Tag Archives: cue ball

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (full table patterns) - Group 11, Set 8

Cue Ball Control Cheat Sheets

This is today's set of Cue Ball Cheats. These practice setups (and others in the book and blog) help you learn HOW to apply an exact speed and spin. That precision is how to get perfect shape on the second ball - and how to string a run together. For these layouts here are the Cheats for this post:

  • Cheat: 2:00, Soft 3 speed.
    Stun, Soft 3 speed. (Table roll & slow speed works for this shot.)
  • Cheat: 1:30, Soft 2 speed.
    6:00, Medium 3 speed.

Continue reading →

(S&D) Safety & Defense - Hero Shots

(About the author)

Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

(This is today's bit of advice from the book Safety Toolbox.)

A hero shot is any low percentage shot that, if made, would be admired by anyone watching. It is so-called because only a hero could make the shot. A success would be worthy of acclaim. Missing it would make him a bum, with vocal supporters yelling out, "That was stupid!" Hero shots, by their very nature, are rarely successful. Continue reading →

(S&D) Safety & Defense - Key Factors: Table Layout Analysis

(About the author)

Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

(This is today's bit of advice from the book Safety Toolbox.)

When you decide that the best shot for the circumstances is a safety, there are a wide variety of factors to be evaluated. These considerations are necessary to help fine tune your options and select the most effective shot within your skills. Continue reading →

(FAQ) What happens when you apply English (side-spin) to the cue ball?

(About the Author)

English is side spin that the cue tip applies to the cue ball on contact. It can occur only if you hit the cue ball on the left or right side of the vertical center line. FYI, contacting the cue ball on the center vertical line is NOT English. And another FYI, English (British) players call this “side”. My preference is to call it “side spin”. The term is more accurate. If you are talking with any player influenced by the former British Empire (England, Canada, Ireland, India, Australia etc.) the use of “side spin” won’t cause confusion. (It also makes sense to any player anywhere on the planet.) Continue reading →

(FAQ) What is a good pool stroke?

(About the Author)

There are many sources for answers to this question. For some people, the search is no further than their reach as they develop a pool stroke early on. The reason might be because of good coaching or mentoring, or the result of a few dollars spent on effective instruction. Continue reading →

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (full table patterns) - Group 7, Set 5

Cue Ball Control Cheat Sheets

This is today's set of Cue Ball Cheats. These practice setups (and others in the book and blog) help you learn HOW to apply an exact speed and spin. That precision is how to get perfect shape on the second ball - and how to string a run together. For these layouts here are the Cheats for this post:

  • Cheat: 1:00, (1/2 ball hit), Medium 2 speed.
    10:00, (1/2 ball hit), Soft 3 speed.
  • Cheat: 6:00, (3/4 ball hit), Medium 1 speed.
    11:30, (1/2 ball hit), Soft 3 speed.
  • Cheat: 12:00, (1/2 ball hit), Soft 1 speed.
    (If you can catch 3/4 of the 1 ball, use 6:00 to slide the cue ball down.)

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(S&D) Safety & Defense - The Distance Safety

(About the author)

Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

This is today's bit of advice from the book Safety Toolbox.

The distance safety type is simple and easy to set up. It does not require careful or accurate ball management skills. When you can't think of anything clever, leave a long shot. This makes it a low percentage shot for him with a good chance for you to immediately come back to the table. Continue reading →

(S&D) Safety & Defense - Cue Ball Management - Side Spin into the Cushion

(About the author)

Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

(This is today's bit of advice from the book Safety Toolbox.)

Work on coming to the cushion with various top and draw side spins and speeds after contacting the object ball. Start with slower speeds and work your way up, watching what happens. It is necessary to know the results of each variation. Different distances out from center add more cue ball spin and exaggerate the out angles even more. Continue reading →

(FAQ) How do you handle an angry opponent?

(About the Author)

There will be matches during your playing career when you happen to get stuck with a player who should take an anger management class (or two). This will always happen when they are behind in a match. (The same individual never acts this way when they are winning. Go figure.) Continue reading →

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (full table patterns) - Group 10, Set 8

Cue Ball Control Cheat Sheets

This is today's set of Cue Ball Cheats. These practice setups (and others in the book and blog) help you learn HOW to apply an exact speed and spin. That precision is how to get perfect shape on the second ball - and how to string a run together. For these layouts here are the Cheats for this post:

  • Cheat: Stun, Medium 1 speed.
  • Cheat: 3:00, Medium 1 speed.

Continue reading →