Does the degree of difficulty really change ?

alphadog

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Playing 1 pocket your pocket is nearest the 1 and you need both balls. Is the 1 really more difficult to make with outside English?

I know for me it certainly is. I don't know if it's because I go inside on this shot whenever I can or if the difficulty is real?
Screenshot_20250713_150816_Chrome.jpg
 
...Is the 1 really more difficult to make with outside English?
It's more difficult with the spin you've practiced least. Neither kind is inherently more or less difficult than the other.

But there is a "tip placement system" for "gearing outside spin" ("natural running english"), which can make applying the right amount of spin easier (but not the aiming):

gearing2.jpg


pj
chgo
 
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...there is a "tip placement system" for "gearing outside spin" ("natural running english"), which can make applying the right amount of spin easier (but not the aiming)
Can you add more explanation?
- Aim the shot with no side spin (centerball)
- Visualize the ball/ball contact point (or cushion/ball contact point for a kick, as shown in the illustration)
- Visualize the point on the cue ball directly opposite the ball/ball or ball/cushion contact point ("perpendicular offset" in the illustration)
- Move your cue 40% (2/5) of the distance to the "opposite point" on the CB (in the "outside" direction) and correct your aim for squirt
- Shoot the shot with that tip placement

pj
chgo
 
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I actually find it easier with outside English, as it will also eliminate the throw.
At this distance, if you use a real low deflection shaft, you can aim parallel to the line of aim.
 
Playing 1 pocket your pocket is nearest the 1 and you need both balls. Is the 1 really more difficult to make with outside English?

a) no, the 1-ball is slightly easier with counterclockwise spin and a touch of draw (low right)--this is the inverse of running english (high left).
b) after contact CB goes to left near rail and bounces off to run over behind the 2-ball--be sure not to bring the center pocket into play.
 
With outside and the speed to go twice across, you are probably squirting too much and hitting it fat. If so, aim thinner. Aim to miss the entire ball, and then you will pocket it cleanly without brushing the rail on the way in.
 
The terminology in this thread is weird to me. I use running english to describe the cue ball spin when hitting the cue ball directly in to the rail. Directly meaning before hitting an object ball. When talking about cut shots I use inside/outside. Where outside reduces cut induced throw.


Yep, I'm not speaking the same language as some in this thread. Running english doesn't even apply to the object ball. I will call it inside, outside, or something else depending on what I am doing with it. Running english is simple, and simply, the spin when the cue ball hits the rail and the effect it has on the cue ball. Running english will open the angle, may speed up the ball significantly. Opposite spin will tighten the angle and slow the cue ball.

I don't recall ever using "running english" to refer to the interaction of the cue ball and object ball. More likely to call it helping english for that particular shot which can be inside or outside depending on what I need help with!

Hu
 
Yep, I'm not speaking the same language as some in this thread. Running english doesn't even apply to the object ball. I will call it inside, outside, or something else depending on what I am doing with it. Running english is simple, and simply, the spin when the cue ball hits the rail and the effect it has on the cue ball. Running english will open the angle, may speed up the ball significantly. Opposite spin will tighten the angle and slow the cue ball.

I don't recall ever using "running english" to refer to the interaction of the cue ball and object ball. More likely to call it helping english for that particular shot which can be inside or outside depending on what I need help with!

Hu
The simplest definition for me is inside/braking slows the CB and outside/running doesn't, whether hitting an OB or a rail.

pj
chgo
 
Running English on this shot is left spin. Idk what Pat is talking about.
If you move the object ball a ball off the cushion, right side (with stun or draw) becomes running, so the distinction is murky.

With a slightly different position, both left follow and right draw are running english. Move the OB off the cushion and make the shot straighter.
 
Sorry, running English is right side spin in this case (the kind that makes the CB "roll across" the OB's surface).

The way I was taught (1960s)::
Take the table as shown in post #1 and aim in the direction of the1-ball, but remove 1-ball::
Running english would be top left, so the CB accelerates when it reaches the rail.

There was never any reference to what running english was after contact with OB, just CB and rail.
 
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