Advanced English – How To Leave The Cue Ball
In an effort to improve your game when playing any form of billiards, you must understand and utilize English. Using this form of cue ball control will assist you in setting up shots and to minimize the risk of scratching.
While playing the game, you may come across a shot which is “straight in” but if you hit it too hard you will scratch. Simply aim your cue stick at the bottom of the cue ball while lining up the shot. When taking the shot, be sure to follow through with a smooth and even stroke. The result will be a cue ball which has stopped or has reversed direction.
In order to cause the cue ball to continue forward after contact with the object ball, simply aim at the top portion of the cue ball while lining up your shot. This “follow” English is typically used to move the cue ball from one end of the table to the other or to break out clusters of balls which may need separating.
Different variations of “follow” and “reverse” English can be initiated by aiming high/low and to the right or the left. Individual practice will help any player to learn and apply this tool to their game.