A useful shot vocabulary has several layers. Aiming systems, curved strokes and defensive intentions are not mutually exclusive branches of one shot tree.
Start with the event order
Ball-first means an object-ball collision precedes the first cushion. Cushion-first means the cue ball reaches a cushion first; bricole is commonly used for this family. Under the UMB three-cushion rule, the cue ball must contact both other balls and make at least three cushion contacts before its FIRST contact with the second distinct object ball. If A is the first object ball touched, B is the remaining object ball: the required cushion contacts must precede the first touch of B, not merely a later return to it. Thus C→A→B→three cushions→B does not turn an early B contact into a valid point. The three contacts need not involve three different cushions.
Add the technique
Draw, follow and side spin describe aspects of cue-ball rotation or resulting action. A massé describes a curved elevated stroke. These labels do not specify the entire event sequence, nor is a massé the only alternative when a direct lane is blocked. Check ordinary cushion-first candidates as well.
Keep systems and tactics separate
Corner-5 and Plus are aiming references with their own scales. Position play and defence describe an intention for the resulting layout. A route can use an aiming system and pursue position at the same time. Do not assume that cushion-first always gathers the balls or that ball-first always has a higher success rate.
Annotate an example
Our classification card is: first event; cushion order before the last ball; relevant spin/elevation; aiming reference, if any; intended leave; actual result. An illustrative sequence C→A→long→short→long→B has three cushion contacts, but legality still depends on the whole shot and absence of fouls. Replay helps inspect the sequence; a family name alone does not certify the point.
Continue: Inside or Outside? Compare Routes Without Confusing Spin →