To influence how the cue ball moves after contacting the object ball, you apply "spin" by hitting the cue ball away from its exact center. Different hitting points on the cue ball create different types of spin and subsequent ball movement.
Based on common pool techniques, hitting the cue ball above or below the center influences its forward or backward rotation.
Understanding Different Hitting Points and Effects
Hitting the cue ball in various vertical locations relative to its center results in distinct types of spin or lack of spin, leading to different reactions on the table. Here are the key methods:
- Hitting Below Center: This imparts backspin (also known as draw) or can create a stun effect.
- Hitting Above Center: This imparts topspin (also known as follow).
Let's break down the specific outcomes based on the hitting location, as described in the provided information:
- Stun Shot: To achieve a stun shot, where the cue ball stops dead or nearly stops dead after hitting the object ball, you hit the cue ball slightly below the center. This technique effectively neutralizes the cue ball's forward momentum upon impact.
- Follow Shot: To make the cue ball continue moving forward after hitting the object ball, you hit the cue ball above the center. This imparts topspin, causing the cue ball to "follow" through the object ball's position.
- Draw Shot: To make the cue ball move backward after hitting the object ball, you hit the cue ball below the center. Hitting further below the center and with more force typically increases the amount of backspin, resulting in a stronger draw effect.
Here's a summary of these techniques:
| Hitting Location | Type of Spin/Effect | Cue Ball Movement After Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Exactly Center | None (Rolling) | Rolls forward naturally |
| Slightly Below Center | Stun (No effective spin on contact) | Stops or hesitates |
| Above Center | Topspin (Follow) | Continues forward |
| Below Center | Backspin (Draw) | Moves backward |
By deliberately choosing where to strike the cue ball relative to its center, you gain control over its movement after it hits the object ball, which is crucial for positioning in pool.
