Tag Archives: cue

(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.

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(D&E) Drills & Exercises - Pocket Skills (progressive): Cross-Angle sets - 1D Out

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This progressive exercise to improve your shooting skills is in the book Drills & Exercises for Pool & Pocket Billiards.

This setup concentrates on progressive pocketing skills. There is no concern about where the CB ends up.

This is a multiple cue ball speed and spin drill. See Cue Ball Speed and Spin Variations. Make sure to observe the cue ball action (path from OB, any rail action, etc.) until it stops. You need to remember the results when you are in competition. Continue reading →

(S&D) Safety & Defense - Hero Shots

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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

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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?

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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?

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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.)

Continue reading →