Rolling-Cue-Ball CAROM ANGLE Systems

dr_dave

Instructional Author
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Silver Member
FYI, I just posted a new video that demonstrates several useful systems to accurately predict carom direction for rolling-CB shots. The carom angle is the amount the CB deflects off the OB. Being able to predict this is useful to detect a possible scratch, to plan break-out and carom shots, and to visualize position-play paths through “traffic.” Check it out:


Contents (with timestamp links):
0:00 – Intro
0:22 – 1 - 30˚ Rule Peace Sign
1:01 – 2 - Full and Thin Hits
1:39 – 3 - Rolling Carom Angle (RCA) System
3:18 – 4 - CB Line RCA
4:20 – 5 - Marked-Cue RCA
5:45 – 6 - Perpendicular RCA
6:29 – 7 - Speed Effects
7:31 – 8 - Easy Example
9:15 – 9 - Tough Example
10:37 – Wrap Up
11:32 – ---- system montage

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy!
 
I have studied myself a lot of carom angle lately because i play straight rail carom online :) nice work. I have little different approach on subject and i really liked that you mention speed this time as important factor. That is most important thing on caroms :)
 
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I have studied myself a lot of carom angle lately because i play straight rail carom online :) nice work. I have little different approach on subject and i really liked that you mention speed this time as important factor. That is most important thing on caroms :)

I'm glad you liked it. What is your approach?
 
Your diagram, at 3:46, showing the actual .281, 1/4 and 2/7 lines is wrong, probably just the labels on the lines. .281 should be just inside 2/7(0.285714286) . 1/4 < .281 < 2/7.

But, still a great video.
 
Your diagram, at 3:46, showing the actual .281, 1/4 and 2/7 lines is wrong, probably just the labels on the lines. .281 should be just inside 2/7(0.285714286) . 1/4 < .281 < 2/7.

Good eye! Thank you for pointing this out. I just added the following to the video description and pinned comment:

CORRECTION: In the diagram at the 3m46s point, the 0.281 and 2/7 (0.286) lines were mislabeled. They should be switched. 1/4 (0.250) < 0.281 < 2/7 (0.286)



But, still a great video.

Thanks.
 
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I'm glad you liked it. What is your approach?
I try limit my practice to 30 and 45 degree angles and use speed to adjust carom angle. so half ball(or hair thinner or thicker) and quarter ball hit.
That way u learn importance of speed on carom shots. That how Russian Pyramid players get so good on shooting those caroms in on 12ft tables with super tight pockets.
they aim (almost) always same and use speed to get shot right. Then u have only one variable and learning curve is a lot faster.
When one master on those reference cuts they can then move on to more variables like sidespin and other angles.
You then know by heart what goes where and your arm also knows it and there is no hesitation when u shoot it and speed probably is right then.

Anyways, in Pool you cant always have those angles when making a ball and i find your systems interesting and will try em out and probably take bits from there to my arsenal.
 
I try limit my practice to 30 and 45 degree angles and use speed to adjust carom angle. so half ball(or hair thinner or thicker) and quarter ball hit.
That way u learn importance of speed on carom shots. That how Russian Pyramid players get so good on shooting those caroms in on 12ft tables with super tight pockets.
they aim (almost) always same and use speed to get shot right. Then u have only one variable and learning curve is a lot faster.
When one master on those reference cuts they can then move on to more variables like sidespin and other angles.
You then know by heart what goes where and your arm also knows it and there is no hesitation when u shoot it and speed probably is right then.

Well stated. Makes perfect sense. Use reliable natural angles and just vary speed.


Anyways, in Pool you cant always have those angles when making a ball and i find your systems interesting and will try em out and probably take bits from there to my arsenal.

I hope you find some of the systems helpful in your game. I do (especially the peace-sign stuff and the three-times-the-angle full-hit system).

Regards,
Dave
 
Use reliable natural angles and just vary speed.
That would be easiest to learn, but doesn't varying speed to create angles often conflict with using it to move the CB a certain distance for shape? I think we need to learn the various combinations of speed and tip placement to have real control of the CB (unless we're always trying to carom into a pocket).

pj
chgo
 
That would be easiest to learn, but doesn't varying speed to create angles often conflict with using it to move the CB a certain distance for shape? I think we need to learn the various combinations of speed and tip placement to have real control of the CB (unless we're always trying to carom into a pocket).

pj
chgo
Yes, and Poolmanis is very aware of that noting his above statement: Anyways, in Pool you cant always have those angles when making a ball and i find your systems interesting and will try em out and probably take bits from there to my arsenal.
 
That would be easiest to learn, but doesn't varying speed to create angles often conflict with using it to move the CB a certain distance for shape?

Good point, unless you are playing game-winning carom shots or long-distance rolling-ball kiss shots, where CB speed might not be an issue.

I think we need to learn the various combinations of speed and tip placement to have real control of the CB.

Agreed.

PS: So do you feel any different now you are famous being mentioned in a YouTube video?
 
Thanks again for the good idea. As you can probably tell (if you watched the entire video), I still like the peace-sign stuff much better.

Peace brother.
I'll probably use the peace sign more often too - easily the simplest way, and plenty accurate for most shots! Might use the "measurement" when pinpoint accuracy is critical. I'm way impressed with both.

✌️ backatcha, bro.

pj
chgo
 
That would be easiest to learn, but doesn't varying speed to create angles often conflict with using it to move the CB a certain distance for shape? I think we need to learn the various combinations of speed and tip placement to have real control of the CB (unless we're always trying to carom into a pocket).

pj
chgo
yes. in theory but lifetime is short for that. I just say it is fastest way to improve on begin of journey. As i earlier mentioned i play Straight rail on Shooter´s Pool where u make any carom is one point. That game u need to control all three balls and i still use these methods to learn. There is also bunch of real carom players there and i think i am currently ranked n.3 on that game even i never played it real life. High run so far 40(and out) and i cant nudge yet. I think learning that game in 2 months to decent is not easy to do. If one try learn all things once he never get good for one.

And also it is easier to adjust when u know what happens when u need certain speed.
example. Here i can´t get hit with that cut any speed.. I need to adjust spin.
 
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A fun way to practice your carom angles is to play reverse 8 ball. Shoot the object ball off the cue ball into the pocket.
We do play it with our friends scotch doubles sometimes. Fun game and you learn a lot!
 
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