You will be surprised at the results. Just by varying the tip position o­n the cue ball if you have an angle o­n the object ball, you can practically get to most places o­n the table using the vertical axis.

When I teach players about side spin, I first get them to shoot the cue ball from the spot where the 1 ball usually sits to the end rail in a straight line. They apply maximum side spin o­n the cue ball, first hitting it hard and then hitting it soft. Prior to doing this, I ask them where they think the cue ball will contact the end rail with the two speeds. What I am trying to accomplish is to get the players familiar with their own cues. I have met players who own many cues and change regularly. This is not beneficial, as cues hit and deflect differently depending o­n the brand. Some cues now have no deflection, and some have quite a bit. When you do the exercise above, you will see how your own cue deflects. When I hit a ball hard with side spin, my cue ball contacts the end rail about o­ne ball’s width from where I have aimed.  Therefore, when I play a hard side spin shot, I have to compensate accordingly. When I play a slow spin shot, I have to compensate not for deflection so much but for throw. For example, if I play a soft shot with outside or running english, I would aim at my object ball slightly thicker than usual to make the shot, because when the two balls contact each other, the spin will throw the object ball in the opposite direction. Remember the slower the shot, the more the spin will react, whether you are contacting an object ball or even a rail. If I hit a ball with side spin hard into the rail, the spin will hardly take effect whereas a slow spin in to the rail really reacts. The use of side spin makes the game much harder, so don't run before you can walk.  Really get to know what you can do with the cue ball without side spin, and then practice and watch the reaction of the cue ball before it contacts the object ball and then watch the reaction between the two balls.

I am just going to list a few major things that everyone should do to enhance their game:

1.  Stay down o­n the shot.
I think this is the most common error that I see. In order to get disciplined at this, you need to exaggerate doing this in practice until it becomes natural to you.

2.  Slow back swing before final delivery.
I see many players, including myself, not doing this o­n occasion. If you rush the stroke, you have no chance to get your eyes focused o­n the object ball, and your timing is ruined because your muscle memory has changed.

3.  Form a routine.
It is important to have a ritual or routine to keep you focused o­n the task at hand. This includes a pre-shot routine and a routine during your warm-up strokes and delivery. Find out what yours is, and if you don't have o­ne create o­ne!

Good luck everyone! 

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