Pattern Breakdown

Pattern Breakdown is a feature in ICATS for demonstrating and practicing run-outs. A run-out is a sequence of shots where you must pocket each ball and land in a small position zone to continue the run. Pattern Breakdown walks you through the run shot-by-shot.

The Pattern Ball (PBall)

Pattern Breakdown uses the ICATS Pattern Ball (PBall):

• A hybrid of a cue ball and aiming ball
• Shows tip position and stroke speed (how to strike the cue ball)
• Is 4 balls in size, making it a practical target for your leave
• Any drill containing numbered PBalls can be processed as a Pattern Breakdown drill

How to run a Pattern Breakdown drill

Pattern Breakdown is driven primarily by the arrow keys:

• → = next shot
• ← = previous shot

1. Load a Pattern Breakdown drill

   Load a drill that contains numbered PBalls (either an ICA drill/module or one you created).

2. Step 1: Full pattern overview

   The initial view shows the full run-out: all object balls, PBalls, and track lines. This gives you the big picture (it may look "busy" at first).

3. Step 2: Object balls only (optional analysis)

   Press → once to show only the object balls (no guidance). This is your chance to analyze the table yourself.

4. Step 3+: Shot-by-shot guidance

   Each press of → advances to the next shot: the current PBall/shot path, the current object ball, and the next PBall target for position. Balls from completed shots are removed as you advance.

5. Final shot and loop

   When you reach the last shot, only the final PBall and object ball are shown. Make the shot (don't scratch). Press → again to return to the full-pattern overview.

What counts as “good position”

Pattern drills are designed with some margin for error:

• If you land on the PBall (4× ball size), you can still typically reach the next landing zone
• You may need to adjust the indicated cueing slightly if your leave isn't perfect

Related topics

• Aiming Ball
• Shortcut Keys