*** Another Simple Solution to a Progressively Difficult Shot ***

[mr3cushion]

Here is a position that I've developed a simple solution how to AIM, SPEED, and STROKES to use at varying distances from the first object ball. The further the distance from the cue ball to the object ball the NATURLLY the cue ball will want to travel forward, (especially on a NEW cloth).



1. The player will ALWAYS aim at 1/2 full (tip at right edge of object ball).

2. The distance between the cue ball and object ball will determine the amount of "vertical center-line" English to apply to the cue ball.

3. The distance between the cue ball and object ball will determine the SPEED to apply to the shot.

4. The distance between the cue ball and object ball will determine the PROPER strokes to apply for the shot.

5. The "Dead-Ball" stroke is applied by NOT opening and closing the grip hand around the cue on the backswing and forward swing of the cue.

When the player learns to master the techniques I've described, they will be able to play this and simular positions without OVER powering the cue ball!

The game of 3 Cushion Billiards is an EXTREMELY difficult game to master, what I've tried to accomplish the last 35 years to apply some simple logic and physics about how the cue ball and object ball react to each with different speeds, strokes and English.

Now, let me make this perfectly clear, I did NOT measure these results by many mathematical equations, only by repetitive playing of certain shots and patterns, and not only with me testing the theories but, with other players and their strokes.

Now, During the "twilight" years of my life I've decided to try and share most of what I've determined after 45 years. Some people may agree and some will not, but, all I ask is that the reader at least try these theories and come to their own conclusions!

3 Cushion Billiards is, "75% knowledge and 25% execution"!

Respectfully;
Bill Smith "Mr3Cushion"

 

[3kushn]

Pretty awesome Bill. I've been to work on a rule of thumb for this for a long time and have similar conclusions but more general along with doubt during execusion. Its tough to find that 1 diamond drop changing speed and spin at various distances. This is a great starting point to make my own adjustments for my stroke.

Just two questions the white ball is looks like a touch of left. Is that a graphical error or what you recommend. And 2 the Dead Ball stroke: Any change in grip pressure at contact?

 

[mr3cushion]

Pretty awesome Bill. I've been to work on a rule of thumb for this for a long time and have similar conclusions but more general along with doubt during execusion. Its tough to find that 1 diamond drop changing speed and spin at various distances. This is a great starting point to make my own adjustments for my stroke.

Just two questions the white ball is looks like a touch of left. Is that a graphical error or what you recommend. And 2 the Dead Ball stroke: Any change in grip pressure at contact?

3kushn; Don't be such a nit-picker, I'm not working with Adobe Illustrator, so the cue ball is a little askew, BIG DEAL!

Bill Smith "Mr3Cushion"

 

[scottjen26]

Not to bring this up again, but I'm curious, maybe I'm missing something.

What do you think happens differently to the cue ball from those distances by not opening or closing your hand (dead ball stroke) that you can't cause to happen by shooting normally? I get that it might be a feeling in order to effect a certain combination of speed/spin/etc, but have you been taught that something different happens to the cueball somehow?

Scott

 

[3kushn]

3kushn; Don't be such a nit-picker, I'm not working with Adobe Illustrator, so the cue ball is a little askew, BIG DEAL!

Bill Smith "Mr3Cushion"

Just a simple question Bill. Sorry I asked. It won't happen again.

 

[mr3cushion]

Not to bring this up again, but I'm curious, maybe I'm missing something.

What do you think happens differently to the cue ball from those distances by not opening or closing your hand (dead ball stroke) that you can't cause to happen by shooting normally? I get that it might be a feeling in order to effect a certain combination of speed/spin/etc, but have you been taught that something different happens to the cueball somehow?

Scott

Why would you think that THIS technique would NOT help!

Did you happen to miss this line: When the player learns to master the techniques I've described, they will be able to play this and simular positions without OVER powering the cue ball!

It should be obvious the technique has to do with speed, which is ALL important in 3 cushion billiards!

Bill Smith "Mr3Cushion"

P.S. Scott, BTW, do you play 3 cushion? I see you live in Jacksonville, FL., I live in Cocoa Beach, FL. Maybe we can get together and exchange views over the table.

 

[mr3cushion]

Just a simple question Bill. Sorry I asked. It won't happen again.

3Kushn; Maybe when I get ready to post another example with a diagram I can Email it to you first to edit for me, OK.

Respectfully;
Bill Smith "Mr3Cushion"

 

[akrick]

simple solution

I have been practicing this for a couple of days now......it works very well for me and I thank you. I had always struggled for consistency on this shot....especially from long distance. Thanks for the tip.
Rick

 

[scottjen26]

Bill,

I would LOVE to play with you and exchange views. I do live in Jacksonville, FL, unfortunately no 3 cushion tables anywhere in the immediate area, I think the closest may be Savannah or your area? I've been able to play a few hours here and there when traveling for work, but that's it in the last 10 years or so. If I had access I'm sure I would play 3 cushion even more than pool, I love the game.

I used to live in Milwaukee, WI and would play at Romine's primarily. Also used to travel to Chris's 5 or 6 times a year (great Verhoven tables!), saw some tournament there with Sang Lee, yourself, Deno, Mazin, and other great players. Also played up in Madison, WI quite a bit back in 2001 when I was working up there, played in a round robin league and practiced quite a bit, that's when I was probably at my best.

At my top speed I was averaging .7, high run 11, best game 15 points in 5 innings (7, 6, 2 misses, 2), 20 points in 9 innings. I'm sure my average would be much closer to .3 or .4 these days until I got my groove back...


I'm not trying to disrepect you, your game, or the teachings of others who are certainly much better than me. I've just had similar discussions with pool players, and it's tough to reconcile the perceived effects of different types of strokes with the physics of the game. I'm just not convinced that any sort of stroke does anything magical to the cueball that can't be achieved through a normal stroke, especially at normal distances. It should only matter at the moment of contact what speed, spin, etc. the cueball has, not how it got there. I do understand that certain techniques may help you consistently achieve a certain type of hit, I just contend that that same type of hit can be achieved through something other than a special type of stroke. In your recent example for instance, I'm pretty sure I could use my normal draw stroke to draw the ball out of the corner and 3 rails to make the point. Perhaps some time at the table would convince me otherwise...


My schedule is pretty crazy these days, work, wife in nursing school, etc. But if you would be willing to get together to play, and Cocoa Beach is the closest, I would love to meet you someday, taking a day off of work and heading down there in the morning and playing during the day would be the best for me. If interested, let me know via PM or whatever and we will try to set something up.

Thanks!
Scott

 

[mr3cushion]

I'm not trying to disrepect you, your game, or the teachings of others who are certainly much better than me. I've just had similar discussions with pool players, and it's tough to reconcile the perceived effects of different types of strokes with the physics of the game. I'm just not convinced that any sort of stroke does anything magical to the cueball that can't be achieved through a normal stroke, especially at normal distances. It should only matter at the moment of contact what speed, spin, etc. the cueball has, not how it got there.

Scott; Players that use one stroke to play billiards are playing a ONE dimensional game just the cue ball! Players that utilize different strokes in their game can play a THREE dimensional game, the cu ball, object and position off the 3rd ball!

Bill Smith "Mr3Cushion"

 

[scottjen26]

I'm not trying to disrepect you, your game, or the teachings of others who are certainly much better than me. I've just had similar discussions with pool players, and it's tough to reconcile the perceived effects of different types of strokes with the physics of the game. I'm just not convinced that any sort of stroke does anything magical to the cueball that can't be achieved through a normal stroke, especially at normal distances. It should only matter at the moment of contact what speed, spin, etc. the cueball has, not how it got there.

Scott; Players that use one stroke to play billiards are playing a ONE dimensional game just the cue ball! Players that utilize different strokes in their game can play a THREE dimensional game, the cu ball, object and position off the 3rd ball!

Bill Smith "Mr3Cushion"

Looking forward to someday seeing this in person!
Scott