The stun shot is a precise and highly effective technique used to control the cue ball's position after it makes contact with an object ball, particularly on cut shots. Unlike a follow shot where the cue ball continues forward, or a draw shot where it comes backward, a stun shot aims for the cue ball to have no topspin or backspin at the exact moment it strikes the object ball. When executed correctly on a cut shot, the cue ball will then travel along the tangent line – a line perpendicular to the path of the object ball – essentially stopping its forward or backward rotation and moving at a 90-degree angle relative to the object ball's direction. To achieve this, you typically hit the cue ball below center, allowing the initial backspin to "wear off" due to friction with the cloth just as it reaches the object ball, resulting in a pure sliding motion at impact. Mastering the stun shot, especially on varying distances and cut angles, is crucial for advanced position play, as it offers predictable cue ball placement and allows you to avoid scratching or leaving yourself in a difficult position.