There are no instructors within an hour of me on PBIA.
Yes, I know how english/side spin works off rails, object balls, CB position, spin throw, swerve, 1/4-2 tips squirt. But seeing Dr. Dave talk about 30%BHE/70%FHE shots of different length and speed made me think there are some undiscovered aspects of English that could simplify all the calculations.
I'm fairly confident that if there were any simplification to be made, Dr. Dave would have covered it.
Without the 'math', I think the only option is repetition and analysis (experience, but with focus). You could create your own drills--like repeating a basic shot but varying spin and observing the results--but you can also try something like
Dr. Daves video the 1/2-Ball hit.
Honestly, I just started paying more attention to English. So my knowledge is much greater then my experience. As others have mentioned, I should probably just rack up hours, because it doesn't sound like there is a magic pill that can be bought.
As far as what skills should be in my arsenal at my level... I am confident I could be a 5/6 without ever touching english/side spin. And I am confident I won't get any higher without English or side spin. No, I do not consider draw and follow as English.
I think improving speed control is a greater necessity than sidespin, but when set on using sidespin, also realize that stroke-speed makes a lot of difference, especially on fast cloth. Hard/fast strokes don't always allow time for spin to 'take' on the ball, so when 'opening up' a rebound angle, a smoother, medium-speed stroke should yield better results (wider).
Another practice tip for feeling out spin, which I could probably roll up under the bit about drilling--consider multi-cushion kick shots, like the Corner-5, 3-railer. If you think about it, going into the 1st cushion with more (running) sidespin will open the first angle up, as expected, but I doubt most people realize that causes the angle into the 2nd cushion to be steeper, and so the contact on the 3rd cushion will change accordingly. This is one of those things that will be "obvious" to those of a certain experience level, but I don't think most players realize, and some will simply target a different point on the 1st cushion.... Anyway, shooting into the 1st cushion with varying degrees of spin (keeping speed as constant as possible), will help you learn to control the spin, by learning to control the cb path to the 3rd cushion--and you can also consider how to get above/below the line to the pocket. [If this is confusing, lmk and I will chalkystick diagram it.]
I will have to leave off of anything related to using spin to throw a ball, as that's another thing I do primarily by 'feel'. I'm certain there is a Dr. Dave video with examples shots showing "maximum amounts of throw", but I don't currently recall if he instructed on how to control the amount(s) imparted to the object/target ball.
