English vs. Backhand English?

Question

What is the main difference between the 2? I use both of them but if I were to describe it to some1 else Im not sure if I would make since to them or at least I think Im using both of them correctly. To me, its 1 of those "I understand but I dont know how to explain it" things. Please do not respond if you have no idea what Im talkin about.

Answer 1

The traditional method of aiming with english is called "parallel english." In parallel english, what you are doing is adjusting your aiming line a distance at which you believe the deflection will send the object ball from the pocket. So if you think the english will send the object ball an inch to the right of the pocket, you will aim one inch further to the left.

With back hand english, you are aiming as if you are not using english at all, then rotating your cue about it's pivot point to apply the spin on the cue ball. The advantage of back hand english is that you do not have to guess how far the cue ball is going to send the object ball offline, you just have to understand the playing characteristics of your cue.

In the end, the results of using either of these techniques SHOULD be the same though. Both are just aiming techniques, and should get you to the exact same spot. Some people feel the the balls react differently when using backhand english, but this is because of the way they hit the ball. Some people tend to sweep across the cue ball, or do not produce a straight line stroke, and this will make the cue ball react differently. But if you use either of these aiming techniques to adjust for english and apply the same stroke to the ball, there is no difference in your results.

EDIT: Whomever gave me a thumbs down is an idiot. Ignore that.

Answer 2

Don't feel to bad, have you ever heard "Those who can do, do, and those who can't do teach"  So maybe you fall into that category.  English can be a hard thing to explain to someone.  Basic way is, putting English on the cue ball is making the cue ball spin with your stroke.  The real difficulty is explaining how the English effects the object ball, and how it will deflect.  I have a difficulty explaining how I shoot too, I know how to do what I do, but I can't really help you to shoot the way I do.  Either way, keep rackin em up!

Answer 3

Maybe some wouldn't have any idea what you are talking about because you can't explain it (see YOUR explanation).

English is all about spin on the balls (including object balls). You would probably have an easier time talking about right, left, top, and bottom. These terms are more easily understood and more descriptive than english and backhand english which do not include all the variations of spin.

Answer 4

I know what you mean. There are lots of things i do on a pool table that i can't really explain to someone. I might be able to show them but I can't put it into words.