History of the Trick Shot:
This impressive shot, performed by Wayne Parker, takes place on a Chinese-style 9-foot pool table with snooker-style pockets. The shot itself was originally made famous by “Machine Gun” Lou Butera and later featured in the PC video game Virtual Pool under the Trick Shot Video section. In Wayne’s version, he successfully pockets four balls into three different pockets with precision and flair. Adding to the excitement, his wife Chantal joins in to assist—making her debut in Gospel Trick Shots—as she replicates the same shot on the opposite side of the table.
GTS Name and Meaning:
One of the featured Gospel Trick Shots is titled “The Four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.”
In this demonstration, four balls are pocketed into three different pockets, each ball numbered one through four to represent the first four books of the New Testament. This shot carries a powerful spiritual message.
Just as the four Gospels consistently point us to Jesus Christ, so this trick shot highlights how the life of Jesus always glorified His Heavenly Father. Everything He said and did was a reflection of God’s heart and character.
To further emphasize the lesson, the shot is also replicated on the opposite side of the table, illustrating the truth of Romans 10:17 — “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”
Through this creative illustration, the audience is reminded that the Gospels are not just historical accounts, but living testimonies of Jesus’ mission to reveal the Father’s love and bring salvation to the world.
Scripture Reference:
John 14:9 (NKJV):
“…He who has seen Me has seen the Father…”
John 5:19 (NKJV):
“…the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do…”
Ball Placement:
Cue Ball(s): Place the cue ball(s) on the table as shown in the diagram.
Object Balls:
- 1-Ball and 2-Ball: Frozen together, aimed toward the right point of the corner pocket
- 3-Ball and 4-Ball: Frozen together, aimed toward the left point of the same corner pocket
- Leave about one ball’s width between the 2-Ball and 4-Ball
- Tangent line of the 1-Ball → corner pocket
- Tangent line of the 3-Ball → opposite side pocket
- Mirror the same setup on the opposite side of the table
Objective:
Strike the cue ball firmly with half a tip of low English and aim at the right edge of the 1-ball.
Result:
- 1-ball → left corner
- 2-ball → opposite corner
- 3-ball → side pocket
- 4-ball → same corner as 2-ball
Special Notes:
- Adjust ball position slightly if misses occur
- Use a firm stroke
- Light tapping can help mark positions (careful not to damage cloth)
Crowd Reaction:
This is a show-stopping shot — balls scatter and drop nearly simultaneously.
Two players are required for full effect. Expect big applause and cheers.
