Target Practice (TP) is a training system add-on for the ICA Training System (ICATS). It helps you work on specific types of shots — thin cuts, long shots, shots with inside English — and practice controlling where the cue ball travels after contact. Every practice session can be dialed in to exactly the shot geometry you want.
The Layout Database
TP is driven by a database of ball and pocket positions. The database contains 204 distinct object ball and cue ball positions, each paired with makeable pocket assignments. With 9 target positions available per layout, this produces 1,836 base layouts covering virtually every shot on a pool table.
Each base layout is characterized by four calculated parameters:
- CB to OB Distance — cue ball distance to the object ball, measured in diamonds
- OB to Pocket Distance — object ball distance to the pocket, measured in diamonds
- Cut Angle — the angle in degrees of the cut required to pocket the object ball
- Pocket — the target pocket type: Side, Corner, or Corner (rail shot)
These parameters are what you filter against when selecting shots to practice.
ICA Solution Modules
Master Instructor Robin Dreyer has created solutions for the majority of layouts. These solutions are specifically designed to be used with the Target Practice system add-on. Each solution describes the speed, spin, and track line needed to successfully execute the shot and land the cue ball in the designated target.
Solutions are organized by difficulty into three purchasable modules:
- Level 1 — easiest solutions (~260 solutions)
- Level 2 — medium difficulty (~260 solutions)
- Level 3 — hardest solutions (~260 solutions)
ICA Solutions are available at icatraining.com/shop.
User-Created Solutions
TP also supports solutions you create yourself. Starting from any base layout, you can add a track line and aiming ball to capture your own shot execution, then save it to the database. Your solutions are automatically named when saved. User solutions participate fully in filtering alongside ICA solutions. See Saving User Solutions for the full process.