Hanger - Billiard Term Definition

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Definition of Hanger

Hanger is a billiards slang term that is a part of Billiard Technique Terminology.

The term hanger describes an object ball that is resting directly in front of, and on the edge of, the pocket. Specifically, a hanger is an object ball that is more than 50% inside of the cushion points (nipples) of the pocket. This allows the object ball to be contacted at any angle to pocket it.

A ball that is a hanger is considered to be an extremely easy shot, and as such, hangers or hanger balls billiard are designated as insurance balls, that is, easy shots a player can fall back on for lack of a decent shot on anything else.

See: duck, duck shot, sitter, hanging in the pocket for more on the meaning of "Hanger".

Hanger - Usage

That three ball is a real hanger. I thought it was going to drop, but it didn't. All you'll have to do though is blow the cue ball by it, and the air itself will knock it right in.

Billiards - Hanger

Title: Hanger
Author: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)
Published: 4/11/2006
Last Updated: 10/25/2016 4:56:57 PM
Last Updated By: billiardsforum

Hanger Comments

Timothy White from Vero Beach, FL on 8/12/2014 6:29:21 PM
The term "hanger" refers to an abject ball that is more than 50% inside of the cushion points of the pocket, allowing the object ball to be pocketed from literally any angle. Easy to drop it into the pocket, yes, but the other half of the shot calculation, and the more difficult part, is landing the cue ball in an optimal position after the shot.

Remember , there is no such thing as an "easy" shot in the cue sports. Playing position with the cue ball after contact with a hanger is still part of the calculation ritual that should stay consistent shot to shot.

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