Put cue ball on one of the end spots in baulk, and red ball with its inner edge, successively, one inch, ¾ inch, ½ inch, and ¼ inch outside the baulk line near the other end spot. Aim in each case dead along the baulk line and the contacts should be (1) grazing, (2) eighth, (3) quarter, and (4) three-eighths. Any finer than half-ball stroke in billiards can be played with one of these four contacts.
The best test of accurate aim and delivery is to be found in the run of the balls, and the side cushion should be carefully marked for this purpose. Upon the proper completion of the eight strokes it will be found that the cushion below the baulk line has been visited by the cue ball at four successive distances and the cushion at and above the baulk line at eight successive distances.
The corresponding run-throughs, guiding the cue ball in the same direction, are (1) full with right side, (2) seven-eighths, (3) three-quarter, (4) five-eighths.
This information has not previously been given in any published book or article, and it comprises much of what has to be learned in the game.
Of course, free rotation must be imparted to the cue ball, and the cueing must be straight, the cue working exactly over the spot on the cushion rail at each end of the line.
Further excellent practice along the baulk line is to be obtained by repeatedly playing dead straight first plain and then with both right hand and left hand side. The ball, when side is used, should, of course, return in a slanting direction.
The great thing in practising the side stroke is to see that the cue lies perfectly parallel with the baulk line, although removed half-an-inch below and above it, and that the aim is still taken dead over the centre of the ball. The cue should come to rest on the cloth half-an-inch below and above the centre spot.