What causes the phenomenon known as a "kick" in snooker?

Question

As I understand it, the reasons for the kick are unknown to science. I wondered if anyone knew if anything new had been discovered. I read on net that it was chalk going form the cue tip to the ball on the shot, but sure if I believe this. No speculations please.

Answer 1

Six times world champion Steve Davis and Bob Leger explain it all. A mixture of chemistry and physics.

Answer 2

there is no known cause!!!! if i had the answer i would be a millionaire. the snooker authority's have tied everything to come up with a solution but they can't.It is just one of those things that will carry on hampering snooker.

Answer 3

A couple of years ago the BBC, during the World Champs, conducted a research program on the possible causes.

The issue was that the incidence of "Kicks" has increase dramatically in the past few years.

The first and most obvious possibility, surface contamination, was examined in detail and found NOT to cause "kicks".

The composites, used for the balls were then examined for possible variations if elasticity. This was eliminated.

The table nap was considered, but eliminated.

This left electrostatics.

Whilst no definitive conclusion was reached, the impact-generation of electrostatic fields was considered to be the most likely cause of "Kicks" and the conclusions passed to the manufacturers for further investigation.

This year, I have been paying close attention to the slo-mo replays of "bad contacts", as they are now called. These seem to show "cue ball jumps" just before contact with the object ball. This is something entirely different from the traditional "kick", so I'm wondering if, in curing the original problem, a new problem may have been created!

This could also be linked to the curious rebounds off the cushions, which seem to be totally unpredictable this year.

Answer 4

There are 3 theories:

1. Chalk residue - when chalk deposits itself on the cue ball (or when balls pick up chalk from the cloth) it creates an area that when contact is made the ball will jump in the air or kick. Many tests have been carried out. Some prove the theory and some don't. Players such as Mike Massey believe it has something to do with the finer Green chalk used by snooker players, this may also account for the reason that there are less kicks in pool.

2. Static - The fine napped cloths that are used in professional snooker events can create a static charge on the balls surface due to the friction and temperatures the balls reach on contact. A static charge as opposed to a clean surface would again cause a kick.

3. Manufacturing Process - One of the newest theories out there is that of the oils used in the manufacturing process and that the balls used in professional tournaments actually lubricate themselves during play. If this lubrication has not happened then a poor contact will occur.

Answer 5

chalk on ball

Answer 6

A kick is caused by a foriegn agent being trapped by the 2 balls contact.A bit like driving your car,and driving over a stone on the road making the car lift a bit

Answer 7

build up of chalk on the cue ball?

Answer 8

static electricity