Lots of words of that don't make much sense in this thread.
I cringe every time I hear someone use the phrase "parallel english". I understand that this is a method of employing english that many people use but the term is misleading. Bottom line is -- there's only one angle of attack that the cue can be on when using english. How you get to this angle is up to the user. If you don't believe this is true, and you use parallel english, observe what happens when you use a bridge.
All roads lead to Rome when it comes to english.
The pro method of employing english doesn't exist and if you run into an instructor telling you otherwise, you may want to consider finding a different instructor.
Now here comes the "let me clarify" post.
No, with the kindest of intentions, here comes a
correction post, respectfully.
Photo 1 and Photo 2 show
two angles of approach to strike the
same point on the cue ball:
*the bridge hand is in different locations in relation to the cue ball, one dead center, one shifted over, providing two different angles of approach
*we can choose different angles of approach on the
same cue ball point to jump a cue ball into the air instead of roll it
*we can choose different angles of approach on the
same cue ball point to cut in two different shots at two differing cut angles
*therefore, no one could possibly believe the cue ball will take the
same path along the cloth before contact with the object ball in the two different photos,
regardless of what you believe about the amount of sidespin generated
*the difference in approach angle can therefore give the unwary player the
illusion of a different amount of sidespin
*there are times to shoot parallel and times to shoot pivot or backhand
Most pros use all three techniques, pivot usually being rare (tight cluster of interference balls or a pack safety at an odd angle, etc. -- I mean, who wants to shoot diagonally and take diagonal-line practice strokes?), parallel being a nice little aiming aid for those small distance shots working the cue ball a short distance as well, backhand--and this is important--a very slight amount close to cue ball center in most cases. Most people who deny the benefits of backhand english have only tried it at great distances from cue ball center.
I don't teach one type of english exclusively, but yes, get another instructor if you are learning pet theories not backed by human anatomy, physics and geometry. Those are the three musts in pool instruction IMHO.
The pro method of english is to use
efficient strokes, the stroke needed for the shot at hand. Parallel
is difficult to control over a distance... and a number of calculations must be added. Dr. Dave's site has more on this.
Your "use a mechanical bridge" concept is excellent! Now take different shots on the same point of the cue ball
while rotating the mechanical bridge's hand to account for the difference between a parallel line of approach and a pivot line, noting the difference in ball direction
and roll and spin.
