Mostly, I play 9 ball or 10 ball. My biggest problem in either of those games has been controlling cue ball speed. As a broad generality (with lots of exceptions), all else being equal, I would prefer for the cue ball to come toward the center of the table. If I start in the center of the table and want the cue ball to come back, most often, that is achieved with some backspin or a stop-type of shot with a fairly dead cue ball. From my perspective, I shoot more softly using low English than with center ball or top spin. Depending upon the amount of backspin, the cue ball will either return or stop after OB collision or it will take on natural roll prior to hitting the OB. If I keep close to the vertical axis, when the cue ball takes on natural roll, it has almost no side spin. A problem shot for me is hitting very soft center cue ball. My stroke gets tentative and may not be as straight as normal. Hitting the cue with backspin allows me to stroke a bit harder (more naturally) with less impact on the velocity of the cue ball. Much of the energy of the stroke is spent on the spin. In principle, there may be a slight effect of backspin to slow the velocity of the cue ball, although I have never seen anybody measure the effect and I doubt if it plays much of a role.
It is similar to how I was taught to play basketball. Backspin provides a softer shot. After years of trial and error, it works best for me. When I want follow or side spin, that is how I aim. I am not good enough to worry about hiding my intent.
It is similar to how I was taught to play basketball. Backspin provides a softer shot. After years of trial and error, it works best for me. When I want follow or side spin, that is how I aim. I am not good enough to worry about hiding my intent.
