Backcuts: Why are they any different?

[pdcue]

Cutting back toward the rail you're shooting from is a back cut - and there are also back cuts to the side pockets. They're also "blind pocket" shots, but without shooting away from a rail.

I think both of the shots shown below are back cuts.

pj
chgo

View attachment 1059

I think there is a simple definition of what is, or is not a back cut.

Somewhat like Sigel's explanation of when to draw and when to follow on a straight pool break shot:

Draw a line thru the center of the OB parallel to the rail.
Do the same for the CB.

If the CB line is closer to the rail, it is a back cut.

A related concept is 'blind' cuts. These are shots where the pocket is not visible
in the line-of-sight of the shot.

I would expect players like the OP who struggle with back cuts would also be
challenged by blind cuts.

Before you ask - not all back cuts are blind, not all blind cuts are back.

IMHO - a quick identifier for intermediate players is they consistently miss blind
cuts that are easier than non-blind cuts which they consistently make.

Dale

 

[Patrick Johnson]

I don't think it's possible to stop using the visual cues given by the table's geometry - we do it almost entirely subconsciously..

pj
chgo

psdue:
So, if it is impossible, how could I possibly do it all the time?

If it's subconscious, how do you know if you're doing it or not?

pj
chgo

 

[pdcue]

If it's subconscious, how do you know if you're doing it or not?

pj
chgo

Mental discipline - not all people have the same process as you.

Dale