A base layout is the foundation of every Target Practice session. It defines a specific combination of object ball position, cue ball position, a makeable pocket, and one of 9 (or 21) target positions. The database contains 204 distinct ball and pocket combinations. With 9 targets per combination, this produces 1,836 base layouts.
What a Base Layout Contains
Each base layout is characterized by four parameters calculated from the ball positions:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| CB to OB Distance | Cue ball distance to the object ball, in diamonds |
| OB to Pocket Distance | Object ball distance to the pocket, in diamonds |
| Cut Angle | Degrees of cut required to pocket the object ball |
| Pocket type: Side, Corner, or Corner (rail shot) |
These parameters are the basis for Base Layout filtering — you use them to select the specific types of shots you want to work on.
Base Layouts Versus Solution Layouts
A base layout describes the shot setup — where the balls are and what pocket to aim for. It does not describe how to execute the shot. That is the role of a solution layout, which adds an aiming ball and a track line to capture speed, spin, and cue ball path. Solution layouts are covered in Solution Layouts.