a consistent firm center ball stroke. The six-ball is the most difficult ball to pocket and if needed you can place the butt of a cue stick under the bottom rail to help guide the six-ball into the pocket as illustrated in the video.
History of the shot

This shot was invented recently by Mike Massey in April 2023 and first performed at Allentown Tables a family-owned billiard supply with our GTS friends and owners Mike and Bark Kemp in Allentown, PA. Mike Massey and yours truly Steve Lillis who wrote the script for this Gospel Trick Shot were doing shows in and around the Northern New Jersey and Northeastern Pennsylvania area in the Spring of 2023. Gospel Trick Shot Ministry team leader and partner Phil Ball explains and performs the shot in the video. Phil is a member of the USA Blackball Team that competed in the 2022 Blackball International World Championships in Tangier, Morocco in October of 2022.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#41

Going to Church Shot!

COMMUNITY

church · gathering · encourage · together · belonging

Mike Massey would explain as he was setting up this shot in a Gospel Trick Shot (GTS) show that there was always seemingly obstacles getting in the way of him or perhaps us in going to church. Yours truly Steve Lillis explains in the video that church is more than just going to a building to assemble. The Bible says in Matthew 18:30 that the Lord is where two or three are gathered in his name! Through the years, GTS has held many Bible studies at various billiard events in vendor booths, around the breakfast table, and in hotel rooms! According to the Word of God all of that qualifies as going to church. It has been an honor and a privilege for GTS to bring the church to the billiard industry because the true church is real people and not a physical building. Ironically in the video this shot was going to be shot #36 but became #41 because of certain obstacles preventing it from being published sooner! As Tom Rossman says, “God is the master of irony!” SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) - “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Matthew 18:30 (NIV) – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Cue ball
In hand as shown in diagram. Object Ball(s) Placement - Balls 1 & 2 are frozen to the foot cushion and centered around the 1st diamond. The 8-ball is hanging near corner pocket as shown. A row of 10 balls is approximately 1 ball’s width off the cushion, but this spacing may be adjusted by the shooter. The row must be straight (parallel to the foot cushion), with the option of adjusting balls 3, 4, and/or 5. If this option is used, those balls must still remain frozen to the others in the line. Objective - Shoot the cue ball to ball # 1, then carom into ball # 2, and then travel between the row of balls and the cushion. The cue ball will hit at least 4 object balls, and then go on to make the 8-ball. Special Notes - The cue ball must hit ball 1 first, then ball 2. The cue ball must make 8-ball. It should not be made by an object ball.
History of the shot

This particular shot has been an Artistic Pool competition classic shot since the beginning of the modern-day Artistic Pool movement founded in Year 2000 by BCA Hall of Fame pool player Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman. It has been long listed in the Artistic Pool programs as part of Discipline #4 “Follow” Shots. Another BCA Hall of Famer and Gospel Trick Shot artist Mike Massey took this shot right out of the program and converted into a Gospel Trick Shot that he calls the “Going to Church Shot.” Tom, Mike, and yours truly Steve Lillis have done hundreds of Gospel Trick Shot shows together over the past 23 years since that first WPA Artistic Pool World Championship in Year 2000 that Mike Massey won.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#42

316 Shot

MISSION

John 3:16 · gospel · witness · nations · Holy Spirit

In the video, Wayne shares on John 3:16 and how the three, one and six balls represent the gospel message and the disciples who were commissioned in Jerusalem. The cue ball represents the persecution that breaks out against the disciples. The three balls are then made into three different pockets. The closer pocket representing Judea, another pocket representing Samaria and then the furthest pocket representing the ends of the earth. It is really in times of difficulty and persecution that one’s message has the ability to be become a megaphone! Your test will become your testimony! Scripture References (NIV): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. (Acts 8:1)

Object balls
The 3-ball, 1-ball and 6-ball are all frozen to each other, with the 1-ball and 6-ball also frozen to the cushion as shown in the diagram. The 6 ball is in line with the 2nd diamond from the corner pocket.
Objective
Shoot the cue ball into the 6-ball, with about a half a tip bottom spin, and make all three balls in one shot in the various pockets as indicated in the diagram.
Notes
The 6-ball is the hardest ball to make. If the 6-ball does not make it into the pocket, then one can adjust the cue ball closer toward the foot spot. By hitting the 6-ball thinner and harder will also adjust the angle of the 6-ball toward the pocket.
History of the shot

Wayne Parker from South Africa and member of the GTS Team created this shot in June of 2023. In preparation for his travels to the United States for the GTS Ministries 25year celebration banquet, he thought of a shot that would fit in line with the theme of the weekend of events which was reaching the ends of the earth with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#43

Path of the Wind

LEADING

Holy Spirit · wind · trust · guidance · unexpected

In the video, Wayne shares on John 3:8 and how everyone who is born of the Spirit is like the wind. It is very difficult to predict the direction the wind blows. When we trust in the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit, we too will be like the wind following the leading of the Holy Spirit through all the obstacles of life. Many times, the Lord will make a way for us that we never expected. He leads us through paths of righteousness for His name’s sake and not ours. Scripture References (NIV): “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”. (John 3:8) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:8)

Object balls
The 3-ball, 1-ball and 6-ball are all frozen to each other with the 1-ball stacked on a single block of chalk and the 3-ball stacked on two blocks of chalk, as shown in the diagram. These three balls are angled in at about 30 degrees toward the rail with the 3-ball almost overlapping the cushion. The other balls are randomly scattered across the table as in the diagram, but ensuring a clear path for the cue ball to travel between them without knocking into them as outlined in thediagram.
Objective
Firmly shoot the cue ball from its diagramed position, with a little right-hand English, to go 7 rails around the table, and then into the 6-ball to bump the 3-ball off the two stacked blocks of chalk. The 3-ball will fall down onto the edge of the cushion and be deflected across the table into the opposite sidepocket.
Notes
First start by setting up the 3,1 and 6-balls with the 3-ball elevated on two blocks of chalk so that the 3-ball is flush with the side rail looking at it from above. The 3,1 and 6-balls are lined up at about 30 degrees into the side rail so that when the 3-ball is knocked off it will clip the edge of the rail and make its way across the table into the opposite side pocket. One can prep the perfect setup of these balls by manually rolling a ball into the 3,1,6 ball setup to see the direction the 3-ball will travel and make adjustments accordingly. If you need the 3-ball to travel faster toward the side pocket, try placing two or three quarters under the two blocks of chalk.
History of the shot

Wayne Parker from South Africa was discussing with his wife, Chantal, about creating a new Gospel Trick Shot that can somehow demonstrate what it means to be led by the ‘wind’ of the Holy Spirit, as God often has a different way of working things out for us. Chantal shared that it had to be a shot that at first glance, one could not easily see what the outcome of the shot would be. This is how the shot was inspired. A Shot that at first glance seemed impossible, but worked out in the end, in a way least expected with an element of surprise. Very much like how the Lord at times enjoys getting us out of trouble in ways we leastexpect.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#44

Blood and Testimony

OVERCOME

testimony · blood · victory · witness · enemy

In the video, Wayne shares Revelations 12:11 regarding overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony. Hence the name being “The Blood and Testimony Shot”. As believers in Jesus Christ, we can only overcome the enemy and the things in this world by what Jesus has accomplished for us when He shed His blood by dying on the cross for our sins, and by the word of our testimony for all that Jesus has done for us. Scripture References (NASB): Revelations 12:11 – “…And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.”

Object balls
The Cue ball is in hand. An object placed on the center diamond line of the table and adjustable between head cushion and the blocker balls. 5 blocker balls, all frozen to each other along the 1st diamond line from the head cushion, with the middle blocker ball on the center diamond line of the table. Another object ball hanging near the opposite corner pocket with a helper ball frozen to it as shown in the diagram.
Objective
Firmly shoot the 1 7/8-inch cue ball used on an English Blackball table into the object ball which is 2 inches causing it to be made into the pocket and then have the cue ball jump over the row of blocker balls, and then draw back across the table to make the combination ball setup in the opposite corner pocket as show in the diagram. This shot can be done on any American pool table as well with 2 ¼ inch balls but is obviously more difficult to jump over the object balls and draw the cue ball. Special Notes Raise the butt end of the cue with an angle of about 20-25 degrees and aim with about one tip low English on the cue ball. Firmly hit the cue ball, and if the cue ball makes contact with the blocker balls, try either raising the butt end a little more or strike the cue ball with a little more power. If the cue ball misses the combination by contacting the short rail first, then apply a little lower English on the cue ball. To make the shot a little easier one could add a helper ball frozen to the ball hanging near the pocket.
History of the shot

This Gospel Trick Shot done on an English Blackball pool table was developed from a shot which is featured in the new Artistic Blackball shot program in Discipline 7 entitled “Jump” shots and this is shot #3 worth 8 points which is being used at the GTS Classic Artistic Blackball Cup in South Africa this month during the Blackball International Hawley Cup event. This shot has a degree of difficulty (DOD) of 8 which is the hardest of the three shots in the “Jump” discipline. The shot entails making a ball into the corner pocket with the cue ball going over some blocker balls and making another ball combo into the diagonally opposite corner pocket. Wayne Parker from South Africa demonstrates how the two red balls represent very important aspects for a believer in overcoming.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#45

Pride, Humility & Teamwork

TEAMWORK

body · unity · cooperation · humility · belonging

In the video, yours truly Steve Lillis introduces the concepts of pride, humility, and teamwork. Another name for this shot is the stacking ball shot because you place an object ball on top of another object ball that is uniquely cut to balance a ball on it. In this shot the ball on the top falls to the table signifying that when a person is focused inordinately on themselves, they will fall or in this case at the Hawley Cup the team will fall or suffer. The USA Gospel Trick Shot RACK Team worked in unity with each other displaying all their unique gifts and talents for the benefit of successfully getting the job done which was to run a successful GTS Classic Artistic Blackball Cup event so that the World may see that it can be done. All our gifts and talents come from God and when used for the benefit of the team greater things can be accomplished and God will be glorified in the process! Scripture References (ESV): Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” and I Corinthians 12:25 “That there should be no division in the body (fellow believers in Christ), but that its parts should have equal concern for one another.” and Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Cue ball
In hand along the bottom cushion to get the best aiming angle on the bottom stacking object ball.
Object balls
A stacking object ball is placed in the jaws of the corner pocket as shown in the diagram. It should be in a position for maximum pocketing ability so that when the cue ball comes around the table to make contact with the other object ball that falls on the table it will have the greatest opportunity to be pocketed. That other object ball is placed on top and balanced on the dimple in the stacking ball.
Objective
In Blackball shoot the 1 7/8-inch cue ball used for Blackball into the 2-inch stacking ball which is the standard size of object balls used for Blackball with seven reds and seven yellows and one blackball which is the 8-Ball. That second 2 inch object ball will fall to the table as displayed in the video while the cue ball travels two rails up and back to knock that other object ball into the corner pocket. This can also be similarly done on an American pool table with 2 ¼ inch pool balls.
Notes
Your aim on the targeted stacking ball is critical to get the cue ball up and back. Try placing the cue ball frozen on the bottom rail one diamond away and aim to hit about half of the object ball. Adjust as necessary after establishing a starting point.
History of the shot

This Gospel Trick Shot was done at the Blackball International (BI) Hawley Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa October 16-23 on a United Pool Table used for Blackball pool. A team of six Gospel Trick Shot cue artists led by yours truly Steve Lillis went to compete in this event representing the USA. There were national teams attending from 4 continents around the World. The USA team worked together in unity to also produce the first ever Artistic Blackball event called the GTS Classic Artistic Blackball Cup which converted many traditional shots from Artistic Pool to Artistic Blackball. The Artistic Blackball competition during the Hawley Cup included the 8 traditional disciplines of Artistic Pool and the coveted Sportsperson Award. A full field of 48 players registered for the event with 16 places paid out, trophies for the top three, and all the traditional discipline medals awarded to the winners. In addition, two Gospel Trick Shot shows were performed in the main arena with various teaching clinics on the shots and the diamond system which was introduced for the first time on these type of pool tables.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#46

Jonah Shot

OBEDIENCE

calling · running · repentance · Nineveh · second chance

GTS USA Hawley Cup team member Phil Ball converted this Artistic Blackball shot into a Gospel Trick Shot he calls “The Jonah Shot” after the story of Jonah in the Bible. God had called Jonah and told him to go to Nineveh to prophesy to the people there to repent from their wicked ways. Jonah did not want to go and instead boarded a boat and headed off to Tarshish in the opposite direction. As the story goes, God kicks up a powerful storm and Jonah is thrown overboard and ends up in the belly of a fish. After realizing his mistake, he listens to God and ends up going to Nineveh. This Artistic Blackball shot illustrates going in the wrong direction and then being turned around by God to get back on track! Have you ever found yourself in the belly of a fish? In trouble somehow wondering why? This can all be avoided by trusting God and listening to God’s leading instead of your own. Scripture References (NIV): Jonah 1:3 “But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.”

Cue ball
On the center spot.
Object balls
All object balls are on the centerline of the table. Ball ‘B2’ is frozen to the cue ball. Ball ‘B1’ is exactly two balls’ width from the ball ‘B2’. Ball ‘E’ is hanging in pocket ‘E’, even with the rail line extension, or deeper.
Objective
Shoot the cue ball into ball ‘B2’. Ball ‘B2’ will hit ball ‘B1’ into pocket ‘B’. The cue ball will contact ball ‘B2’ a second time, hitting it into pocket ‘B’. The cue ball will then draw back making ball ‘E’ in pocket ‘E’.
Notes
Ball ‘E’ must be on the centerline; it is not adjustable left or right.
History of the shot

This is shot #1 from “Stroke” Discipline 6 that came from our new Artistic Blackball Program which was featured at the Hawley Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa in October 2023. The Gospel Trick Shot RACK team organized and ran a first ever Artistic Blackball competition entitled the GTS Classic Artistic Blackball Cup. Yours truly Steve Lillis American Blackball Association (ABA) President and Tournament Director in conjunction with pro Blackball player and USA Blackball Coach Wayne Parker of South Africa, Jason Lynch WPA World Ranked Player and WPA Artistic Pool committee member, BCA Hall of Famer Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman, with Michael Hewitt and Phil Ball serving as referees, designed the format and program, and ran a successful event. This shot in the program is called “The Double Kiss Draw Shot” and has a degree of difficulty (DOD) of 6 which means you get 6 points if you make it on the first attempt, 5 on the second, 4 on the third, and zero if not executed.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#47

Let There Be Light

LIGHT

darkness · witness · creation · shine · Jesus

Tom named this shot the “Let There Be Light” shot as it beautifully demonstrates how Light overcomes the darkness. God said “Let there be light, and there was light.” In this shot the yellow ball represents the Light, the paper bag represents a tunnel in which there is darkness, and the black 8-ball represents darkness.

Scripture. Genesis 1:3 Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. Matthew 5:14 You are the Light of the world.

Cue ball
Frozen against the rail on the 2nd diamond on the long rail as shown in diagram.
Object balls
A red object ball as a blocker ball, frozen to the cue ball also in line with the 2nd diamond, and a yellow ball frozen to the red ball being one width of a cue ball away from the long rail. The 8-ball is placed near the opposite side pocket as shown in the diagram. A paper bag is placed between the 8-ball and the center line of the table as diagrammed.
Objective
Shoot the cue ball directly into the long rail aiming at about a diamond and a half from the side pocket. The cue ball will compress into the long rail away from the red object ball and should then immediately make contact with the yellow ball sending it across the table through the paper bag, flipping the bag over, and then making the 8-ball in the opposite side pocket.
Notes
If the yellow ball misses to the left of the 8-ball then adjust your angle toward the first diamond from the side pocket. If the yellow ball misses to the right of the 8-ball then close the angle of the cue slightly. Playing the cue ball with a bit of draw will also help to hit the yellow ball fuller. With some practice this shot can be mastered and will surely turn a few heads.
History of the shot

This shot is a famous shot, originally known as the paper bag trick shot. Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman has mastered this shot across many different types of billiard tables. The cue ball is trapped behind an object ball, making it look impossible to make the 8-ball. In this particular variation, Tom has taken this shot from the 9ft pool table and adapted it to work on a 7ft sized Blackball pool table.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#48

Escape Temptation

ESCAPE

temptation · faithfulness · endurance · way-out · sin

Tom named this shot “Escape Temptation” because of the visual reference of the two rows of balls indicative of the many forms of temptation that surround us in our daily lives. We are the Black Ball and the Cue Ball is God helping us to escape the temptations.

Scripture. 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Cue ball
Frozen against the Black Ball, slightly angled to the shooter’s right.
Object balls
The Black Ball is frozen to the long rail about 3 -4” from the side pocket. Two rows of balls are on either side of the Black Ball and Cue Ball, angled away in a V formation.
Objective
Shoot the Cue Ball into the Black Ball with an up stroke glancing off the top of the Cue Ball. You will need to elevate your cue slightly to allow the cue stick to glance upward after the hit, avoiding a double hit on the Cue Ball.
Notes
If you find that you are trapping the Cue Ball, try using a looser bridge hand, even an open bridge can be used in this shot. Even though this looks like a foul, it is a completely legal shot if executed correctly since the cue stick is only in contact with the Cue Ball for an instant. This shot can be played into the corner pocket on a pool table or even down the length of the pool table.
History of the shot

This shot is a famous shot, originally featured in the opening sequence of the movie “The Hustler”, it starred Jackie Gleason and Paul Newman. Many trick shot artists perform this shot in their shows and it is even in the WPA Artistic Pool Program. Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman adapted it from the pool table to work on the Blackball Pool Table.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#49

Direct Our Steps

DIRECTION

steps · Holy Spirit · guide · resurrection · God’s will

Tom named this shot “Direct our steps” and it is a perfect shot for this month with our thoughts on Easter and the Lord’s Resurrection. We know that when Jesus went to the Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to be our helper and guide. The cue ball represents the Lord’s influence through the Holy Spirit and the black ball is us. The balls in the rack represent Heaven’s corner. The cue ball passes the object ball leading us to Heaven, the Lord now waits in Heaven for us at the right hand of the Father.

Scripture. Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.” Proverbs 16:9 “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.”

Cue ball
Frozen behind the black ball.
Object balls
The black ball is frozen in front of the cue ball, the frozen pair is aimed at the right pocket point of the corner pocket. The rest of the balls are in the rack to funnel the shot.
Objective
Aim straight down table with a downward follow stroke, the cue ball will squirt to the left and overtake the black ball, beating it to the rack and glancing into the corner pocket.
Notes
If you find that you have a hard time getting the cue ball to pass the black ball, you are probably driving the cue stick through too much causing too much speed to be transferred to the black ball. You can try aiming the combination more to the right, or using more top on the cue ball. The key to this shot is the follow top spin transferred to the cue ball.
History of the shot

This shot is a famous shot, accredited to the late George “Trick-Shooter” Middleditch, sometimes the passing cue ball will clear obstacles out of the way and the object ball will be pocketed. Many trick shot artists perform this shot in their shows and it is even in the WPA Artistic Pool Program. Tom “Dr. Cue” Rossman adapted it from the pool table to work on the Blackball Pool Table.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#50

Jailbreak

BREAKTHROUGH

prison · praise · prayer · Holy Spirit · chains

This shot is called Jailbreak to represent how Paul and Silas were freed from prison in a story from the Book of Acts Chapter 16. An additional ball was added to represent Silas who was imprisoned with Paul. The two yellow balls represent Paul and Silas, the two red balls represent the Roman guards and the white cue ball represents the Holy Spirit who indwells us after we accept Jesus who died for our sins and gives us eternal life. Jesus alone has the power to free us from the bondage of sin. Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned for causing an uproar in the marketplace.

Scripture. In Acts 16:25 – “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.”

Cue ball
Against the rail on the second diamond. Object Ball(s) placement: One red ball is frozen to the cue ball in line with the second diamond on the opposite rail. The other red ball is frozen to the yellow ball in the opposite corner pocket. The first yellow ball is frozen to the red ball next to the cue ball. The second yellow ball is placed in front of the opposite corner pocket.
Objective
Shoot the cue ball into the rail which causes the yellow ball to go straight into the opposite side pocket. The cue ball then travels across the table to hit the red ball, sinking the yellow ball in the corner pocket.
Notes
The first red ball stays where it is! If the cue ball goes short of the far corner pocket, then use bottom draw on the cue ball to widen the angle.
History of the shot

This Gospel Trick Shot performed on an English Blackball pool table was developed from a shot which is featured in the new Artistic Blackball shot program in Discipline 5 “Bank & Kick Shots” which debuted in Johannesburg, South Africa in October 2023. This is shot number 3 in that discipline with a degree of difficulty of 6, meaning you get 6 points for making it on the first attempt, 5 on the second attempt and 4 on the third attempt and zero if not executed. This is a relatively easy shot by Artistic Pool standards.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#51

Redemption

REDEMPTION

blood · cleansing · Jesus · Spirit · new path

Brain Pauley came up with the story line as he envisioned the red ball as Jesus with the color red representing His shed blood for us and the yellow ball as the light of the Holy Spirit to redirect our path. You can see in the diagram that the path of the cue ball which represents us is partially obstructed in getting to the eight ball. However, when the cue ball comes in contact with Jesus the red ball and then the Holy Spirit the yellow ball our path is redirected and made straight. The result of pocketing the eight ball represents living for Jesus and being with Him for all of eternity.

Scripture. I John 1:7 (NKJV) – “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Cue ball
In hand along the third diamond line. Object Ball(s) placement: Place the red ball on the diamond intersection line as diagrammed. Place the yellow and eight balls hanging near their respective pockets, no more than one ball’s width from the edge of the pocket.
Objective
Shoot the cue ball into the red ball. The cue ball will carom over and make the yellow ball and then follow down to make the eight ball.
Notes
This shot can be done on any type of pool table with any size object balls but keep in mind that on a Blackball pool table the cue ball is smaller (1 7/8 inches) than the object balls (2 inches). Suggestion would be to move the Blackball cue ball up on that third diamond line so that the red ball obstructs the path of the cue ball to the eight ball and then hit less of the red ball to get the correct carom off the yellow to make the eight.
History of the shot

This Gospel Trick Shot performed by Brian “Superman” Pauley was done in the video on a United Blackball pool table by McDermott at the Hopkins Super Billiards Expo at the Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA in April 2024. It was developed from an Artistic Pool shot which is featured in the new Artistic Blackball shot program in Discipline 4 “Follow Shots” which debuted in the GTS Classic Artistic Blackball Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa in October 2023. This is shot number 2 in that discipline with a degree of difficulty of 7, meaning you get 7 points for making it on the first attempt, 6 on the second attempt and 5 on the third attempt and zero if not executed. This shot will take some practice as it is not too difficult to master!

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#52

Trust and Obey

TRUST

obedience · understanding · acknowledge · God’s direction

Brain Pauley came up with the story line as he envisioned the red ball representing us on the correct path in life and our way to Heaven after we put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Along the way we constantly need to be reminded to trust and obey which is represented in the shot by the two yellow balls. There is a line in an old hymn by the same name written over 100 years ago that says “trust and obey, trust and obey, there is no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” You can see in the video that before the red ball which represents a believer in Jesus gets to Heaven the corner pocket he or she will need to trust and obey (yellow balls) along the way to be happy in Jesus.

Scripture. Proverbs 3:5-6 (King James Version) - “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Cue ball
Cue Ball In hand behind the 2nd diamond line. Object Ball(s) placement: Red ball in hand behind the 2nd diamond line. First yellow ball on the head spot. Second yellow ball frozen and adjustable to the first yellow ball.
Objective
Shoot the cue ball into the red ball slowly towards the far corner pocket. Re-hit the cue ball into the yellow ball combination, causing both yellow balls to go into the two far corner pockets. The red ball will follow into the far-left corner pocket after the yellow ball combination goes into the two far corner pockets.
Notes
The red ball must go into the far-left or the far-right corner pocket without an additional hit by the cue ball.
History of the shot

This Gospel Trick Shot performed by Brian “Superman” Pauley was done in the video on a United Blackball pool table by McDermott at the Hopkins Super Billiards Expo at the Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA in April 2024. It was developed from an Artistic Pool shot which is featured in the new Artistic Blackball shot program in Discipline 2 “Special Arts” which debuted as an Artistic Blackball shot in the GTS Classic Artistic Blackball Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa in October 2023. This is shot number 2 in that discipline with a degree of difficulty of 7, meaning you get 7 points for making it on the first attempt, 6 on the second attempt and 5 on the third attempt and zero if not executed. This shot will take some practice as it is not too difficult to master!

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#53

One Who Goes Before You

FAITHFULNESS

God-before-you · obstacles · preparation · way · confidence

This shot is called the “The One Who Goes Before You” shot. The significance behind this particular shot is the perfect timing it takes for the red 3-ball to go before the cue ball to clear the path for the cue ball to be made into the side pocket. Despite the many obstacles, God wants us to trust in His faithfulness to go before us to make a way where there seems to be no way. The red ball represents the Blood of Jesus and the New covenant He has for us and through Faith in his Blood we can rest assured to go where He sends us knowing that He will go before us and clear the way for us to carry out His divine will and plan for our lives!

Scripture. Deuteronomy 31:8 – “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

Cue ball
About two and a half balls from each cushion as diagramed.
Object balls
The red 3-ball is about a half a ball from the cue ball. The 14ball is about a ball and a half from the side rail. The 12, 15 and 14 balls are all touching. The 9 and 11 balls are also touching. The 11, 15 and 14 balls are all in a straight line. The 15-ball is positioned to make contact with the 11-ball at about half ball. The 12 and 15 balls are parallel with the long rails and so is the 9 and 11 ball. The solid balls are positioned so that the cue ball has a clear path between them to the side pocket.
Objective
Shoot the red 3-ball into the cue ball cutting it really fine toward the side pocket using quite a bit if bottom English. After the red 3-ball cuts the cue ball, the red ball will be driven directly off the short rail and will overtake the cue ball and then off the side rail and then into the 14-ball clearing the cluster of balls making a clear path for the cue ball to be made into the side pocket.
Notes
If the cue ball makes impact with the cluster of balls before the red 3-ball makes its way around to clear them, try cutting the cue ball finer resulting in slowing it down a bit and allowing the red ball to have more speed to clear the cluster of balls. You might need to adjust the position of the red 3-ball and the amount of bottom English to change the angle of the 3-ball into the side rail to contact the 14-ball full in the face.
History of the shot

This Gospel Trick Shot is performed on a Chinese Heyball table. A similar version of the shot has been performed by a few of the top players around the world on standard American pool tables and English Blackball pool tables, however this version of the shot is done on a Chinese Heyball table as part of the vision of Gospel Trick Shot Ministries, Inc is to reach the Asian world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is also a sneak peek into the soon to come Artistic Heyball which will pave the way to reach out to the east in the near future.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#54

Appearance

DISCERNMENT

unseen · spiritual battle · appearances · reality · faith

Brain Pauley came up with the story line as the shot looks impossible at first glance. He realized that things do not always appear as they seem and so it is in life that some situations are not as they appear. There are unknown spiritual forces many times causing deception and false appearances. Brian also knows from the Bible that nothing is impossible with God! Applying those spiritual principles to this shot give a great life lesson! Situations that appear to be impossible become possible with God! Once the proper technique of executing this shot is applied then what appears to be impossible becomes possible. The video will demonstrate and the diagram will show the set-up. Scripture References (NIV): Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” and Matthew 19:26 says Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Cue ball
In hand, exactly 3 ball’s width from the red ball and centered on ‘B-E’ Line. Object Ball(s) placement: Red ball in the center of the table. Yellow ball is centered between the cue ball and red ball, and is ½ ball offset in either direction.
Objective
Shoot cue ball straight toward red ball. Cue ball will hit half of yellow ball and deflect “out of way” as diagram indicates. Cue stick continues follow thru in one fluent motion, so that tip contacts red ball and makes it in pocket “B”.
Notes
This shot must be performed in one continuous forward motion. Even though this shot is technically a foul (double hit) it makes for a great trick shot for a show.
History of the shot

This is the final shot out of three Gospel Trick Shots performed by Brian “Superman” Pauley on a United Blackball pool table by McDermott at the Hopkins Super Billiards Expo at the Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA in April 2024. It was also developed from an Artistic Pool shot which is featured in the new Artistic Blackball shot program in Discipline 2 “Special Arts” which debuted as an Artistic Blackball shot in the GTS Classic Artistic Blackball Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa in October 2023. This is shot number 1 in that discipline with a degree of difficulty of 6, meaning that you get 6 points for making it on the first attempt, 5 on the second attempt, 4 on the third attempt, and zero if not executed. The reason it is number 1 is that it is the easiest to execute in the “Special Arts” discipline. With a little practice and proper technique just about any cue sports enthusiast can master this shot!

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#55

Repentance Shot

REPENTANCE

turn · confession · mercy · change · heart

This shot is called “The Repentance Shot” by GTS RACK Team member Phil Ball who created the story line and performed the shot in the video. The word repent literally means “turn around”. It was originally used as a military term by a commander to instruct his troops and horses to turn around and retreat. It can also mean to have a change of heart and mind and head in the opposite direction. Jesus uses this term to tell us to turn away from our sinful way of living and follow Him. This means changing our thoughts, changing our hearts, and changing our old selfish habits. To receive Christ, we need to acknowledge our sin and the things in our lives that are not pleasing to God our Creator, ask for forgiveness, trust what Jesus did on the cross for us, and follow God’s ways. That is the Gospel! Scripture Reference (NIV): Proverbs 28:13-14, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. Blessed is the one who always trembles before God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.”

Cue ball
Behind the second diamond at the head of the table about one ball’s width from the side rail as shown in the diagram. Object Ball Placement: A yellow or red ball called C is placed about one half to one cube of chalk’s width from the edge of the corner pocket. The 8 ball is placed midway between the first and second diamond on the bottom rail. A third ball called F is placed in front of the other corner pocket on the bottom rail about one half to one cube of chalk’s width and may be adjusted if needed (a helper ball may also be used).
Objective
Shoot the cue ball into the C ball by the pocket with maximum top spin with about a half ball hit. This will cause the cue ball to come off the rail and the top spin will drive it back into the same rail causing it to go around the 8 Ball and pot the F ball by the other corner pocket on the bottom rail. The cue ball will naturally want to head up table, but the top spin will change its direction, causing it to go around the 8 ball and hitting the second object ball into the pocket.
Notes
You will need to experiment with the placement of the C ball by the pocket, the placement of the cue ball, and the power of your stroke used to get the desired result. Crowd Reaction Through the Years: This is a newly adapted Gospel Trick Shot for the Blackball Table. Again, this shot first appeared in competition in October 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa on a United Blackball pool table as part of the first Artistic Blackball pilot program in the GTS Classic Artistic Blackball Cup as Gospel Trick Shot was a featured sponsor. There was a full field of 48 Blackball players with a waiting list of 19. This shot was a favorite as many Blackball players scored points while encountering this shot in competition for the first time. The setup creates an element of surprise for spectators as the shot doesn’t seem possible in how the cue ball stays on one end of the table with all that forward momentum. This illustrates Jesus’ message of how He can help us change our sinful ways and go in the direction He has for our lives. This shot is not easy and requires a lot of practice and adjustments, as does our walk with Jesus.
History of the shot

This Gospel Trick Shot is performed on a regulation English style Blackball pool table. A similar version of the shot has been performed by Artistic Pool players on standard American pool tables in Artistic Pool competition since year 2000. The shot was part of a new pilot Artistic Blackball program that Gospel Trick Shot (GTS) introduced in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2023. The event was called the GTS Classic Artistic Blackball Cup during the Hawley Cup Championships under Blackball International. The shot will be included once again in the WPA Artistic Blackball World Championships in Bridlington, UK in October 2024. In the Artistic Blackball program, it is Shot #2 in Discipline 4 which are the follow shots and has a Degree of Difficulty (DOD) of 7 points. Making the shot on the first attempt would be 7 points, second attempt 6 points, 5 points on the 3rd attempt, and 0 points if not executed in 3 attempts.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#56

2-4-2 Shot

READINESS

preach · Word · prepared · witness · season

The shot known as the “24-2 Shot” involves a sequence where two balls are pocketed in each side pocket, followed by a cluster of four balls, and finally, the cue ball moves around the table to pocket the last two balls from a triangle placed on the table. This impressive technique results in all eight balls being pocketed in a single shot. The name “2-4-2” also references the Bible scripture 2 Timothy 4:2, which encourages believers to preach the Word of God both in favorable and unfavorable circumstances. Many individuals feel unqualified to share the Gospel, believing that they must first improve their character before they can be effective witnesses. However, it is important to remember that the Lord desires to work through us as He continues to work on us. This principle resonated deeply with residents of the rehab center, aligning with step 12 of their recovery program, which emphasizes the importance of sharing their message and principles with others. We all experience seasons of being “in season” and “out of season.” The 2-4-2 Shot serves as a reminder to be prepared to share our faith and testimonies at any time, demonstrating that we can spread the Word of God regardless of our circumstances. Scripture Reference (NIV): 2 Timothy 4:2, “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”

Cue ball
About a half diamond away from the center of the table in line with the 2nd yellow ball in the cluster of balls around the foot spot. Object Ball Placement: Two yellow balls frozen to the cue ball each pointing to the closest pocket point of the side pockets to allow for throw. Four yellow balls are placed around the foot spot as diagrammed. The 2nd yellow ball from the foot cushion is on the foot spot. The cluster of 4 yellows are all frozen to each other. The two back yellow balls of the 4-ball cluster are lined up toward to the side pocket as show in the diagram. Then the black ball and last yellow ball also frozen to each other near the corner pocket ‘F’ with a triangle frozen to the black ball.
Objective
Shoot the cue ball toward the 3rd yellow of the 4-ball cluster as diagramed aiming toward the left edge of the yellow ball. Play cue ball using high right-hand spin at about 1 o’ clock. The cue ball will pocket the first two yellows in the side pockets and then follow through make contact with the yellow ball in the 4-ball cluster at about half ball and then be deflected toward the side rail and make its way around the table toward the triangle. The 4 balls will be made in their respective pockets and the cue ball will run into the triangle which will pocket the last 2 remaining balls.
Notes
You will need to experiment with the amount of spin you use. If the cue ball runs too long around the table and misses the triangle going into the short rail then you need to hit the yellow in the cluster a bit thicker. If the cue ball misses the rack going in the long rail, then you need to hit the yellow in the cluster a bit thinner. Adding a bit more right-hand spin could also help with a slight adjustment on the cue ball’s angle of entry into the triangle. Crowd Reaction Through the Years: As seen in the video, the shot is nothing less than impressive once successfully made. Seeing all the balls being made in their respective pockets is very amazing to witness, so expect a loud roar of applause and shouting as all 8 balls are made in one shot!
History of the shot

This new Gospel Trick Shot, performed by GTS President Wayne Parker, took place on a standard English-style Blackball pool table. On September 27th, Wayne and several GTS RACK team members from South Africa visited the Safe Haven Rehabilitation Center in Johannesburg to present a Gospel Trick Shot Show. During the event, they demonstrated 12 Gospel Trick Shots aligned with the global AA twelve-step program. At the conclusion of the show, Wayne recorded this month’s GTS Shot featuring all the rehab residents gathered around the table. This particular shot was introduced at the rehabilitation center, carrying a meaningful message that resonated with the attendees.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#57

Noah and the Ark

SAFETY

Ark · righteousness · family · obedience · judgment

Jason named this shot “Noah and the Ark” due to the pairs of balls and the chain reaction. We know that the animals came from all over to the Ark in pairs of two. The rack on the table represents the animals that have already found their way to safety in the Ark. The other balls on the table are the remainder of the animals coming two by two to the ark and the 8 Ball is Noah waiting at the door. The moral to this Bible story is that God is not only a God of judgment in flooding the world but he also saves. The people in the days of Noah were corrupt and Noah was righteous. The question is are you on the Ark of safety with Jesus as the Captain of your ship as you sail through the stormy seas of life. Scripture References (NIV): Genesis 7:1-3 The Lord then said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation. Take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and one pair of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate, and also seven pairs of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth.

Cue ball
In hand as in diagram. Object Ball Placement: This shot uses all 15 object balls on the blackball pool table. Six yellow balls are placed in the rack to add weight so the cue ball caroms off the rack correctly. Four red balls are set up on chalk cubes, three other red balls and the remaining yellow ball are frozen against the stacked balls as shown in the diagram. The 8 ball is in the pocket very close to the edge of the slate cut so that it cannot stay out of the pocket when contact is made.
Objective
Aim to hit a 4-rail carom kick shot off the back of the rack so the cue ball is guided toward the yellow and the first chain reaction. The yellow will be pocketed and the chain reaction will start and finally pocket the black 8-ball. It is worth noting that in Blackball, if you pocket the last of your colors and in this case that final yellow ball assuming the other 6 yellow balls sitting in the rack have already been pocketed, then pocketing the 8 ball is a win. So, this is a win on the table for you and for Noah.
Notes
If you find that the chain reaction slows down or stops it is likely that one of the sets of balls is not completely frozen. Also, you made need to hit the 4-rail bank shot to the rack with a bit more pace.
History of the shot

This show was created from a melding of trick shots. GTS RACK Team members Jason Lynch and Michael Hewitt combined their collective creative artistic talents on a Blackball pool table to come up with this shot. The brainstorm happened live right before a Gospel Trick Shot show at the WPA 2024 World Artistic Blackball Championships in Bridlington, England in October of 2024. This tournament ran alongside the Blackball International (BI) World Team Championships as countries from four continents were represented. Jason and Michael represented the USA in the team championships along with Tom Rossman, Phil Ball, and Steve Lillis.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#58

Make Our Paths Straight

SUBMISSION

trust · straight path · understanding · acknowledge · Lord

Pastor Michael Hewitt of the Rising Hope Church also known as the “Pastor of Pool” named this shot “Make Our Paths Straight” due to the row of balls and the 8-ball that drops down to complete the shot. The redirection of the balls shows that even when the Lord’s straight path is not apparent, we are often surprised when He reveals it to us in unusual and surprising ways. With the 8-ball suspended in the air on top of the edge of the rack it is not clear how it will follow straight down into the side pocket. Watch the video and be surprised! Scripture References (NIV): Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Cue ball
Resting on the cue sticks with two pieces of chalk holding it slightly in place. Leave enough of a gap between the chalks for the cue ball and the other object balls to clear. The cue ball can be resting near the tips of the two cue sticks as shown in the video or slightly forward as shown in the diagram.
Object balls
The 8-ball is positioned on top of the rack with the weight of the 1-7 balls holding the rack up. Balls 1-7 are on the set of cues with a small piece of paper holding the row of balls in position on the cues. Two racks full of balls are used to hold the cues in position so the path is straight to the side pocket, as indicated in the diagram. Look at diagram and video for proper set-up.
Objective
Hit the cue ball up the sticks with just enough speed to dislodge the paper holding the row of balls. The paper will fall off, releasing the balls to follow the cue ball into the side pocket. The rack with the 8-ball will then “lever” down, hit the sticks, and run down into the side pocket.
Notes
Be patient, as it took a few attempts especially on the set-up to produce the video. The balancing 8-ball might be the most challenging aspect of the set up. It must be at the correct angle to allow gravity to lever the 8-ball and the rack downward after the weight of the 7 balls is removed. The rack also must be the type that has an edge for the 8-ball to rest on.
History of the shot

This shot was created by GTS RACK team members Michael Hewitt and Jason Lynch who recently in October returned from England representing the USA in the 2024 BI World Blackball Team Championships. They also competed in the first ever 2024 WPA World Artistic Blackball Championships at that same venue. Michael and Jason also collaborated to create last month’s shot called Noah and the Ark which was performed in a special Gospel Trick Shot show during that Artistic Blackball event. This past month in honor of Veteran’s Day they had special guest Army Veteran Gary Reedy perform the shot. The brainstorm and execution of the shot happened at the Rising Hope Church in the community center in Muncie, IN, where they hold an after-school breaktime program.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#59

Testing of Your Faith

PATIENCE

faith · trials · patience · challenges · perseverance

This Gospel Trick Shot is called the “Testing of Your Faith.” Often, we find ourselves in situations where we do not see an obvious solution to a problem we are facing. In this shot, you would want to bank the object ball across into the opposite side pocket, but due to the awkward angle of the position of the cue ball, a ‘double kiss’ would prevent the obvious bank shot from being played. This can cause you to feel discouraged and view the ‘double kiss’ as a negative. However, just as in life, we can view our problems negatively, or we can see them as an opportunity to develop us to do greater things for God’s glory. In this shot, the same is true. Instead of seeing the double kiss as a negative, the double kiss actually allows for a great shot to be done. A change of thinking, however, is required to see the negative challenge as an opportunity to develop us for greater things in life for God’s glory. Scripture References (NKJV): James 1:2-3 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

Cue ball
Along the long center line of the table, about a half a diamond from center of the side pockets as shown in the diagram.
Object balls
The 8-Ball is positioned frozen to the rail about a ball width from the side pocket.
Objective
Hit the cue ball directly into the 8-Ball using about two tips of left-hand English at a medium pace. The cue ball and 8-Ball should ‘double kiss’ and cause the 8-Ball to be made in the opposite corner pocket.
Notes
This shot is not as easy as it looks, and as the scripture implies, the testing of your faith produces patience. So be patient in working out the correct power and angle needed to hit the cue ball into the 8-Ball to be made in the corner pocket. If the you find that the 8-Ball misses the pocket into the short rail first you probably need to play the 8-Ball a fraction thinner. If you find you are missing it into the long rail then you will need to play the 8-Ball thicker or fuller.
History of the shot

This shot is based on a similar concept of a very familiar shot taken from the Artistic Pool shot program also known as the “Calling the Corners” trick shot from Discipline 1 of the “Trick and Fancy” category. The original shot has an added ball frozen to the object ball, however in this particular version of the shot the 8-Ball is used alone and is made in the opposite corner pocket.

Watch on YouTube · Gospel Trick Shot Ministries Inc.

Shot diagram

#60

Relationships

SEEK

Jesus · relationship · heart · soul · find God

Michael named this snot “Relationships”, it highlights the relationship that we have with our Lord Jesus Christ. Seek the one with your one and you when come to life’s challenges, God will pour his influence in to help you.

Scripture. Deuteronomy 4:29 “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Cue ball
In hand per diagram, one-two ball widths from the slate cut. You will want to set the cue ball in such a way that the one ball is pointed to the left center of the opposite side pocket.
Object balls
One ball frozen to cue ball and aimed toward the left center of side pocket B. Two ball is frozen to cue and aimed at the right point of pocket F. Four ball is on foot spot with the Three ball frozen to it. The ThreeFour combo is aimed at the right center of pocket F
Objective
Using a firm stroke, aim a tip outside the Three ball to allow the cue ball to hit the combo with enough force to split the balls to the corner pockets. The shot is made best with a long follow thru to keep the cue ball in line with target.
Notes
If you find that the combination doesn’t find the pocket, make sure all balls are frozen. You may need to adjust you aim further left.
History of the shot

This show was created by Pastor Michael Hewitt using one of the shots from our professional program that will be shot in a few weeks at the World Championships.

Video coming soon

Shot diagram

#61

Come Home

HOME

lost sheep · healing · return · testimony · belonging

Jason lost his wife to cancer in 2013 and it took a great deal of healing and understanding to come back home to God. The loss was devastating but through the love of friends and family he is back serving God with his God given gifts of testimony and trick shots. Just like in the story Jesus told of the lost sheep, the shepherd left the 99 and went out after the lost one to bring it home. As described in the video, the 1-4 balls represent the sheep that God has in his flock. God will go a great distance to save one person to bring them back home (the combination 8/9). Jesus is the Good Shepherd!

Scripture. Luke 15:4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” and Luke 8:39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” Cue Ball/Object Balls Placement: Cue Ball is frozen in line with balls 1-4 as shown in the diagram. The combination 8/9 is in the jaws of the lower right corner pocket, a rack is placed as shown.

Objective
Aim your cue stick to hit the cue ball with extreme bottom right with your cue stick parallel to the row of balls 1-4, follow thru with a firm stroke. If the shot is struck correctly, balls 1-4 will go off the rack into the corner pocket and the cue ball will draw and spin three rails to make the combination 8/9.
Notes
The explanation of the shot in the video relates to the Scriptures mentioned above.
History of the shot

This shot also is an ongoing continuation of converting Artistic Pool shots from the WPA sanctioned World Artistic Pool program into Gospel Trick Shots. In the 2020 Official Shot/ Challenge Program this particular shot is found in Discipline 6 and it is Shot 4b. It is performed in the video by Jason “The Michigan Kid” Lynch who is the ranked #2 in World Artistic Pool. He is also on our GTS RACK Team and in the video explains the Gospel Trick Shot message that goes with the shot. This Artistic Pool shot has a degree of difficulty rating of 9, so this is one of the more advanced shots in the professional program. The shots range from 6 to 10 so because this shot is higher on the spectrum this shot requires a great deal of practice, knowledge, and skill to make it consistently!

Video coming soon

Shot diagram

#62

374 Shot

DELIGHT

Psalm 37:4 · desires · stillness · direction · obstacles

The numbers 374 represent using three balls in the first shot, 7 balls in the second shot, and 4 balls in the third shot. Those numbers together yield the scripture reference for the Bible verse found in Psalm 37:4. Together those three shots produce a quick one-minute or longer gospel message. The first shot encourages us to be still and delight ourselves in the Lord. The second shot reveals the direction God has for each of us which will be the desires of our heart as we line up with the heart of our Creator. The third shot reminds us that there will always be walls or obstacles to try to take us off course. However, with the help of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit we will end up where God intended and where we want to be not only for this life but for all eternity.

Scripture. Psalm 37:4 says “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart”.

Cue ball
Cue ball placed in different locations depending on the shot. The first shot “Be Still” has the cue ball in the middle being still. Pick up the cue ball in hand to make the second and third shots as diagramed and in the video.
Object balls
Use any numbered object balls for each shot except for the 8 Ball in the middle of the second shot which is “Peer Pressure”. All set ups are as shown in the diagram. Make sure all balls are completely frozen. The first ball in each shot is the key to proper set-up. Use the diamond on the rail as a guide for the first shot. The 8 Ball is on the foot spot for the second shot with the other six balls surrounding it with an equal gap size maybe ½ inch between object balls and the 8 Ball. Use the point on the right of the side pocket for the first ball as a guide on the third shot and place the other three balls in a straight line directly in front of that first ball as indicated in the diagram.
Objective
When all the balls are set-up correctly you can easily move from shot to shot while you deliver the message. The first shot has three balls being pocketed while the cue ball stays still. The second shot only the 8 Ball is pocketed indicating direction. In the third shot the wall or obstacle comes down with 4 balls being pocketed while the cue ball comes back to pocket another ball with the help of the triangle (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
Notes
Test all shots individually first before attempting to do all three shots in one attempt. After completing the first two shots, you may add a triangle and an object onto the table as diagramed for the last shot.
History of the shot

This shot performed by Steve Lillis is a combination of three different Gospel Trick Shots strung together to produce a gospel message. All three of these shots were published back in 2020 in AZBilliards Buzz Magazine. They were part of the original 12 Gospel Trick Shots that were featured in Steve’s second book called “What’s That In Your Hand” published in 2019 and available on Amazon. AZBilliards publisher Mike Howerton suggested we publish one Gospel Trick Shot of the month and so the journey began in November 2019. The first shot is called “Be Still” which was GTS #6. The second shot called “Peer Pressure” also known as “Direction” or “Choices” was published as GTS # 3. The third and final shot is the “Wall” shot published as GTS #5.

Video coming soon

Shot diagram

#63

Come Back to the One

RECOVERY

Peter · failure · faith · return · strengthen others

The name of the shot is “Come back to the One” and has a play on words for referring to the One (1-ball), which is positioned at the point of the rack. Peter in the Bible is represented by the 6-ball, as it was Peter who denied the Lord three times which is represented by the red 3-ball hanging over the side pocket. Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him three times and that Satan would sift him as wheat. Jesus continued to say that He had prayed for Peter’s faith not to fail, and said that when Peter had returned to Jesus, that he would need to strengthen his brethren. Even though Peter was to experience a major setback, Jesus had already planned his comeback! The 6-ball starts by moving away from the 1-ball but then later returns to follow the 1-ball into the corner pocket the same way Peter did.

Scripture. Luke 22:31-32 (NIV) “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Cue ball
Cue ball placed about 1 diamond from the corner pocket as diagrammed and about a chalk width from the cushion.
Object balls
The 6-ball is frozen to the cushion on the 2nd diamond from the corner pocket, and is also frozen to the 13-ball which is also frozen to the same cushion. The 3-ball is placed directly in front of the opposite side pocket with its edge flush with the slate edge of the side pocket. A triangle rack is also placed on the table with one of its points frozen to the 1-ball, pointing directly at the corner pocket as diagrammed. The 1-ball is about one and a half ball widths from the slate edge of the corner pocket.
Objective
Hit the cue ball hard straight ahead into the 13-ball with extreme center right-hand English. The cue ball will carom off the 13-ball and make the 3-ball in the opposite side pocket. The 6-ball will naturally bank across the length of the table and return to ricochet off the rack into the pocket where the 1-ball is located. The 13-ball will then receive transfer spin from the cue ball causing it to bank backwards across to the opposite long rail, and then back into the rack making the 1-ball just before the 6-ball arrives.
Notes
If you find that 13-ball does not bank backwards to go into the rack then use more righthand English. If the cue ball misses the 3-ball by going past the 3-ball, then try aiming a little thicker on the 13-ball. If the cue call misses the 3-ball by hitting the long rail before the 3-ball, try playing the 13-ball a little thinner. This shot requires some practice but is a sure way to bring a great message across. If one misses the shot, you can say that Peter denied Jesus 3 times and have another two more attempts. If you have missed all 3 attempts, then say many of us have denied Jesus more than 3 times, and Jesus is willing for us to keep trying until we come back to Him. There is a secret hidden Bible reference and verse hidden in the order in which the numbered balls are pocketed. Can you figure out that Bible verse reference? Hint: It is found in the book of John.
History of the shot

This shot performed by Wayne Parker is done on a Chinese 9-foot pool table which has snooker type pockets, using a nap cloth which is made up of very fine bristles, brushed in one direction from the head of the table toward the foot cushion. Wayne Parker and a GTS South African team of five and GTS RACK team member Jason Lynch will be in China playing on these tables in the months of April and May, 2025. This shot was inspired by the Easter/Passover season of 2025. It is an appeal for all who are far from the Lord, to come back to the One who loves you, gave His life for you, and rose again on the third day. This shot can also be done on an American type of pool table.

Video coming soon

Shot diagram

#64

The Price Was Paid.

VALUE

soul · price · eternal life · blood · redemption

The name of the shot is called “The Price Was Paid” and demonstrates that God paid the price for us to have eternal life. The 3-ball represents the blood of Jesus and how this was payment for our redemption which was accomplished when God sent His only begotten Son who was the price that God the Father paid for our eternal life. The 3-ball shot across 8 rails and eventually lands on top of a dollar bill signifying that through the blood of Jesus the price was paid in full. We would not want to exchange our soul for a million dollars, yet God paid a greater price with His own blood that we might have eternal life in Him.

Scripture. Mark 8:36 (NIV) “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

Cue ball
3-ball placed about half a diamond from the long rail and side pocket as diagramed. This shot can also be done on either side of the table.
Object balls
Only the 3-ball used as a cue ball and a dollar bill placed near the corner pocket as shown in the diagram.
Objective
Hit the cue ball hard straight into the long rail as diagramed with lefthand English causing the 3-ball to run off 8 or 9 rails and eventually landing on the dollar bill placed near the corner pocket as shown in the diagram.
Notes
This shot takes some practice and depending on the speed of the table cloth one would have to compensate with how hard you would strike the ball. Playing with some running English will assist with the ball path reaching the dollar bill.
History of the shot

This shot performed by Wayne Parker is done on a Chinese 9-foot pool table which has snooker type pockets, using a nap cloth which is made up of very fine bristles, brushed in one direction from the head of the table towards the foot cushion. This shot is also featured in the Artistic Pool shot program as the tie-breaker shot when two players are tied during a head-to-head play-off. A dollar bill is used and a cue ball which played around 8 to 9 rails and landing on the dollar bill. The player who gets closest to the bill wins. This shot can also be done on an American type pool table.

Video coming soon

Shot diagram

#65

The 5 Loaves and 2 Fish

MULTIPLY

giving · little · abundance · generosity · obedience

The name of the shot is called “The 5 loaves and 2 fish” and demonstrates the cue ball running around 5 rails to eventually make a 2-ball combination into the corner pocket. Oftentimes we do not value even the little we have received from God, such as the simple things in life or even a testimony of what God has done for us. It took faith for the disciples to take the little bit of bread and fish they received from Jesus, and feed the first person they were sent to. So also, will it require faith on our part to give to others the little we think we have received from the Lord, whether it be a gift, talent, time, finance or just a word of encouragement. One thing is for sure, is that when we are obedient in reaching out to others with what we have received from the Lord, is that God will multiply whatever it is that we give. God will supply, multiply and satisfy those we reach out to for Him. To him who has, more shall be given!

Scripture. Matthew 13:12 (NIV) “Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance…” Matthew 14:19 (NIV) “And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.”

Cue ball
place within the 1 x 1 diamond area as indicated in the diagram.
Object balls
A two-ball combination setup, frozen to the rail and to each other, with the ball on the right on the 1st diamond from the corner pocket as indicated in the diagram. One blocker ball frozen to the rail on the 2nd diamond.
Objective
Hit the cue ball hard straight into the long rail as diagrammed with high righthand English causing the cue ball to run off 5 rails and eventually making the two-ball combination and making the end ball into the corner pocket as shown in the diagram.
Notes
This shot takes some practice and depending on the speed of the table cloth one would have to compensate with how hard you would strike the ball. One can play around with hitting the cue ball at different speeds or hitting a little higher or lower down the first rail depending on where the cue ball ends up when reaching the two-ball combination.
History of the shot

This shot is performed by Sonja Pretorius, a GTS RACK team member from South Africa. She also happens to be the website designer of our new GTS Website. This shot is done on an English style 7-foot Blackball pool table which has snooker type pockets. This shot is also featured in the 2024 Artistic Blackball shot program, which was developed from the American Artistic Pool shot program. This shot is part of the “Bank and Kick” discipline, and has a degree of difficulty of 9 out of 10.

Video coming soon

Shot diagram

#66

Little Dogs Eating Bread Crumbs

PERSISTENCE

faith · humility · miracle · overlooked · Jesus

The shot is titled “Little Dogs Eating Bread Crumbs”. It demonstrates the cue ball pocketing the 2-ball in the side pocket and the 7-ball in the corner pocket, as shown in the diagram. The shot draws inspiration from a biblical account in Mark 7:24–30, where a Gentile woman—facing a desperate situation—pleads with Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Jesus replies, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” This response reflected the cultural and religious priorities of the time, where Jews had precedence. However, the woman’s humble and faith-filled reply moved Jesus to grant her request. She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.” Her persistence and recognition of Jesus’ power—despite her perceived insignificance—brought about her miracle. The message? No matter how small or overlooked you may feel, put your trust in Jesus—your miracle worker. He honors faith, not status.

Scripture. Mark 7:28 (NKJV): “And she answered and said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.’”

Cue ball
Frozen to the rail and also frozen to the 8-ball, aligned with the second diamond from the corner pocket.
Object balls
8-ball: Frozen to the cue ball, along the second diamond. 2-ball: Frozen to the 8-ball, but with a ball-width gap from the cushion. 7-ball: Hanging near the opposite corner pocket (see diagram).
Objective
Hit the cue ball firmly with low right-hand English, aiming approximately a diamond and a half before the side pocket, as shown in the diagram. The cue ball will compress off the cushion, avoid the frozen 8-ball, and kick the 2-ball into the opposite side pocket. It will then rebound off the rail, travel around the table, and ultimately pocket the 7-ball in the corner.
Notes
If the cue ball misses the 7-ball short, try adding more right-hand English to widen the angle. If it misses too long, reduce the right-hand spin and use more draw (backspin). If the 2-ball misses to the left of the side pocket, aim the cue ball slightly left of the cushion. If the 2-ball misses to the right, aim slightly right of the cushion.
History of the shot

This shot, performed by Wayne Parker, is executed on a Chinese-style 9-foot pool table with snooker-style pockets. A similar version—known as the “Cozy Kick Shot”—is featured in the 2025 Artistic Pool Shot Program. It falls under the “Bank and Kick” discipline and carries a difficulty rating of 6 out of 10. In this variation, the natural path of the cue ball travels around the table to eventually pocket the 7-ball, which was added to increase the complexity and showcase a creative version of the original shot.

Video coming soon

Shot diagram

#67

THE 4 GOSPELS – Matthew, Mark, Luke & John

GOSPEL

Matthew · Mark · Luke · John · Jesus · witness · good news

One of the featured Gospel Trick Shots is titled “The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.” In this demonstration, four balls are pocketed into three different pockets, each ball numbered one through four to represent the first four books of the New Testament. This shot carries a powerful spiritual message. Just as the four Gospels consistently point us to Jesus Christ, so this trick shot highlights how the life of Jesus always glorified His Heavenly Father. Everything He said and did was a reflection of God’s heart and character. To further emphasize the lesson, the shot is also replicated on the opposite side of the table, illustrating the truth of Romans 10:17-“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” Through this creative illustration, the audience is reminded that the Gospels are not just historical accounts, but living testimonies of Jesus’ mission to reveal the Father’s love and bring salvation to the world.

Scripture. John 14:9 (NKJV): “…He who has seen Me has seen the Father…’” John 5:19 (NKJV): “…the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do…”

Cue ball
Place the cue ball(s) on the table as shown in the diagram.
Object balls
1-Ball and 2-Ball: Frozen together, aimed toward the right point of the corner pocket. 3-Ball and 4-Ball: Frozen together, aimed toward the left point of the same corner pocket. Leave approximately one ball’s width of space between the 2-Ball and 4-Ball. The tangent line of the 1-Ball (from the 2-Ball) should point toward the corner pocket. The tangent line of the 3-Ball (from the 4-Ball) should point toward the opposite side pocket. On the opposite side of the table, set up an identical four-ball formation.
Objective
Strike the cue ball firmly with half a tip of low English. Aim at the right-hand edge of the 1-Ball. The cue ball will: Pocket the 1-Ball into the left corner. Also pocket the 2-Ball into the opposite corner. Carom into the 3-Ball, sending it into the side pocket. Pocket the 4-Ball into the same corner pocket as the 2-Ball.
Notes
If the 1-Ball misses and strikes the short rail, adjust by moving the 1-Ball/2-Ball combo back towards the cue-ball about half an inch. Do the same adjustment if the 3-Ball/4-Ball combo misses to the left of the side pocket. A firm stroke is necessary for success. This shot requires practice to master. To mark ball positions, you may tap them lightly into place with another object ball. This leaves a small indentation on the cloth for easy resetting. Avoid tapping too hard, especially in billiard halls, as venue owners may disapprove. A gentle tap is enough.
History of the shot

This impressive shot, performed by Wayne Parker, takes place on a Chinese-style 9-foot pool table with snooker-style pockets. The shot itself was originally made famous by “Machine Gun” Lou Butera and later featured in the PC video game Virtual Pool under the Trick Shot Video section. In Wayne’s version, he successfully pockets four balls into three different pockets with precision and flair. Adding to the excitement, his wife Chantal joins in to assist—making her debut in Gospel Trick Shots—as she replicates the same shot on the opposite side of the table.

Video coming soon

Shot diagram

#68

Teamwork makes the Dream Work!

COOPERATION

teamwork · unity · body of Christ · diversity · service

This shot is titled “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!” In this Gospel Trick Shot demonstration, Wayne illustrates the power of unity and the importance of recognizing that every person in the Kingdom of God has a vital role to play. The setup involves five object balls, each carefully balanced on a block of chalk, with a supporting ball positioned alongside each one. The sequence begins when the cue ball is struck to pocket the 15-ball into the side pocket. From there, the cue ball travels around the table, rebounding off four rails before striking the 8-ball. This contact triggers a chain reaction that ultimately sends the 5-ball into the side pocket. Just as every ball in this shot must work together in perfect sequence for the outcome to be successful, so too does every believer in the Kingdom of God contribute to the greater good. Each person has a unique purpose and a God-given role that is essential, no matter how big or small it may seem. Therefore, never underestimate your value, and never compare your role to someone else’s. God has designed a special plan and purpose for you within His Kingdom, and your contribution matters.

Scripture. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 (NIV): “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”

Object balls
• Balls 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are each placed on top of a block of chalk. • Balls 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 are placed touching (frozen to) each of the balls above, as shown in the diagram. • The 13-ball is positioned so the 5-ball will strike it at about half-ball contact. • The 15-ball is set close to the side pocket, as shown in the diagram.
Objective
Strike the cue ball firmly with a touch of low-right English (hit slightly below and to the right of center). Aim at the right edge of the 15-ball. Here’s what will happen: • The cue ball pockets the 15-ball into the side pocket. • It then travels around the table, bouncing off four rails as shown in the diagram. • The cue ball hits the 8-ball, starting a chain reaction that knocks the balls off their chalk blocks. • Finally, the 5-ball is dislodged, makes contact with the 13-ball, and is pocketed in the side.
Notes
If the cue ball goes around four rails but comes up short—either going straight into the corner pocket or hitting directly into the 8-ball—try hitting the 15-ball a little fuller (thicker) with more low-right English. This will open the angles and send the cue ball into the short rail first before it caroms into the 8-ball. If the cue ball instead goes too long and hits too far down the last short rail, adjust by hitting the 15-ball a little thinner.
History of the shot

This remarkable trick shot, executed by Wayne Parker, is set up on a Chinese-style 9-foot pool table fitted with snooker-style pockets, which makes the difficulty level significantly higher than on a standard American pool table. Wayne has featured this particular shot on numerous occasions during his professional trick shot exhibitions across South Africa, where it has consistently captivated audiences with its precision and creativity. In this presentation, however, he has given the shot a deeper meaning by adapting it into a Gospel Trick Shot. By doing so, Wayne transforms a moment of skill and entertainment into a powerful word of encouragement for the body of Christ, using the art of billiards as a unique platform to share faith and inspiration.

All shots