Answers to Common QUESTIONS About Using SIDESPIN ... When, Why, and How to Use It

[Not Dead Ted]

What do you guys think about "spinning a ball in or not," as covered in the section starting at 14:26?

Would you use outside spin on the shootout shot like in some of the pro examples shown?

Pros can shoot this shot with fast roll and make it consistently without much compensation. As a hacker, shooting it hard decreases my chances of hitting the aim point. Shooting it medium or soft may increase accuracy, but makes the shot much harder due to CIT (see TP A14 plot of CIT v. roll (various speeds)).
So, I would probably try to set it up as a 30 degree cut, aim at OB edge, bridge at pivot point, 6 mm of outside gearing BHE, medium speed. Then hope I get lucky.

 

[dr_dave]

I have an interesting idea for a new experiment or video (if you don't have one about it already) for Dr. Dave:

How do different spins help in reducing table roll-off for soft speed shots?

For example, a pocket-speed shot with no spin vs. max sidespin seems to roll off less with max sidespin. But is this just placebo or is there science behind it?

I'm going with placebo. Maybe you are using more speed or backspin with the sidespin shots without knowing it.

And the main question I'd have is, do different axis of spin have a different effect for this, e.g. using max backspin vs. using max sidespin? The "drag shot" (max backspin) is often used in such situations, but that seems to be more about the fact that the CB slows down more than with other spins, effectively reducing table roll by having more speed along the path.

The backspin drag shot definitely has science behind it, as you explain (more speed = less roll off).

 

[David in FL]

I tend to over use spin. I almost always add a touch of outside even on very straight forward cut shots. It might be the result of growing up playing on dirty tables, but whatever the reason, it's so ingrained that it's almost uncomfortable for me not to.

Thanks for confirming what I already knew. That I'm a dumbass.

 

[dr_dave]

Thanks for confirming what I already knew. That I'm a dumbass.

You're welcome. I aim to swerve.

 

[Tennesseejoe]

What do you guys think about "spinning a ball in or not," as covered in the section starting at 14:26?

Would you use outside spin on the shootout shot like in some of the pro examples shown?

I am a believer now. I always wanted to know if I should spin one rail banks in.

 

[dr_dave]

I always wanted to know if I should spin one rail banks in.

Use gearing outside spin on banks is definitely helpful. It prevents cut-induced-spin "twisting," allowing you to aim at the true bank angle. See:

For more info, see:

bank shot cut-induced spin effects​

 

[Tennesseejoe]

Use gearing outside spin on banks is definitely helpful. It prevents cut-induced-spin "twisting," allowing you to aim at the true bank angle. See:

Thanks so much for this and everything else you do to make my hobby enjoyable.

 

[dr_dave]

Thanks so much for this and everything else you do to make my hobby enjoyable.

You're very welcome. I'm glad to hear my stuff adds to your enjoyment of the game.