Using Parallel English Better

34YearsOfPlayin

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have always used backhand english. But lately I have been using parallel english.

It is much easier for me to aim with backhand english because all I have to do is decide where to aim and then align the cue head and body over the line of aim. And then swerve the cue to the side of english I'd like to use.

With parallel english I have to determine the line of aim and then imagine the line of aim of the parallel english which is parallel to the original line of aim. It adds a extra step which adds a extra mental calculation.

I have been missing more with using parallel english.

Has anyone found a way to simplify using parallel english. LIke what is your pre-shot routine to get aligned. If so can you share it. Thanks.
 
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Why not stick with backhand English if it works? If you need the cue ball to go in this direction at that speed with this spin, doesn't that mean you need strike the cue ball at a certain point with your cue moving in a certain direction at a certain speed? To me, back hand English, front hand English, or any other technique is a way for me to adjust the direction of my cue so the ball still goes (hopefully) where I initially aimed.
 
Dr. Dave has invented Backallel english which you might be interested in. I use mostly BHE and judgemental english (kidding)

Couple inside english things that work regardless (crappy stroke withstanding) are, back handing to aim/point directly at the contact point on the object ball. This works at medium ish speeds and out to spot shot lengths. The parameters are easy to identify and only require the time to discover and learn.

The other thing which I'll call Strickland or Earl english is paralleling the cue to point through the english spot and directly at the same spot on the object ball. This works when you have to run the ball around the table.

Results will of course be tied to the playing characteristics of your cue shaft.
 
The notion of BHE has always sent chills down my spine. No shooting advantage over parallel shifting but you get the opprotunity to screw up your mechanics.

Is it easier for some..?.., I guess. Is that for any other reason than it's simply what they've always done...?.., I'm guessing no.
 
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