What is the "English ball for in the game of pool. Someone asked why I don't use it, but I don't know how.

Question

What is the "English ball for in the game of pool. Someone asked why I don't use it, but I don't know how.

Answer 1

English is sidespin. You can use spin at the CB to control the position of the CB or to get a bank shot. Top spin for follow shot, bottom spin for draw shot, while left spin and right spin (sidespin) is the evil in pool

The ball will go not in a straight line. Longer the distance, longer the deflection. When hit the Object ball, the OB will go in a deflect line not in a straight line. Many decent player miss the pot 'cause of this spin applied. When hit banks, it'll add or remove some angle so you'll see a strange deflect when CB hit the bank. Try it to see the difference.

Answer 2

putting english on the cue ball is to place the cueball where you want it after the shot.

Answer 3

Straight Shooter describes the proper way to use english in the game of billiards.

Yahoo pool is basically the same. The english ball is located at the top right side of the table. Imagine a clock face.On the break, you want english to the top ,between 10 and 2 O'clock.

To make the cueball back up, position the english to around 6 O'clock.

I'd suggest you spend some time on a practice table in order to get better acquainted with English. Your game will improve without a doubt.

Answer 4

The term "English" refers to putting spin on the cue ball to change its path as it rebounds off the cushion.  I only use the term "English" to refer to sidespin, that is contacting the cue ball left or right of center.  Draw and follow are other types of spin, but technically aren't English, although people often use the term for any spin put onto the cue ball.  My personal belief is that English is often overused and abused.  To be a complete player you do need to understand the effects of English and to master it, but make sure that you have all of your fundamentals in order before you get carried away with sidespin.  Far too often, people try to learn English way too early.  It's definitely an advanced skill.  Don't put the cart before the horse.  If you need help with learning the fundamentals of pool, seek out professional instruction.  It's out there if you know where to look.  Best of luck.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.