Why do I naturally pocket balls better with outside spin?

[straightline]

I find thatlLong extreme cut shots I should be straight ball as it’s so hard to judge the amount the ball will deflect over that long distance and if it needs to be a really extreme cut then you risk missing it altogether?

Depends. Sometimes you need the CB going rail to rail for position or just staying away from the pockets. Others, you may want the OB moving at pocket speed without bending into the end rail.

 

[fastone371]

All I can offer is that I am glad that I don't shoot good enough to have to worry about this stuff. I use a little outside if I cant hit the OB thin enough because of an obstruction, I use inside if I need it for position or if its a thin frozen rail shot, and center ball for a stop or stun shot (my favorite shots because I know exactly where cue ball is headed).

 

[gregcantrall]

Rail first is a good way to get a feel for exactly where I am striking the cueball. Sometimes it's not where I thought it was.
My simple kick practice is rack 'em 3 ball, break then kick them in. A week of this after I had quit my day job allowed me to execute my greatest big boys tournament accomplishment.
It's good for the mind and body. Do it as a fitness program an hour a day for a week. Pay Attention to the form! Ready set go.

 

[Zerksies]

Why?

It's one of the hardest and least use of spin. If you can master that you can pretty much use anything.

 

[jay helfert]

I find thatlLong extreme cut shots I should be straight ball as it’s so hard to judge the amount the ball will deflect over that long distance and if it needs to be a really extreme cut then you risk missing it altogether?

It takes practice, lot of it, to learn how to shoot a shot like this and hit the edge of the object ball. Yes, you do have to compensate for the throw on the cue ball before it reaches the object ball. Almost like you are putting a slight masse on the cue ball. But when you do learn how to hit this type of shot (like so many champion players) it will amaze you what shots you can cut in. This is more of a "feel" shot than one that can be diagrammed or explained with physics.

I can show you shots that look uncutable and they can be made if hit properly. Try placing the object ball one diamond out from the corner pocket along the end rail and one ball width off the rail. Now place the cue ball at the other end of the table in the same position. It will look impossible to cut in, but it can be. As my friend Steve Mizerak used to say, practice, practice, practice.

 

[Patrick Johnson]

…you do have to compensate for the throw on the cue ball before it reaches the object ball.

We call that “swerve”. “Throw” happens to the object ball.

Almost like you are putting a slight masse on the cue ball.

You are putting a slight masse on it - because your stick’s butt is always a little elevated.

pj <- nits ain’t gonna pick themselves
chgo

 

[dr_dave]

“Throw” happens to the object ball.

“SIT Happens.” (CIT too.)

 

[jay helfert]

We call that “swerve”. “Throw” happens to the object ball.


You are putting a slight masse on it - because your stick’s butt is always a little elevated.

pj <- nits ain’t gonna pick themselves
chgo

I like it when the really smart guys on here (like PJ) set me straight. That's what friends are for!

 

[MitchAlsup]

When I pocket balls, I tend to use outside spin. It just feels easier to make the ball this way. I’ve read about the “touch of outside/inside” idea, but I don’t think that’s what’s happening in my case.

My take is that I’m always aiming at the ghost ball position, and instead of overcutting to compensate for cut-induced throw, my natural instinct is to apply spin.

My take on this is that you are not compensating for CB-spin-induced-throw by moving point of OB-contact. Once you realize the previous sentence, you will be able to use inside english, outside english, and no english with aplomb--depending on how you want OB to move after contact. {Thanks CJ...}

 

[Renderu]

I’ve been rethinking why shooting with a bit of english feels more natural to me. One theory I’ve heard is that it’s very hard to strike the exact center of the cue ball. But I see the counterargument too: if you’re aiming for a specific amount of english, you can also easily mis-hit that spot.

What I’d really like to know is this: suppose I’m aiming for dead center and I miss by some small amount (let’s call it delta_x). How much spin does that create (delta_s)? Then compare that to aiming with a little english and missing by the same delta_x — is the resulting change in spin bigger or smaller?

In other words: is center ball the most “sensitive” place on the cue ball, where a tiny miscue creates a relatively large effect? If so, it would make sense why some players feel more comfortable using a bit of english on most shots.

 

[straightline]

I’ve been rethinking why shooting with a bit of english feels more natural to me. One theory I’ve heard is that it’s very hard to strike the exact center of the cue ball. But I see the counterargument too: if you’re aiming for a specific amount of english, you can also easily mis-hit that spot.

What I’d really like to know is this: suppose I’m aiming for dead center and I miss by some small amount (let’s call it delta_x). How much spin does that create (delta_s)? Then compare that to aiming with a little english and missing by the same delta_x — is the resulting change in spin bigger or smaller?

In other words: is center ball the most “sensitive” place on the cue ball, where a tiny miscue creates a relatively large effect? If so, it would make sense why some players feel more comfortable using a bit of english on most shots.

A little bit of errant spin probably won't cause a miss. I think one major concern with hitting around center ball is not crossing the center line and applying english opposite to your intentions.