When the cue ball is in hand, the shooter may place the cue ball anywhere on the bed of the table, except in contact with another ball. When placing the cue ball in position, the shooter is allowed to adjust the placement of the cue ball with the cue stick but may not touch the cue ball with the ferrule or the tip. This rule also applies to break shots when the shooter has ball in hand behind the headstring.

1. Allowing the cue ball, any part of the body, or any other object to come into contact with another ball on the bed of the table while the cue ball is in hand, is a foul. The incoming shooter has cue ball in hand.
2. Touching the cue ball with the ferrule of the cue stick or the tip of the cue stick is a foul. The incoming shooter has cue ball in hand.