Shooting Question.?

Question

I play every once and a while and i saw a video on the net, and saw the world trick championship. Those guys are amazing. So here's my question, how do you put that much english on the cue-ball to make it curve around the table.

Answer 1

It's called a masse shot.  Instead of having your cue stick parallel to the table surface, it's almost perpendicular and you end up hitting down into the table with a lot of force.  It takes a lot of practice to develop and it's possible to rip the cloth, so get the table owners permission beforehand.  I have videos and tutorials for some other masse shots.  Check them out!

Answer 2

It's actually really simple to make the ball curve, just hit it offcenter with a straight stroke. What you see in those videos are masse shots, those require a straight stroke that somewhat glances the ball to give it forward velocity while imparting spin to give it sideways acceleration so the ball essentially darts forward before making a crazy u-turn. Curving the ball is really easy, I bet you can do it after maybe 3 tries but its going to take a few months to actually learn how to control it well. Make sure to chalk up though or else your just going to get a squirt/miscue.

Answer 3

As most everyone is stating it is mainly about the stroke to the cue ball that starts the "masse"....but it is in my "guess" that these trick shot artists also have a special tip that might creating some of the action.....I have played awhile and can't create as much action but I am just an average player but down deep I think that a special "much softer" or special material that aids in causing the action.....but it is still a lot to do with the "stroke" or follow thru....

Answer 4

If you notice, those players sometimes reach for different cues depending on what type of shot they are doing (eg. jump, masse, normal...)  Of course, they take a harsh angle on the ball, and drive the cue down, typically from a 45*-90* degree angle.  They will generally use a cue with a soft tip that will grip the ball longer, and cause a greater amount of english/spin on the ball.  Most house cues at pool halls will have cues with medium or hard tips on them...mostly because they don't have to be repaired/replaced often (cost effective).  

Also...years of practice!!

Answer 5

Chalk, and hitting it from above