I've been enjoying watching the weekly Billiards Channel matches on Youtube with Earl Strickland providing commentary. There are 4 done over the last month.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChr1NNyX6oc4uecKtVk4mVw
Earl seems to suggest using spin/English on most shots, far more than I use. I'm a decent mid level player (Fargo 487). I generally avoid spin except when essential for cue ball position or when object ball is close enough to the intended pocket that I don't have to adjust much.
Other than recommending it, Earl doesn't explain why(at least not through #3) Some of my thoughts:
- by using even a small amount of intentional spin, you avoid the possibility of aiming for center and being off.
- using outside spin on cut shots to compensate for throw
- better approach for position play?
I'm wondering if I should be trying to expand my normal game to include more spin generally? As I work to improve my position play, it's natural to start using more spin, but often I see alternatives for getting position using center top, mid or low instead. I've opted for this route as lower risk, but know that it has meant I don't use spin as much.
Let me also take the opportunity to say thanks to this forum. Although I'm a lurker that doesn't post much, I've learned a great deal.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChr1NNyX6oc4uecKtVk4mVw
Earl seems to suggest using spin/English on most shots, far more than I use. I'm a decent mid level player (Fargo 487). I generally avoid spin except when essential for cue ball position or when object ball is close enough to the intended pocket that I don't have to adjust much.
Other than recommending it, Earl doesn't explain why(at least not through #3) Some of my thoughts:
- by using even a small amount of intentional spin, you avoid the possibility of aiming for center and being off.
- using outside spin on cut shots to compensate for throw
- better approach for position play?
I'm wondering if I should be trying to expand my normal game to include more spin generally? As I work to improve my position play, it's natural to start using more spin, but often I see alternatives for getting position using center top, mid or low instead. I've opted for this route as lower risk, but know that it has meant I don't use spin as much.
Let me also take the opportunity to say thanks to this forum. Although I'm a lurker that doesn't post much, I've learned a great deal.