Head Spot or Not?
- Thread starter Druid
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Ah, yes I actually meant Foot Spot. I don't see the point of the Head Spot, unless you want to break from there sometimes.
That's the foot spot, not the head spot... Head spot is at the other end of the table from where you rack
As Fenwick said, there are times in 14.1 that you need to spot a ball on the head spot. So, having a spot actually there makes it easier to do so.
And, you should use one on the foot spot. Some people will tell you it's a load of BS, but, a hole can be worn at the foot spot due the way the cue ball contacts the head ball with a downward motion (from being in the air a tiny bit on the break) and the head ball gets pushed downwards into the cloth.
Brian
Both. When my table was installed, I made sure to tell the manager where I bought the table to put both spots on. Sure enough, they didn't and I had to put it on myself stringing thread through the diamonds to get it right. I don't play that ball in hand crap so I have both spots. Also play mostly Straight Pool and One Pocket. I'm experimenting with variations of rotation games but for the most part I don't play them.
I don't know why anyone would need a spot at the head of the table. I have never seen one there either.
I have a line drawn across the table at the head to designate the kitchen and a spot at the foot of the table to protect the cloth from breaking.
I also drew lines in the form of a cross at the foot spot in order to keep the rack lined up correctly and to fascilitate spotting balls for one pocket.
Russ...
I have a line drawn across the table at the head to designate the kitchen and a spot at the foot of the table to protect the cloth from breaking.
I also drew lines in the form of a cross at the foot spot in order to keep the rack lined up correctly and to fascilitate spotting balls for one pocket.
Russ...
At one of the halls I go to every table has a foot and head spot. The only reason I can think of is for 14.1 outside of breaking from both ends of the table.
Thanks, I placed a few spots on order.
Speaking of SPOTS, here's a SPOT related rule question I've always wondered:
When breaking or shooting from the Kitchen, does the entire cue ball have to be behind the head string, or just the center of gravity of the cue ball where it touches the cloth needs to be behind that line? Or to put it another way, can I have the front of the cue ball hanging over the line, as long as the bottom on the cue ball is behind the line?
I've always gone with the assumption that the front of the cue ball can hang over the line, and only once in my life did someone have a problem with that. What's the official rule? I did some google searching but nothing jumped out at me...
Thanks
Speaking of SPOTS, here's a SPOT related rule question I've always wondered:
When breaking or shooting from the Kitchen, does the entire cue ball have to be behind the head string, or just the center of gravity of the cue ball where it touches the cloth needs to be behind that line? Or to put it another way, can I have the front of the cue ball hanging over the line, as long as the bottom on the cue ball is behind the line?
I've always gone with the assumption that the front of the cue ball can hang over the line, and only once in my life did someone have a problem with that. What's the official rule? I did some google searching but nothing jumped out at me...
Thanks
Here is what I recommend: Head String - a line across the table; Foot Spot, and a line from the foot spot to the middle diamond on the near end rail. This is very helpful when spotting balls. That is all I ever put on one of my tables.
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The rule for many years was the base of the ball (center axis), but that rule is played differently by various associations, leagues and localities. This is one of those rules where it is wise to ask before playing, if you are unsure. It really comes into play in Eight Ball and One Pocket.
What do you use use for drawing those lines?
I have a metal yardstick. Probably one or two thousandth of an inch from being perfectly straight. Good enough for military work as we like to say!
Sharpie.
When I shoot alone I do the Hopkins qskill challenge that requires the break from the headspot. Next time I put new cloth on I will spot the headspot and the footspot as they both see about the same amount of wear. Either that or I am going to have to start using a break cloth.
Good point! I find that a line from the spot to the end rail diamond also makes it easier to keep your rack in line.
Once again, Jay is correct. The rule states that the base of the ball must be inside the kitchen. My association's rule is that entire ball must be within the kitchen. Best bet is to verify how the rule is interpreted where you play.
Another thing 9 ball has done, done away with the head spot. Not everybody plays the ball in hand anywhere rules. I'd rather have the spot, myself.