David's Tip of the Week - 6.28.07

This week's Tip is not really a tip. Today, I'd like to discuss some terminology I hear misused all the time, like "inside english" or "top english" or "deflection." The language of pool can be very confusing, especially when you consider that some terms, such as "inside english" require a point of reference - "inside english" is a relative term, not an absolute term. I'll build on how we can actually utilize these terms in the real world in later Tips, but first it helps if we have a common ground, and language/terminology is a good place to start.

In all of these terms, CB=cue ball, and OB=object ball.

english (note the small "e") - sidespin, or spin around the vertical axis (think North Pole to South Pole) of the CB
draw (aka "screw" in the UK) - spin around the horizontal axis (think equator, even though it isn't) of the CB caused by contacting the CB below the horizontal axis
follow - spin around the horizontal axis of the cue ball caused by contacting the CB above the horizontal axis
center ball - contacting the CB such that no spin is produced on the CB
vertical axis contact (VAC) - contacting the CB along the vertical axis (draw, follow, or center ball)
tangent line - imaginary line perpendicular to the line from OB to pocket
squirt - deviation of the CB from intended line when using english
deflection - deviation of the cue tip from intended line when using english
masse - curvature of the path of the CB caused by using an elevated cue (butt of the cue is raised higher than the cue tip)
throw - deviation of the OB from its intended line; can be contact-induced throw (CIT) or spin-induced throw (SIT)

Some of the terms above have generated some confusion. For instance, I hear "top english" all the time when someone really means "follow" - remember, english is sidespin. I hear people say "deflection" when they really mean "squirt." For instance, a Predator 314 or Z is a low squirt shaft, not a low deflection shaft, but the terms are interchanged all the time in the pool hall, and even by manufacturers. A low squirt shaft keeps the CB closer to its intended line when using english. Usually, the tip deflects more out of the way after contact due to its lower end mass. So a 314 or Z is a high deflection cue (not low deflection as many think/say).

I've heard the following terms mis-used so often, I was prompted to write this Tip.

reverse english - relative to rail; sidespin which goes "against the grain"; ie, the CB is moving LEFT as you face the rail and RIGHT-hand spin was applied; aka "kill english" since the CB generally slows down once it contacts the rail
running english - relative to rail; sidespin which goes "with the grain"; ie, the CB is moving LEFT as you face the rail and LEFT-hand spin was applied; CB generally speeds up after contacting the rail
inside english - relative to cut angle; sidespin applied is "inside" the cut angle; ie, applying right english when cutting a ball to the right or applying left english when cutting a ball to the left
outside english - relative to cut angle; sidespin applied is "outside" the cut angle; ie, applying right english when cutting a ball to the left or applying left english when cutting a ball to the right

Notice that all of these terms are relative to something, either the rail or the cut angle. If someone says to me that he played outside english but doesn't tell me what whether he's cutting a ball to the left or the right, he hasn't told me anything. The same applies if he says reverse, but doesn't say what direction the CB is moving down the rail. I sort of wish people would stop using these terms and just say "left english" or "right english" (these are absolute terms, they mean what they mean without a point of reference), but I know that's unrealistic. Reverse can be left or right, and outside can be left or right. Outside can be reverse or running. Inside can be reverse or running. Running can be left or right, and inside can be left or right. Confused yet?

Feel free to post your ideas, comments, and questions about the "Tip of the Week." If you're interested in lessons, please visit http://www.raleighbilliardacademy.com or talk to Steve Lee, Shirley Lee, or me.

-David J. Baranski
doomcue@nc.rr.com