Billiards Basics: Techniques and Rules
Billiards Basics: Techniques and Rules
(It is recommended to follow the order of the Menu for proper understanding)
The main specialties (the most widespread) that we will address are:
Five pins (also known as 'Italian style') and Goriziana (with a variant called 'Everyone')
Double" or "Flush 60".
In both, you play in pairs, one against the other, or in groups of four, two against two. We will analyze
later the ways of playing in pairs, let's focus for now on the one-on-one match.
Three colored balls, white, yellow, and red (61 mm in diameter): the ball.
Bianca and the yellow ball are the ones assigned to the players, one.
each one, and they are the only ones that can be hit with the cue; the red is
calls the small ball and represents additional scoring points in addition to the pins.
The AIM of the GAME is to direct our billiard ball (with the cue) towards
the opponent's ball: if the latter, after being hit, falls
one or more pins, or hitting the ball, we score valid points. The ball
it allows us to score points even if hit by our ball,
condition that this has touched the opponent's ball first.
In the unfortunate event that it is our bill to bring down even just
a strike, all the eventual points scored with that shot were said to be drunk
and are assigned to the opponent.
Motivated, placed at
table center. A
second in the specialty
they can to be
fifty let's play at
five pins, or
nine himself instead
let's play Goriziana.
Their score as well
varies based on the type of
game.
Characteristic common
both specialties are the
red central bull
what when comes
knocked downyes alone
it carries a score
greater.
The set of bowling pins is
call commonly
Castle.
The modern rods (with a length that can vary around 140-145 cm)
they are made of various materials: wood, aluminum, carbon fiber, Kevlar,
and they can be disassembled into two pieces to reduce bulk.
The back is called the heel, the front is called the tip.
A thin piece of leather is glued to the tip, which takes the name
digirelloocuoietto, it is the part that comes into contact with the billiard ball
moment del shot.
The act of striking the cue ball is called 'sticking', from which the term derives.
steccata, not to be confused with the word "steccaccia" which means: to hit
"dirty" the ball, with the spinner that slides over it and cannot push it.
To conclude, we briefly mention the basic rules and punctuation for the various specialties:
In the event that the cue ball is touched by both balls, only the score is considered.
relative to the primabilia that struck him.
If the shot is direct, that is, our ball hits the opponent's ball without hitting anything first.
no support
If the shot is indirect, meaning our ball hits one or more cushions before touching the object ball.
of the opponent, the points double and thus it is obtained:
In the variant All Doubles, all scores related to the pins and the pallino are always the same.
there is no distinction between direct shot and indirect shot:
All Doubles
(Filotto 60) • For each knocked down external white pin: 4 points.
• For each knocked down white pin: 16 points;
(variant of the Goriziana) • Birillorosso knocked down together with the whites: 20 points;
• Birillorossoabbattuto alone: 60 points;
Match at 400 points • Hit by one of the two balls: 12 points;
For all three specialties, penalties are provided when the following violations occur.
• the player fails to hit their own ball, the opponent's ball;
• the player's cue ball hits the pallino before hitting the opponent's ball;
• the player's ball knocks down one or more pins before hitting the opponent's ball;
• any ball comes out of the billiard;
• the player moves (or touches) a ball with the body or with a part of the cue;
• the player, when executing the shot, hits his own ball twice with the cue (this often happens when the balls are close)
among them).
For the score related to the aforementioned penalties, and the methods to resume the game (the opponent will indeed be able to take advantage of what
if you call freely) see the Official FIBiS Regulation
Let's consider two teams of players: teamA made up of the pair of players A1 and A2, and the
teamBwith the pairB1andB2.
Similarly, if the active player of team A scores valid points, it will bring into play
B2, otherwise it will be up to A1 again.
This alternating system is called 'removal' precisely because a player is removed from their
opponent when the latter scores points.
There is also the possibility for a player to "exclude" themselves and be automatically removed.
even if his opponent did not score points in the next shot:
this happens when the player, by missing the shot, scores points drunk, that is, in favor
of the opponent.
For further completeness, you can find the Official FIBiS Regulations here.
Body position
Adopting the correct position to shoot is VERY IMPORTANT, the majority
the errors made are due to an incorrect position on the pool table.
The player must assume a natural relaxed position that allows for stable balance.
(and a precise aim) during the execution of the shot.
In the following photographic sequence we see the 3 phases of approach to the billiards:
We must remember that every great champion has their setup, adapted to the
own physical characteristics (height, build, etc.). What has been described therefore represents
a standard setting to keep in great consideration, but not for this reason to follow
mandatory.
The position is stable, comfortable, and relaxed. The player should not feel off balance.
precarious
2. If the player uses only one eye to aim, it is better that it is in line with the cue;
3. The right foot (for right-handed players) also aligned with the axis of the cue;
4. The left hand is well placed on the cloth to provide a secure support for the
stick;
The right forearm falls vertically and moves freely back and forth.
In the upcoming lessons, we will see how to hold the cue and how to form the bridge with the other hand.
hand.
A sample can clarify ideas: imagine gripping the steering wheel of your car, the grip is
sure not to slip out of hand, but at the same time the hand is relaxed, you are not gripping the
steering with all your strength... well, the cue must be held in the same way.
In most shots, the cue is held about 10-15 cm from the bottom, in a...
position that allows us to "feel" the well-balanced cue in hand.
If we take the stick very far forward, approaching its center of gravity, the tip will tend to rise.
too far up, if on the contrary, we hold it too far back, the cue will seem to us
very heavy.
There is no rule that establishes the exact point where to hold the cue; it may depend in part
from the player's physical characteristics, but above all it depends on the shot we need to execute,
with what force and with what speed:
• For a shot to be executed slowly, it is possible to hold the cue even just with the fingers.
including the thumb, at a point of the kick slightly advanced, to feel the cue
lighter in hand and facilitate a 'soft' shot;
• For a medium strength shot, it's better to also use the fourth finger, with a central grip.
cue sports;
• For a remarkable shot, it is advisable to hold the cue with both hands, gripping it.
towards the bottom, to take full advantage of its weight, making the task easier for the player, who does not
must strive to pull hard.
In these photos, one can observe a correct grip for a medium strength shot.
Saper eseguire correttamente il ponticello ci permette di colpire sempre nel modo migliore la nostra
The grip of the cue must be firm on the cloth for a successful shot.
We will also analyze various situations in which the bridge must adapt to the billiard (billiard ball attached to
spindle, billiard in the middle of the castle, billiard close to the ball, etc.
The open-hand bridge is definitely the easiest to make and lends itself well for
almost all situations, indeed it proves essential when we need to hit our bile harder.
high in the center (what is called "blow to the head").
PHASE 1: Extend the hand PHASE 2: Slightly close your hand, leaving the PHASE 3: Now bringing the thumb to the
on the cloth, with open fingers. the fingers and the wrist always in contact with the cloth index, if a cavity is formed at
V-shaped form where we will slide the
stecca
Two more photos to better highlight the point where the stick passes...
The ring bridge gets its name from the way of positioning the hand, with the index finger that
it forms a ring around the stick.
It is always difficult to execute for beginners, the position is unnatural, the fingers are
contracts and the result is often unsatisfactory.
All of this is normal for beginners; it’s just a matter of getting used to it by trying to do it more and more.
You will often realize that it is not so difficult after all.
The use of the ring leads to an improved accuracy in hitting the cue ball, this
because the stick remains bound to the hand and does not sway during the shot.
It is mainly used when it is necessary to impart speed and force to the cue ball, it also results
particularly effective in strikes delivered under the center, but it has the disadvantage that
cannot be 'raised' too much if, on the contrary, we wanted to hit the cue ball solidly (above the
center).
It proves to be practically indispensable in some 'awkward' positions that we will see shortly.
By to form the ring the prime turns to unite he thumb to the index come in the gesture of OK
so place the hand on the cloth and introduce the stick into the ring that is formed.
Here are some cases where the bridge must adapt to a particular situation, always look for a
stable position of the hand, otherwise you will not strike the cue ball at the desired point.
The only possible point where it can be hit is its upper part (head). In this situation, there is not much choice among the possible shots.
Most of the time it is better to take it slowly, seeking the simplest solution.
So for a normal shot, to be executed with the cue horizontally, position your hand as in the photos.
Ex. 2 : The billiards yes find neighbor to the Ball
In this case, the only part where it is possible to hit the cue ball is in the head, and the considerations made regarding the choice remain valid.
from the shot.
As if that weren't enough, with an extra effort you will have to raise your wrist, leaning on only 3-4 fingers, to overcome the
cue ball with the stick.
Example.
3 : The billiard was nearby a spondee. Ex. 4 : The billy is found in the middle of the castle.
In this situation, a hook grip can help to stabilize. It does not present major difficulties, except for the utmost attention in
correctly. position the hand in the middle of the pins, without making them fall.
The fingers grasp the bank, the cue slides against the index and Even the shot must be executed with great caution, if a pin falls.
the middle finger serves as a lateral guide. (hit by the stick) you will face a penalty.
Ex. 5 : The billiard was nearby a sponda e the direction of the shotè parallel press on the bank.
This is a solution using the open hand bridge. Be careful with the stick that may slip away.
In this case, the ring bridge is used, which allows for better control of the cue during the shot.
Conclusions:
The two most common ways to perform the bridge have been listed, try both, look for
what suits you best, without however renouncing to try the other.
However, remember that whatever solution you want to adopt must still comply with the following
characteristics:
The hand must remain still on the cloth while you take the shot, always look for a
full support for the fingers and wrist, otherwise you risk not hitting the
highlight the desired point;
The cue should slide 'smoothly' between the fingers; it is possible to use a 'billiard glove.'
or a pinch of talcum powder to eliminate friction with the skin;
The distance of the bridge from the cue ball is relative to the shot you need to make. We will analyze in
following the topic, for now it is necessary to know that:
It is the player who decides where to end the run of the marbles, that is, their position.
finale.
In billiards terms, the position of the balls on the table at the end of a shot is called: remainder.
A valid rebound occurs, for example, when the opponent is forced into an indirect shot.
that is, he cannot directly shoot with his ball on ours, because there is the intervening ball between them
castle or the ball. He will have to raise one or more sides to try to hit our ball.
Here’s why a good defense is important, this way we can prevent the opponent from
easily score points. In billiards logic, DEFENSE is more important than ATTACK.
It makes no sense to 'search' for the pins at all costs, if in the next throw we leave the opportunity.
to the opponent to achieve it as well, and maybe leave us in a critical situation.
We must therefore be masters of our billiard ball, in order to try to position it as best as possible.
because it is precisely this ball that on the next shot, our opponent will want to hit and send on
Birilli !!
It is possible to change the trajectory of our cue ball by varying the impact point.
How is it possible... and what does 'vary the point of impact' mean??
First of all, a premise is necessary: the player, when set to shoot, sees only a
part of the billiard, the front side. Well, one needs to imagine this hemisphere as a 'disk
"plate" in 2 dimensions, and no longer as a three-dimensional object:
Photo 1 : Photo 2 :
The 'face' of the billiard ball seen from The same billiard ball imagined as a disc in 2
player, when set to shoot. dimensions, highlighting its center.
At this point, the concept of the billiard ball should also be clearer.
Consequently, one can infer that the billiard ball can also be struck at a point external to the center.
too external though, it is still a sphere!!).
In the following photos, we can see how the useful surface for striking the ball is reduced to
internal disk yellow while the outer edge (the rest of the ball) becomes a "forbidden zone", any
attempting to strike the cue ball in this area will result in an inevitable 'screw shot'.
Photo 3 e 4:
To get an idea of the usable area, refer to the guide of the stick: the area
"proibita" ha una larghezza approssimativa di1girello (12 mm circa). La superficie utile ha
instead a radius of 2 turns around.
All this is to say that: when a billiard ball is struck off-center, it is transmitted
a movement of extrarotation on itself (in addition to the forward motion), which modifies its trajectory
hit the ball with one cushion or the other.
For example, if we hit our cue ball at a point slightly to the right of center, it will still move.
forward, however turning on itself (counterclockwise), and as soon as it hits a bank the
the trajectory after the rebound will be deflected to the right.
1. rotations around the vertical axis: the billiard ball is struck to the left and to the right of the center;
2. rotations around the horizontal axis: the billiard ball is struck above or below the center.
Rotations along the vertical axis: THE EFFECT
When the cue ball is struck to the left or right of the center, it gains a spin around the
its vertical axis. This type of lateral rotation is called effect.
l The small blue circle represents (approximately..) the point to hit with the cue to achieve the maximum effect on the ball.
Willing to hit externally a this point yes run he risk of fare steccaccia why he eye of round
no would be able more a fare capture on the surface of the billiards
It is possible, however, to strike at a more internal point (closer to the center), in order to impart a lesser amount of effect, what is called a light effect.
To hit the blue circle and thus to imprint the effect on the cue ball, it is enough to position the cue.
laterally by 1-2 cm from the center, keeping it always parallel in any case
the direction we want to aim for. From the moment the cue hits the ball, the stick must continue
its forward movement, without swerving sideways.
Attention: the ball hit in this way will therefore follow a straight trajectory,
parallel to the direction of the cue.
The effect is manifested only when the ball hits the cushion or another ball.
deploy of the effect when the bilia bounces on sp
We first derive a simple and intuitive case. Two balls are directed against the bank with a trajectory perpendicular to it, in the first case with eff
a, in the second with effect to the right.
The return trajectory will be deviated precisely from the same side where the effect was applied.
On the contrary, if the ball had no effect, after bouncing it would have returned to the player, following the same trajectory as the outgoing.
The example just seen represents a very particular situation, with the trajectory of the billiard ball.
perfectly perpendicular to the cushion. In most cases, however, the ball hits the cushion
with any angle, different from a right angle.
General Case:
In this figure
let's see a billiard
directed towards the
sponge with a
trajectory
any
The angle that you
shape between this
trajectory e the
the bed is called
entrance angle.
The trajectory of
exit shape with the
sponge the corner of
exit.
In a billiards
regular, hitting
the billiard without effects
e with a stroke
natural(we will see
better later
come to cut off
naturally
we will have come
result:
Angle of
ENTRANCE =
Corner of
EXIT
Here is how the effect modifies the Exit Angle: in the following images are
consider all possible situations to increase or decrease the exit angle and,
consequence, the exit trajectory.
In billiard terms, it is preferred to use the verbs 'to tighten' and 'to widen' to indicate the
variations of the exit trajectory: when the exit angle "decreases", the trajectory
it widens, and when the exit angle increases, the trajectory tightens.
(With the dashed arrow indicates the trajectory that the ball would take if it were struck without
effect
Es. 1 :Bilia colpita con effetto adestra, usato perallargarela traiettoria Es. 2 :Bilia colpita con effetto asinistra, usato perstringerela traiettoria
of exit. to exit.
When the cue ball is on the other side of the billiard table, the situation reverses accordingly as well.
the effect must be impressed on the opposite side of the ball.
{"text1":"Example 3: In this case, to widen the exit trajectory, we need to use.","text2":"Example 4: Last example, to narrow the exit trajectory, it is used."}
the left effect. the right effect.
The property of the Effect, to deviate the trajectory upon impact with the bank, decreases over time.
it reduces the entry angle. On the contrary, the effect has its maximum deviation when the
the ball hits the edge at a right angle (90°).
The speed at which the ball hits the cushion also affects the spin: pulling flat changes the deflection.
due to the greater effect. However, pulling very hard results in minimal deviation.
The effect has significant consequences even when our biliacolpiscela bile of the opponent,
In fact, at the moment of impact, the opposing ball acquires an opposite effect to ours.
the two balls behave like the wheels of a gear, one makes the other rotate in the direction
opposite.
This fact proves to be decisive when there is a need to slightly widen or tighten it.
trajectory of the opponent's billiard ball. For example, it will be possible to transmit a "slight" effect to it.
simply hitting our biliary system with a rightward effect. And vice versa.
When the billiard ball is struck above or below the center, it gains a rotation around the
horizontal axis. This type of rotation is called a stroke.
In billiards terminology, the upper part of the billiard ball is called the head, while the lower part does not have a name.
a specific name is simply called under.
We will therefore have two ways of calling these rotations: Head Strike and Under Strike.
However, be careful, if there is no substantial difference between right and left in the case of the effect, I am the
the same thing seen from both sides, in contrast between Headshot and Low Blow there is a great
difference, especially in the way of breaking, moreover the Understrike is harder to achieve than the
shot to the head. The ball, in fact, when rolling on the billiard table, tends to always and anyway acquire a
forward rotation, due to the friction of the cloth.
In this case, the blue circle also represents, in general terms, the outermost point to hit with the spinner, to achieve the...
maximum of the shot, both in the Head and Below. Pushing further would certainly lead to a 'block' (in the case of a shot
too under yes risk even integrity del cloth..)
It is always possible, however, to hit in an intermediate area (closer to the center), in order to reduce the amount of impact. In these
almost it's about: 'light hit on the head' also known as 'sliding shot', which is used to start the ball with a roll
natural; and finally of 'light blow below' commonly referred to as 'half blow', used to slow down one's ball in shots that
They must be performed with little force.
Here are some images of the two Culprits from a sideways view, to make everything even more
more evident. Note the different position of the bridge and the 'squashed' hand on the cloth to
strike the lower billiard ball correctly.
Contrary to what many think, it is not at all necessary to raise the butt of the cue.
(and thus hit the billiard ball from top to bottom, with the cue inclined) to impart the shot
Under, in fact probably it's the best way to puncture the fabric.
To achieve an effective Underhit, the cue must instead remain as horizontal as possible and
parallel to the billiard because, from the moment it strikes the ball, the tip must be able to continue the
forward movement, in what is called the gesture of 'penetration' of the billiard ball.
Head shot: by hitting the billiard ball in this way, it is possible to impart a strong forward spin to it. It is indeed used to make it continue the
run forward to our ball, after hitting the opponent's ball. In addition, a 'light hit to the head' is used to execute some indirect shots.
(they are those shots in which a cushion is hit before the opponent's ball), for which it is not necessary to use spin.
The 'maximum blow to the head', combined with a strike of considerable force, is instead used in certain special shots (with the opponent's ball attached to
spoon, for example), and allows for "incredible" evolutions to our billiards.
Understroke: This is definitely the most difficult shot to execute, joys and sorrows for many players. In fact, the ball struck in this way...
buy an inverse rotation in natural rolling motion, in practice it moves forward.. but rotates backward (on itself). It is
used almost exclusively for direct shots (shots on the other billiard ball, without first hitting any cushion), it serves to slow down the path of our ball
after the impact with the other, in some cases it can even cause it to recoil (when the other ball is hit "full" or almost). As mentioned, it does not
usa practically I no we are indirect , himself no in particulars we are yes performance
The difficult thing is to make it cover the distance to the other ball without losing the reverse spin along the way. So it becomes simple with the
close balls (50-100 cm), but it can be 'very hard' when the balls are far apart (150-250 cm). The friction of the cloth tends to always
dampen this rotation, allowing the ball to have a natural forward roll.
In the two examples that follow, the consequences of the Upper Strike and the Lower Strike are described.
the position of the balls is identical in both cases, as is the trajectory that the ball will follow
opponent.
The dashed arrow indicates the trajectory of our ball if, at the moment
of the impact, was devoid of any type of rotations.
Consequences del blow after the impact with the other bilia:
The different trajectories taken by our cue ball in the two opposite cases of Head Shot and Under Shot are highlighted. The trajectories are
It really curves, at least for the first 50-100 cm of the path, as long as the ball doesn't lose the extra rotation (forward or backward).
which moment in point the billiardswill resume the your race with a new trajectory straight
It is important to remember that the trajectory of the opponent's cue ball remains the same in both cases, as it only depends on the point at which it is struck.
who the ball is hit.
The properties of the Head Shot and the Under Shot modify the trajectory of one's cue ball.
they vary depending on how the opponent's ball is hit:
The blow (to the head or below) is most effective when the opponent's ball is struck.
full
vienecolpitasempre più lontano dal centro.
When the opposing ball is hit very externally (basically it is "brushed" on one side,
moving just a little, it is said in slang 'hit the ball fine' or 'hit with finesse'), the effects of the Shot
become irrelevant.
As in the case of the Effect, where our ball transmits the opposite Effect to the opposing one, so
The shot is also transmitted to the other ball in an inverse manner.
So, if we hit our ball 'Under', the opponent's ball will receive a 'slight hit to the Head';
vice versa, if we hit our ball "in the Head", a "slight" will be transmitted to the opponent's ball.
colpo Sotto".
We will see later that the Shot can also modify the trajectories of the balls after the rebound with
a bank. We will therefore have another way to slightly vary the trajectory.
of the opposing team.
As a general rule, the Understrike is usually used for direct shots, while the Headshot can
it can also be used in indirect shots, it helps to ensure that the cushion has a natural bounce.
So far we have considered the various spots to hit the cue ball to impart extra spin to it, it is
This situation, which is the most frequent and seemingly the simplest, has been intentionally left for last:
hit the cue ball in the center, which in billiards jargon is called Belly.
The ball, hit in the belly, moves on the billiard table WITHOUT ROTATIONS on itself
Therefore, the billiard ball will start its run on the cloth moving without rolling; it actually 'slides'.
above" and, if the strike was executed correctly, it will hit the opponent's ball again.
without having purchased any rotation.
As in the case of the Under Hit, the friction of the cloth will inevitably cause it to roll.
sooner or later, the cue ball goes forward. The distance between the two balls plays a decisive role: the shot
it will become increasingly difficult as this distance increases.
He blow in Belly :
The billiard ball will be hit exactly in the center, which it is not.
as simple as it seems, mistakes are often made
evaluation duty ad a setting errata.
Let's try to better visualize what has been expressed, with the following drawings:
Here is the classic case we had mentioned.
previously, which occurs quite often
frequent
Characteristic Fundamental:
The punch to the stomach allows hitting the cue ball without
print the rotations. This fact puts us in a position
disturb, almost exactly trajectories
it will have our ball after the impact with the opponent's ball.
It is possible to intervene twice on the path of the ball while using simultaneously:
• hit (above, below, in the belly) that alters the trajectory at the moment of impact with the labia
opposing party;
• effect (right or left) that modifies the trajectory upon impact with the bank.
To indicate (also later, in the diagrams of Section 2) where to strike one's billiard ball, the
Clock system, with 12 distinct points where strike and effect combine.
From now on, the term 5 o'clock, 11 o'clock, etc. will be used to specify the point to hit.
It's not always necessary to hit the cue ball with the maximum of
effect or of the blow, most of the time it simply serves a
light effect o a light blow
In the next two lessons we will see how to take the shot, and in what way it is necessary to stick.
to properly apply the Effect and the Strike.
When you execute a shot, the whole body should remain still, except for the arm that holds the gun.
stick. To be precise, it should move exclusively the forearm and the wrist (which should be kept
"soft"), and possibly the upper part of the arm. Movements with the should be avoided.
shoulder for the (wrong) purpose of "forcing" the shot, we will see that it is not absolutely necessary.
We can define the swinging movement (which from now on, for brevity, will be called simply "
the swinging) as:
the oscillating movement of the forearm, back and forth, that precedes the throw.
Serve as preparation for the stick counter and is FUNDAMENTAL for the good
success of the shot. The cue is swung rhythmically like a pendulum in order to take
a kind of "run-up" to hit the ball.
In fact, taking advantage of the weight of the cue, which is 'thrown' against the ball, it is possible to execute a
power shot without straining.
The swing therefore encompasses the characteristics of the shot:
After this last consideration, we can already have an idea of the general approach regarding
to the execution of a shot. In the chapters related to 'grip' and 'bridge' have been
underscore the differences in hand positioning in relation to the shot strength, let's see if we
summarize everything in a simple diagram:
HANDLE: bring it forward over the point of HANDLE: bring it backward to the end
cue balance of the stick
PONTE: rest the handle on the ball (5- BRIDGE: place the handle away from
10 cm bilia (15-20 cm)
BRANDEGGIO: execute slowly with oscillations of BRAND EXECUTION: execute it quickly with fluctuations
short race ample
In the following photographic sequence, the three main moments of the aiming are depicted.
The first photo shows the starting position, with the forearm hanging freely vertically.
The stick must be able to oscillate freely back and forth by a few centimeters.
In the second and third photos, the extremes of the oscillation movement are highlighted, the
The space between these two points represents the 'swing' of the pivot.
It is necessary to try to maintain the horizontal stick by slightly varying the grip with the fingers.
Photo 2 and 3: Swinging limits. They show the boundaries within which the stick oscillates.
This is used to stabilize the stick and allow for smooth horizontal movement. Once again, it
emphasizes the importance of a proper grip that is: soft, elastic, natural, and effortless.
In the next lesson we will see the continuation: how to execute it.
The shot must be fluid, uniform, and 'clean'. It is possible to achieve this by adhering to these
simple rules:
• the player's position is comfortable and stable, only the arm holding the cue is
move, the rest of the body must remain still;
• the bridge provides us with a secure and steady support, the stick glides smoothly and without friction;
• the stick must remain as horizontal as possible, before, during and after the shot. A
the "soft" grip will allow us to achieve all of this;
• after hitting the cue ball, the cue must continue the forward motion in a straight line,
a few more centimeters, in the act of penetration (from 10 to 30 cm). It is good practice then,
stay 'still on the shot' for a few moments even when the ball has detached from the spinner, without
to spring up suddenly or to immediately remove the cue. Some players recoil like springs as soon as
the shot was off, making the execution too hurried and disordered;
• avoid 'lateral skids' when applying the effect to the ball: even in this case it is necessary to
continue the movement of the cue forward;
• avoid "locking" the wrist, which must be able to move in harmony with the forearm, to
facilitate a "fluid" thrust. A good wrist movement also allows us to
to print, easily and with minimal effort, a decent speed to the ball;
• remember that to execute the under shot well, a quick movement with the cue is needed
horizontal and above all a penetration of about twenty centimeters.
It is important to emphasize that, for power shots, the player should not use strength, but should
take advantage of the weight of the cue, combining it with a wide and fast swing. This will allow to
to print power to the ball with minimum effort. It would be a mistake to try to pull hard starting
"by stopping", it would be difficult to achieve a smooth and clean execution.
An example might help illustrate the idea, you need to use the cue, throwing it against the ball, like the
warriors of antiquity used those poles called Rams, to burst through the city gates.
assault: with a minimal run-up, it was possible to obtain an enormous force.
Let's analyze in detail the general characteristics of the various ways of sticking, in relation to
diverse strikes
Headshot
It is used in precision shots, both direct and indirect. The cue It is used to keep the ball spinning forward after
it should be accompanied gently, keeping it soft and parallel hit the opposing ball. The shot must be made
to the billiards. dry fast e with little penetration.
The ball immediately takes on a natural rolling motion. It can also be used in indirect shots, use it in this way
forward. soft stabbing case.
Punch in the Stomach
No used. Used in direct shots. It is the most common solution, the ball
hit in this way, it initially 'slides' on the cloth, without
Taking it slow, the billiard ball starts right away, after a few centimeters, to immediately purchase the forward rotation movement. It reveals
roll forward. The punch in the stomach would lose its useful for containing the run of one's ball after the impact with
characteristic. the other.
To stroke gently, you need to strike the ball above the belly. Execute with a quick thrust and little penetration.
Underhanded Blow
No used. Used in direct shots. The cue ball gains strong spin.
back, after the impact it tends to return towards the player, or how much
Taking it slow, the ball immediately loses its backward spin: menu slow down the yours race in forward.
after a few centimeters it will start to roll forward. The blow Hit the cue ball with a horizontal stick and quick movement,
sotto is proven useless, unless the opposing ball is don't block the stick, but stretch it as much as possible to
very close to one's own bile. obtain a long penetration (20-30 cm).
Used in direct shots: we can hit the cue ball from '1 o'clock' to '
It is possible to hit the ball from '1 o'clock' to '4 o'clock' (or from '
11" to "8" in the case of left effect), to give them a 5" (or from "11 o'clock" to "7 o'clock" for the left effect), to
quantity always greater of effect. second according to needs. Keep the stick horizontal
It is used in both direct and indirect shots. especially in the blows delivered below the center (4 - 5 o'clock
or at 8 - 7) otherwise the ball will not follow a straight line.
Keep the bridge close to the cue ball and shot with the wrist. The movement of the cue in these cases must be assisted by
soft. wrist that simulates a "whiplash" to enhance the effect.
No exceed in the gesture of penetration.
It's useless, hitting below the center very slowly.
(hours 5 - 6 - 7), unless the balls are very close together Used in indirect shots: hit the cue ball only on the upper part
they. (hour 1 - 3 or 11 - 9) with a soft stroke, emphasizing the
penetration.
To conclude: we have so far analyzed, in general, where and how to strike your cue ball,
These considerations should still be regarded as a basis for a correct approach to the game.
They are indeed exceptions and special cases that will be explored further later.
It's important in the meantime to practice getting comfortable with the cue and the movement of the
arm, it doesn't matter if the first executions will turn out to be wrong or difficult to perform, as in all
things, even in billiards, you learn by making mistakes, provided, however, that you manage to understand where it went wrong.
made the mistake, trying not to repeat it next time.
Speed and Strength
In the previous lessons, terms related to the force of a shot and the speed of the
the billiard, the various ways to strike the billiard ball depending on the difference in speed. We will now try
to better classify the concept of Force, based on the path taken by the billiard ball, on the table
billiards.
Considering billiards on its longest side, we can introduce a new term, 'passata'.
with the following definition:
Passata = the shot of a ball from one short side to the opposite short side.
Executing a shot of 2 'passes' means making the ball travel a distance equal to 2 times.
the length of the billiards.
As a recommendation: the maximum force applicable to a billiard ball is in the order of 4 passes, if desired.
pulling harder risks losing control of the ball, with disastrous consequences.
The following table classifies and summarizes the various intensities of force.
Pianissimo. Used for a distance of a few centimeters (from 1 to 100 cm), when the marbles are very close together.
Force '0' Hold the cue very far forward and with 'two fingers', use a very short bridge and position the bridge as much
as close as possible to the billiard ball.
Very soft. The billiard ball travels 1/2 lap, equivalent to the length of a short side (1.42 m). Use
Strength '1/2'
always a small bridge nearby and a short swing. Handle as above.
Piano. The cue ball travels 1 stroke, the equivalent of the long side (2.84 m). The cue must always be held.
Force '1'
very slightly with the bridge about ten centimeters away from the ball.
Fast. The cue ball travels 2 passes (5.68 m). Hold the cue with almost all fingers, the bridge is 15-
Force "2"
20 cm from the cue ball. The swing is of medium width and speed.
Medium Strong. The cue ball travels 2 and 1/2 shots (7.10 m). Hold the cue with a soft but secure grip.
Force "2 and 1/2"
the bridge is about 20 cm away.
Strong. The cue ball travels 3 passes (8.52 m). Hold the cue with the whole hand, without closing it.
Force '3'
completely though. The bridge is 20-25 cm away from the ball, the swing is wide and fast.
Strong. The billiard ball travels 3 passes and 1/2 (9.94 m). Still slightly stronger than the previous shot, the
Force "3 and 1/2" The bridge is about 25 cm away from the cue ball, the whole hand grips the cue at the end of the butt, the swing is
very wide and fast.
Very strong. The cue ball travels 4 shots (11.36 m). Hold the cue firmly in hand, gripping it in
Force "4"
background. The bridge is 25-30 cm away, the swinging is at maximum width and speed.
Power 4 + Very loud. The ball travels more than 4 passes. Used in some direct shots of 6-7 cushions. Always keep the
hold firmly in hand. Setting as above.
Then try again, always with two balls, but in different positions and
different inclinations, from afar and up close. It's good to train.
a lot about the various forces to use. Being able to always hit with
the right force is definitely a winning weapon in billiards.
Executing the shot with the right force is VERY IMPORTANT: in case of a possible error of
It is always possible to obtain a good remainder if the force is adequate for the shot.
The opposite situation is instead dangerous, because if we score points, but the shot has been executed.
with an incorrect strength, our opponent could take advantage of an easy shot to score
equally many points, and furthermore, putting us in difficulty for our next shot.
Quantity of Ball
After analyzing the various ways to hit your billiard ball, we have now reached the moment of
understanding how to also hit the opponent's ball. The term 'amount of ball' refers to the
Point that must be AIMED at the opponent's billiard ball. (= Quantity of Ball)
The term 'aim' was deliberately used instead of 'hit' because, as we will see later,
The 'aimed' point on the opponent's ball NEVER corresponds to the point that is actually 'hit'.
from our bilia (there is only one exception.. that confirms the rule).
If we want to be nitpicky, we could identify infinite points to aim at the opposing ball, but
this would require an equally infinite study.
The billiard ball is divided into eighths, and the various quantities of balls take the name of the fraction.
corresponding (for example: "3/8", "1/4", "3/4", etc.).
Per he moment è
necessary to hit the
own billiards without
Effect, to be sure
to amaze correctly.
We will see later how
wonder when it is printed
the effect.
• Full Ball
• 3/4 of a ball
• 1/2 ball ("half ball")
• 1/4 of a ball
• Fine Ball ("Fineness")
the remaining four (7/8, 5/8, 3/8, 1/8) follow accordingly, alternating with the main ones.
In the following table, the various quantities are presented one by one. Two images are used.
each: the one on the left represents the player's view at the moment he takes aim,
while in the right one, the impacts are depicted (viewed from above).
Dad
Pie
(8/
7ott
(7/
3
qua
(6/
5ott
(5/
Mez
Pa
(4/
3ott
(3/
1
here
(2/
1ott
(1/
Fine
(0/
HIT
The two balls indeed touch at the point of contact, which is very far from the point we have.
effectively targeted.
The white ball follows a trajectory that depends on the point of contact.
In these two
examples I am
describe, in
mode more
detailed the
possible
situations of
impact
• Generic case
The white billy
comes from a
position
any. He
point aimed
on the yellow billiard
does not coincide with
the point where
really
takes place it
contact.
• Ball Case
Milk
Here is the exception
that confirms us
the rule: only in
this
circumstance he
focal point
will coincide with the
point of
contact.
trajectory of the
opposing billboard,
comes ALWAYS
determined
to the realm
it unites the centers
of the blush.
Alternatively, it is
possible
identify the
said
trajectory as:
larettache
unisceilpunto
to contact
center of the
bilaterally.
(If obtains
anyway the
same result)
We mentioned the trajectory of the opposing ball, how to identify it in every situation:
this is indeed determined by the point of contact. Starting from this point, the player
orient to identify the point to aim at.
Once again, however, we want to remind that the various quantities of Pallades described previously, they
they always refer solely to the Point of Aim.
In the next lesson we will see various techniques that can be used to correctly understand the miracle.
Take Aim
One must not underestimate the importance of aiming correctly, especially because it is
It's difficult to notice on your own when the alignment of the eye and the cue is not correct.
In these cases, the player set to shoot does not realize that he is aiming at a point.
different from what it actually aims to hit. The aiming eye is not aligned
vertically with the stick and what is called a 'parallax error' is committed.
Let's see for now how to identify the line of sight (that is, the point to aim at), later
we will explain how to aim exactly where we intended.
Identify the Point of
Contact
Once the point of contact is established, we need to identify the Line of Sight (the point where
to observe with the center of our billiard). To do this, we have two methods available, let's see them.
both
Method 1:
RULE:
DOUBLEthe distance
Whatever method you choose to adopt, the greatest difficulty is having to aim "outside of the
"billet", that is, to direct the Line of Aim at a point external to the opponent's billet. In these cases, it can
It would be helpful to identify a point on the bank towards which to direct the cue.
A good rule is to watch the balls from a couple of meters away from the pool table,
taking aim while still standing. This always allows us a point of view
better. The player will then set up to shoot, only when they have identified the point where
to admire.
When we want to hit our cue ball in a point different from the center (to the right or to the left), we must
make a correction to the line of sight.
Look with the effect
Once the contact point on the opponent's billiard ball is identified, it must be hit!!
The two methods described above have been explained with drawings that represent our billiards in
I need the moment of impact, in the exact position to hit the point of contact.
The player, in order to take aim, can also try to imagine the same situation: managing to
to "visualize" this nostalgia imagined at the moment it collides with that opponent, it will be
it is sufficient to direct our ball, 'instead of' the imaginary ball (more precisely: the center
of ours, in the center of that imaginary one).
Therefore, we will have to aim at the full ball on the imaginary ball.
Imaginary ball
to look hello
same point
on the bill
Succeeding a
imaginary.
to send our
billi instead of
that imaginary,
we will hit Every time
exactly the billiard that we hit the
opponent at the point our wallet in
wanted. a point
diverse pulse
center
In the figure a
we must
left, our
necessarily
Bilia is struck.
modify
without effect (in
even the line of
center), we will have to
look.
to diminish to
center of the billiard
imaginary.
It was mentioned earlier that the position of the head greatly influences the correct
setting, this is because the player must keep the eye they use to aim perfectly.
vertical alignment with the stick, (basically 'above' the stick).
The eye used for aiming is called the dominant eye, the other eye is used exclusively for
give depth to the image (complete the vision, creating a 3-dimensional image). How to do it
to determine which is your dominant eye? Just perform a simple test:
1. stand 2-3 meters away from any object of the size of a
bilia;
2. stretch your arms forward, extended, and form a small 'circle' using your thumbs and index fingers
both hands, joined together;
3. through this circle frame, with BOTH eyes open, the chosen object
previously.
Now try to close, alternating, one eye first and then the other, you will notice that in one of the
in two cases, you will no longer see the object you were aiming at: when the object "disappears" it means that
you have really closed the dominant eye.
As a retry, think that by closing the other eye (the non-dominant one), you will continue to
"to see" what you had framed, to confirm that you are not using that eye to aim.
Try to take this test without overthinking it, that is, position your hands instinctively, like this.
"how it comes", on the targeted object.
The player, not keeping the dominant eye over the cue, will always make a mistake of
sight (parallax error) and consequently will take aim by directing the cue at a point
different from what it aims for. In this situation, an error is also verified then.
stepping movement, because at the moment of the shot he will correct (without realizing it !!)
his "imprecise aim" with a forward movement of the cue that does not follow a straight line.
This error often occurs even when one is forced to pull in uncomfortable positions on
billiards, which do not allow an "ideal" positioning of the body.
The worst thing is that the player hardly realizes on their own that they are not in line, only those who
observe from the outside sees that the aim is not precise, therefore it can be useful, by practicing the first
sometimes, having someone to ask for confirmation of the right position.
This is not always true though, it always depends on the rotation of the ball. In the case of the ball.
hit with an effect, I consider it unnecessary to add anything else (the effect is imparted to the billiard ball precisely for
modify the exit angle), but in the case of a target hit in the Head, Stomach or Below, they become
necessary some considerations.
As an additional premise, it is important to highlight the fact that, as in the collision with the opposing ball,
Even in the impact with the bank, the targeted point does not correspond to the point hit.
Impact with the bank
The difference between the aiming point at the center of the ball and the point actually hit on the cushion.
it can reach 20-30 cm and more, it happens in certain indirect shots, when the entry angle is very
reduced (10°-20°).
It is necessary to be able to evaluate this difference well, especially when the opposing team is found.
at the same time, close to the shore and at the point of impact.
Let's return to analyze the consequences of the blow on the trajectory of the bile outflow, after the
impact with the bank.
When the billiard ball is struck gently, it is assumed that it always moves, in a natural way.
forward roll (corresponding to a "slight blow to the head").
This happens because, even hitting the cue ball in the middle or underneath, but pulling lightly, after
a few centimeters of travel, the friction of the cloth hinders the initial sliding of the ball, making it
suddenly start to roll "naturally" forward.
We will therefore only consider the case of strong biliary colic in this situation.
In fact, the billiard ball follows a longer path, 'preserving' the rotation imparted by the player.
Here, then, the strike significantly alters the angle of exit.
Consequences of the Coup
To conclude therefore, always remember to aim the cue ball at the spot when you are shooting towards a cushion.
both softly and loudly, to have the exit trajectory equal to the entry one.
Here is another very important feature to understand 'what happens' on the billiard table:
when a billiard ball (hit without spin) strikes the cushion, it spontaneously acquires a certain
amount of Side Effect (called "induced effect").
1. The entry angle with which the ball hits the cushion. The effect increases as the ...
angle, while it becomes null with an impact at 90°.
2. The wear of the cloth covering the bank. When the cloth is new, the friction with the ball is
minimum the acquired effect will be very light. As the cloth 'ages' (in
Gergos says that the cloth becomes battered), the friction with the ball increases with a
consequent increase of the induced effect.
This effect may increase slightly if the
the billiard ball hits two or more cushions in succession,
always however, with the same trajectory (relative
on each bank).
The fact of always hitting the sides with the same side
however, it allows the ball to follow a trajectory
fairly homogeneous and easily identifiable
from the player.
the same side from which the ball receives it from the cushion
and it is called: 'Good Effect'.
In the drawing above, for example, if the player struck the cue ball with right spin, they would apply
Good effect on the ball. In the opposite case, that is, hitting the left ball, it would apply that.
which is called Counter Effect.
They use the terms Good and Against because using 'right' or
left
billiards shot executed.
In the drawing beside, the previous situation is presented on the opposite side of the billiard table. In this
To apply spin to the cue ball, we should hit it with left spin.
We remind once again that, in general, almost all indirect itineraries must be carried out without.
Effect (hitting the cue ball in the head) or with good effect; they are very few and specific,
those carried out with Counter Effect.
In these 2 lessons we will explain more accurately what happens when the balls
they are intertwined. The topic is quite 'complex' for a beginner, initially you will be able to
so avoid this part, to not complicate your study too much. However, it is essential to know these
Notions are essential to understand and correctly execute all direct itineraries.
You can always return to this topic later, when your gaming experience increases.
it will allow you to find 'useful' and 'clear' what initially seemed 'useless' and
complicated
For the moment, let's consider only the simplest case: with the marbles that do not possess
rotations and no dispersion of energy occurs during the impact.
It is a theoretical situation, but we can get very close to it, achieving appropriate targets.
our ball (in the belly or below, depending on the distance between the two balls), in order to make it arrive
at the impact with the opponent without rotations.
The material used to make modern balls, being very elastic, allows for...
the loss of energy during the impact is negligible.
How can we determine what speed the balls will have after the impact? It all depends on the point in
which strikes the opponent's ball.
Our billiard will transmit speed to the opponent's, in proportion to the amount of ball.
If the impact is central, that is, the opponent's ball is hit full (in the center), our ball, if not
it has rotations, after the impact it will remain stationary, transferring all its energy to the opponent,
that will start its run in the same direction and with the same speed that our ball had.
In the case that, at the moment of impact, our ball has a forward rotation or
backwards, after the impact it will continue its forward motion, or will it go back towards the player,
precisely as a consequence of the rotation held at the time.
When the collision is not central (the opponent's ball hit at a point different from the center), our ball
transmits only a part of its own energy to the opponent, still losing speed.
the benefit of the opposing billiard ball which will instead begin to move at its own speed.
We can represent the various speeds as vectors, that is, arrows that identify direction,
direction and intensity (the latter represented by the 'length' of the arrow).
The energy transmitted (and thus the speed) to the opposing ball decreases as the impact occurs.
occurs at a point far from the center. By striking the opposing ball with extreme 'finesse' we will make it
move only a few centimeters, while our ball will continue its course practically
at the same speed. In contrast, in a collision near the center, our ball will give up almost all of the
your energy to the opposing billiard ball, which will start quickly, making our ball travel only a
short journey.
The trajectory followed by the opponent's cue ball is identified by the line connecting the centers of the balls.
while the direction of our billiard ball after the impact will be at a right angle to said trajectory.
We can also identify the two angles of deviation (each related to a billiard ball) that are
to form between the trajectories of the balls after the impact and the initial trajectory of our ball. The sum
these two angles are always 90°, in every collision situation.
CRASH -
Case
general
The our
billiards è
the yellow one
("B"),
moving
long the
line
orange
will arrive at
to hit the
bilia
opponent
("A") in the
position
B1
With the
arrow
orange
indicated the
trajectory and
the speed
initialcon
to whom our
billiards intermediate
that
opponent.
The arrow
in green
instead
represents
the trajectory
after the impact
and the speed
finaledella
our bills.
The speed
finale" not
is other than
the speed
remained
all bill
after the impact
with the other.
Finally the
arrow
violet indica
the trajectory
and the speed
with who
part it
billiards
adversary.
Also
this è
indicated
come
speed
final date
that the billiard ball
possesses
anyway,
a speed
initial
equal a
zero.
The resulting speeds, the trajectories of the billiard balls, and the angles of deviation are closely related.
Among them, they function exclusively based on the point where contact occurs; in practice, they depend on it.
from the amount of ball.
Vector sum
the sum of the 'squares'
of speeds, according to
the Pythagorean theorem:
Ad example,
assuming the speed
initial of the billiard
10, the two final speeds
they could result
6e8. Indeed 62+82=102
From the example seen above, it can be noted that the sum of the 2 final speeds (8 + 6 = 14) results
greater than the initial speed of our ball (10). This diversity occurs in every impact and not
It must be astonishing, in fact the impact follows the physical law of "conservation of energy", and not of
speed.
• Orange Arrow: Represents the initial speed of our billiard ball. It is always equal to
each of the 4 examples.
• Green Arrow: It represents the final speed and the trajectory of our ball after the impact.
with the opponent
• Purple Arrow: Represents the final speed and trajectory of the opposing ability, after
the impact with our ball.
• Dashed Blue Line: It is the line on which the center of our billiard moves, it is used for
indicate the amount of targeted Ball.
The length of each arrow indicates the speed; if the arrow is short, the ball will have a speed.
small, if the arrow is long, the speed will be high.
The directions on the side of the arrow indicate the trajectory followed by the ball.
Let us remember once again that everything that follows occurs only if the impact happens with our
bilia without rotations.
Bilia
struck
Big
With il
term
big
understands the
billiards
adversary
when
comes
hit
very
near to
center.
such case,
our
bilia cede
almost all
the energy
to the billiards
opponent
what yes
will move
with a
speed of
little
less than
that which
possessed
the our
first bill
of the impact.
Our
billiards to the
opposite,
will traverse
alone a
brief
route, a
less than
no sia
animated
yes
rotations
extra, in
forward o
back.
If so
mine,
these
rotations
they could
to have a
remarkable
influence
on the
direction
of the bilia
after
the impact,
being,
this
last
remained
with a
scarce
reserve of
energy.
To look
on 1/2
Ball.
Looking
"mezza
palla
we obtain
a corner
of
deviation
of the billiard
opponent
= 30°
while
the angle of
deviation
of ours
bilia will be
60°.
In this
case
particular
it is possible
calculate
easily
the speed
finaledella
our bills
why
becomes
exactly
lamentation
that
initial.
Divide the balls.
Another case
particular, aiming
3/10 of Palla
it corresponds approximately
at the midpoint between
3/8 and 2/8), the billiard
opponent comes
hit in a way of
to have an angle of
deviation = 45°.
Consequently, also
our billiard will form
a angle of
deviazione = 45°.
Bilia hit in
fineness
Our bilia to
on the contrary, it will only rise
a light
deviation of
trajectory
keeping a
speed finale
almost unchanged
respect a that
initial.
In this case,
possible rotations in
forward or backward, no
they will have much
influenza on
final trajectory, not
succeeding a
counter the great
remaining energy at the
our books.
Setting aside the mathematical proofs, we present to you a summary table of the angles of
deviation and speeds of the two balls, calculated assuming an initial speed of our
bilia = 10.
For the calculation of the deviation angle, a new parameter called DDC has been considered.
(DistanceFromCenter), corresponding to the distance between the line of sight and the center of the billiard ball
opponent. It varies from 0 to 1, when its size corresponds to the diameter of a billiard ball.
Looking with a DDC greater than 1, the opponent's ball would not be hit.
The DDC parameter can also be seen as the "complement" of the ball quantity, to
for example aiming a ball quantity =5/8, the DDC results =3/8. In fact, the line of sight is distant from
center 3/8 of billiards.
Quantity of ball 8/8 7/8 6/8 5/8 4/8 3/8 3/10 2/8 1/8 0/8
Deflection angle
0° 7° 14° 22° 30° 38° 45° 48° 61° 90°
of the opposing billiards
Deflection angle
90° 83° 76° 68° 60 degrees
52° 45° 42° 29° 0°
of our billiards
Final Speed
0 1,2 2.4 3.7 5.0 6.1 7 7.4 8.7 10
of our billiards
Final Speed
10 9.9 9.7 9.2 8.6 7.8 7 6.6 4.8 0
of the opposing billiards
Se qualcuno è interessato a calcolare altre quantità, può usare le formule che seguono.
where 'V' represents the initial speed of our ball, while 'a' represents the angle of
deviation of the opponent's bile:
It has been seen before that our ball, when hit with Effect, transmits to the opponent's ball.
the reverse effect, that is on the opposite side. This 'reverse effect' will be referred to from now on as:
The TRANSMITTED effect occurs in every collision situation (central and otherwise).
When the collision is NOT 'central' (that is, the Full Ball is NOT hit), it 'comes to life' however,
also another type of Effect (just to complicate things a bit..).
The IMPACT effect manifests on the SAME side of both balls, even when it does not occur
print Effect on one's own billiard.
It is due to the fact that the marbles collide with each other at a 'lateral' point, equal and opposite for
both: the billiard opponent is struck on one side (with respect to their center) and thus gains
the effect as if it were struck by a cue; our billiard ball, on the other hand, strikes with one side, but the
the situation is similar, it also takes on side effects, (we have seen previously how, in
In a very similar way, our purchase billiards also have an impact on the edge.
The amount of impact effect depends on the amount of ball: if the opponent's ball is hit.
with a full load, the impact effect will be minimal or zero; on the contrary, it will increase as the ball
the opponent is hit towards the outside, around the "1/4 ball", until it decreases again towards
the extreme 'fineness' of billiard.
Impact on the opponent's ball on the RIGHT side. Without effect applied to one's own ball.
The opponent is hit on the right side, consequently gaining IMPACT effect from that side.
Our bilious opponent seems to be on the left side, but in reality, moving in the opposite direction, the situation reverses and the
the rotation of the IMPACT effect is to the right, even for our billiard ball.
The two balls therefore acquire an effect (impact) to the RIGHT, continuing nonetheless, each in its own direction (indicated by the arrows, in
design on the right)
Impact on the LEFT side of the opponent's ball. No effect applied to one's own ball.
In this circumstance, the exact opposite occurs: both balls gain Effect (impact) to the LEFT.
The fact of calling the various types of Effect by different names does not change their substance, still of
it is about lateral rotation. However, it is necessary to understand what causes such rotation, in order to
identify any errors made.
For example, sometimes it happens to 'give effect' to the billiard ball when it's not needed, not considering that, in
In that specific circumstance, the billiard ball would have "taken on its own" the necessary effect.
Or there are situations in which we must apply effect to our billiard, just to counteract.
the negative consequences of the IMPACT Effect that would occur in these situations.
Let's see then, what happens to the doubly during the impact, when the Effect is applied to itself.
bilia.
Don't be impressed by the quantity of drawings present: all cases have been listed.
possible to avoid any doubt, but I believe that, once the 'mechanism' is understood, it should
result everything quite simple and immediate.
The following terms (and colors) will be used to indicate the effect variants, namely the causes.
lead to the effect:
• IMPRINT effect: on its own billiard ball, from the player with the cue,
• TRANSMITTED effect: from our ball to the opposing one, in the opposite direction, during the impact,
• Impact effect: it develops in the same way for both balls, in every non-central impact.
Our bile, with effect to the right, increasingly takes effect, because in this case the IMPACT effect is also to the right, and it adds to the IMPRESSED effect.
The opponent, on the other hand, receives two contrasting effects (TRANSMITTED effect and IMPACT effect) that do not yet allow us to determine what will be the
final rotation of the billiard ball.
To understand from which side the opponent's ball will take effect, we must consider the only
variable of the situation: the effect PRINTED by the player.
In fact, the IMPACT effect depends only on the amount of ball, which is assumed to be the same in all the
examples, while the TRANSMITTED effect depends on the IMPRESSED one.
Once again, the player can influence the trajectory of the opposing player's move, in a way
significant. Let's see, case by case, what happens by varying the PRINTED effect:
Ball hit with little effect at
RIGHT
When the opponent's ball is struck on the RIGHT, but our ball has the SPIN IMPRESSED.
On the LEFT, the situation changes radically. The IMPACT effect will now contrast the
rotation of our billiard ball, instead of increasing it as in the previous case, while it will increase the
effect transmitted to the opponent's ball.
The opponent's Labilia will certainly move with an effect to the right, by virtue of the TRANSMITTED effect and the IMPACT effect, which sum up in any case.
Our billiard, on the other hand, is in a situation where the IMPRINT effect is countered by the IMPACT effect, and we are unable to determine what the final rotation will be.
of the bilia.
To solve the problem, we need to reanalyze the 3 cases seen before.
Ball hit with little effect at
LEFT
When the opponent's ball is struck on the RIGHT, but our ball has the SPIN IMPRESSED.
On the LEFT, the situation changes radically. The IMPACT effect will now contrast the
rotation of our billiard ball, instead of increasing it as in the previous case, while it will increase the
effect transmitted to the opponent's ball.
The opponent's Labilia will certainly move with an effect to the right, by virtue of the TRANSMITTED effect and the IMPACT effect, which sum up in any case.
Our billiard, on the other hand, is in a situation where the IMPRINT effect is countered by the IMPACT effect, and we are unable to determine what the final rota
of the bilia.
To solve the problem, we need to reanalyze the 3 cases seen before.
Ball hit with the 'RIGHT'
left effect
The opposing force will certainly move with a leftward effect, by virtue of the TRANSMITTED effect and the IMPACT effect, which will
we will summon in any case.
Lanostra is instead in a situation where the IMPRESSED effect is countered by the IMPACT effect.
From all the examples seen so far, we can conclude that the 'consequences' of the effect
They become important when the effect PRINTED on our bile is in quantity.
modest.
On the contrary, the IMPACT effect becomes negligible when the IMPRESSED effect on us
bilia is maximum.
For this reason, it is necessary to take the appropriate considerations when hitting one's own billiard ball with
little effect, to avoid unpleasant surprises. If the player wants to transmit a
determine an effect on the opponent's ball, or does he want to maintain the effect impressed on his own.
Bilia will need to use an appropriate amount of effect, carefully evaluating each case.
There are still two last things to say about the opponent's billiard, as far as its
trajectory. We can intervene to modify it slightly, keeping it constant anyway.
Amount of Ball. That is, by hitting the opponent's ball at the same point, we can make it execute
different trajectories.
1st method: Printing a lot of effect to our billiard, at the moment of impact the trajectory of the
The opposing ball will be slightly deflected, compared to the trajectory followed after a 'normal' impact.
(without effect).
Additionally, it will acquire a reverse rotation, due to the 'exchange of effect' rule, which will modify
still its trajectory, after an impact with the bank.
2nd method: Hitting our cue ball very hard (in the head or below), we will transmit to the cue ball
adversary the Reverse Blow, that is direct in the opposite direction.
This will slightly change the trajectory of the opponent's ball after the impact with the
sponda (regarding the "acquired hit").
In the large drawing on the left, the trajectories followed by the opposing ball after impact with the cushion are represented.
relationship to the impact on one's own cue ball. The opponent's ball, receiving a slight 'reverse' hit, behaves
the opposite of what our billiard ball would do (see: "Impact with the cushion").
We can combine Effect and Blow, to also act on the opponent's ball, and not just
on our.
However, it should be noted that the deviations obtained as a result of particular faults (leaving
therefore constant the Quantity of Ball), they will always be much more "evident" on our bile
non-syllable opponent, which will only change its trajectory by a few centimeters, on the contrary
of our billiards, which has many more possibilities available.
All of this is normal in the first experiences, but soon the time will come when one will realize.
that a good remainder, even without having achieved points, is much more important than some
birillo knocked down "accidentally", but at the expense of a "favorable" remaining for the opponent.
In fact, they could take advantage of an easy shot to score the same points as us, and additionally
leave us a "critical" situation to remedy.
We will therefore try to briefly summarize in a few points the characteristics that determine a
good remainder. When the remainder is such that the positions of the balls on the table do not
they allow a direct shot because the castle or the ball block shooting directly on the
opposing ball, then this remainder is called "impallatura".
A good remainder or a good backing is obtained when:
• The two balls stop in the opposite corners of the billiard table, leaving "in between" them the
bowling alley, in order to prevent the opponent from making a direct throw. This is the most
frequently, the opponent will be forced to take an indirect shot to hit the
our balls. The most effective positions are achieved with the balls in opposite positions and
"symmetrical" to each other, for example, one ball in one corner and the other ball in the opposite corner.
diagonally, or with the balls on the center line of the billiard table, both vertical and
horizontal, with the castle in the middle (in this case it is said that the balls are left:
"center-center".
• The two balls stop in such a way that this time the ball is positioned between them.
preventing a direct shot at the opponent again. This type of obstruction is called
"steola" o "stevola", e talvolta può risultare micidiale, soprattutto quando la bilia avversaria
it comes to be 'attached' to the dot.
• The two balls stop near the "same" bank, it is the remainder that is left.
call: "to equalize". It is not a real mate because the opponent
you can still take a direct shot, but given the position of the balls, it will always be
a difficult solution to manage.
• One or both balls stop near a bank (even better if they are right by it.
"attacked"). If it hits the opponent's billiard ball, they will not have the opportunity to hit it in the.
the best way, for example, he will not be able to hit it from below, nor apply the correct effect. If instead
it is our billiard ball to cling to the edge, the shot for the opponent will be more difficult, because in
In this circumstance, the chances of a "ricochet" between the balls increase.
• The own ball stops near a corner of the pool table, thus leaving the opponent a
shot with 'risk of rebound'.
• The opponent's piece stops in the middle of the castle, forcing him to adopt a
uncomfortable and "dangerous" solution, especially in the Goriziana and Filotto 60 specialties,
when the castle is made up of 9 pins.
• The two marbles come to rest very close to each other, even better if they are actually in contact. With the marbles
so close the opponent will find themselves in great difficulty, because it is a situation where,
By executing the shot, there is a risk of touching one's own billiard ball twice with the cue. Such
remainder is sought when there is no other solution, so a throw is then executed,
trying to 'bring' the two balls as close as possible.
• The two balls stop very far apart from each other. Even though the opponent can take a shot.
direct, with the balls spaced almost 3 meters apart, it must be very precise in its
execution.
To achieve at least one of these rebounds or remnants in each shot, we will need to manage to
intuit and assess what trajectories the balls will follow, and possibly intervene to
modify it.
Since the opposing ball has a forced trajectory, that is, it "must" pass over the pins, the only
The trajectory that we can modify is that of our billiard ball. We have seen that the shot and the
effects are precisely for this purpose, let's try to understand how they are used, using
some examples.
For each example, an incorrect solution and a correct one are analyzed. The opposing billiard will be
always represented in white, and its trajectory with a dashed black line.
Our billiard ball, on the other hand, is the yellow one; its "incorrect trajectory" is depicted with a line.
dashed in yellow, and the "correct trajectory" with a solid green line. The yellow cue ball
then it is depicted as a simple circle, at the point where it strikes the ball
opponent, to give an idea of the amount of targeted ball.
In a separate box, the point where our billiard ball is struck is also represented. In cases
The stroke is always the same: without effect and with a slight blow to the head.
We want to direct the opposing ball towards the castle by making it follow a trajectory of two banks (rebound). Hitting our ball without ef
inevitably towards the castle, with the risk of nullifying the shot, all a
advantage of the lawyer
the angle formed by the trajectories of the balls after the collision is about 90°.
By hitting our billiard ball with a right-side effect and a headshot, we will achieve a change in trajectory in this way: the headshot serves to make
the format of the trajectories of the balls is less than 90°, so that our ball hits the long cushion at a point shifted to the right compared to the "wrong" case.
To the right, it then acts on the trajectory at the moment of impact with the cushion, making sure that the ball returns towards the short right cushion and not towards the pocket.
1: (correct) Remainder of the balls at the end of the shot: by executing the shot with the proper force, the remainder indicated in the figure is finally obtained. The two balls are put away.
the opposite angles, allowing for a decent shading.
Example 2: (incorrect)
Example 2: (correct)
It will be enough to hit under its own bile to
modify the trajectory after the impact.
In this way the angle formed by the two
trajectories become greater than 90°, and our
the boat will head towards the long shore instead of
towards the short side.
Example 2: (correct)
Example 3: (incorrect)
Example 3: (correct)
Example 4: (correct)
Example: 6 (incorrect) This last case represents a situation in which the opposing billiard ball is sent directly towards the castle, without
hit no sides (such a shot is called "fixed").
If the shot is executed carelessly, we run the risk of sending our ball towards the castle as well.
Example: 6 (correct) The simplest solution is to hit our billiard ball with a lot of left spin to deflect its trajectory, after the
Bounce on the cushion. By hitting the ball slightly underneath, we will prevent it from gaining excessive forward spin.
By removing the piano, a center-to-center framing can be achieved.
The proposed examples are just a small part among all the possible ones, they simply serve
to illustrate how one can intervene, with Strike and Effect, to modify the trajectory of the
own bills. They also prove useful for getting acquainted with the graphics related to the designs of the
Section 2.
In this section, only the schemes related to correct executions will be proposed.
specifying only when not easily understandable, the "why" of that particular execution.
We will leave it to your imagination, the consequences of a shot executed in the wrong way.
Exercises
In this lesson we propose a series of exercises, all useful for learning to board.
correctly with Impact and Effect, practice with the Amount of Ball and measure the Force.
Exercise 1:
Note: when pulling hard, it is advisable to remove the stick from the table.
letting the race proceed. You will evaluate anyway.
the execution, ensuring that the ball always follows the same path
trajectory, in its 3 - 4 pasts.
Exercise 2: Learning to dose the Effect
From the usual position of Exercise 1, you still need to aim for the central diamond of the opposite short rail. Strike the ball with different amounts of force.
Effect, in order to obtain different exit trajectories after the rebound with the cushion (see figure). Try to memorize the various trajectories in
based on different impacts.
To achieve the maximum deviation, with the same effect, it is necessary to pivot the plane. Find your "limit" to obtain a greater angle of deviation.
ample possible.
Also try executing the exercise by varying the force, so you can realize the different response of the bank.
Finally, try to strike the cue ball at '4 o'clock' (or '8 o'clock'), that is, slightly below center, but always with maximum spin: the cue ball will follow a
very light parabolic trajectory, resulting in a greater deviation.
Note: Keeping the bridge close to the cue ball and the grip further forward will make it easier to apply a lot of spin.
Exercise 3:
It can happen, rolling gently, that our ball, after the impact,
continues his run in the direction of the shot, having
purchased a slight forward rotation: this is not
important, it will be enough
to pull more strong
It is very important, however, that the ball does not head towards
after the impact, it would mean that the ball
the opponent was not hit fully.
Exercise 3 can also be used to check that there are no "flaws" in the setup.
adopted by the player, allowing to execute the shot.
In that position, aiming at the center of the cue ball, the butt of the cue must pass
necessarily above the central diamond of the short side from which you shoot. If this alignment
it does not occur, but the player 'feels' set correctly, 'believing' to aim
precisely toward the center of the opponent's billiard ball, then it means that the setup of the head
(and therefore of the eyes), is not correct: a serious aim error occurs.
The only remedy is to "review" your own settings by performing the "eye check test."
"dominant" explained earlier, to determine what the best position to assume is.
Alternatively, you can try to position the cue so that it is "objectively" in line with the
diamonds, and subsequently, position oneself, looking for the optimal head position that allows us
To "see" that we are actually aiming for a full ball.
Exercise 4.1: Learn the Different Quantities of Ball
Position the balls, white and yellow, approximately as shown in the figure. Then place the ball in the various indicated positions.
To carry out the exercise, try to direct the opponent's ball towards the target, aiming each time with the right amount.
Execute the shooting effect, hitting the ball slightly in the head.
Try also to execute the shot, varying the strength. Start by throwing gently, and then gradually increase, so you become more and more confident.
with the stroke movement.
Exercise 4.2:
This exercise is very simple (to describe...), and at the same time it proves to be very useful for learning to shoot straight.
From any point on the billiard table, aim the solid ball at the opponent's cue ball. Try the exercise with various intensities of power; when you hit hard, try.
of to leave stop south post the own bilia after the impact with the other.
The exercise is to be considered correctly executed when one's shot does not undergo lateral deviations after the impact, at most it can continue.
on the same trajectory as the white cue ball, due to a slight forward spin acquired during the course.
Exercise 5.2: Hit any point (with effect) with FilledBall
Try this as well, with various levels of force, and with the balls at different distances from each other. Being able to perform this exercise correctly in
Every point in billiards is essential to improve one's level of play.
Exercise 6: HitBallFullWithEffectByThrowingHard
Familiarize yourself with the trajectories of the opponent's billiard balls, which will undergo decisive variations as a result of the Effect.
Try the exercise on the left side of the table as well, and with different distances between the balls.
Exercise 7: Learn to use the Underhand Shot and the Head Shot
Look at the opponent's ball, hitting your own ball without spin, alternating every 5-6 executions, the shot on the head with the one underneath.
To correctly perform the Under Strike, remember to keep the cue horizontal, extending the arm movement as far forward as possible.
(bile penetration)
Try different executions by changing the force and the distance between the balls.
Always perform each exercise on both sides of the billiard table. If you notice a difference in executing the usual shot on one side compared to the other, rather than
On the other hand, it is advisable for you to train more often, precisely "on that side" which poses greater difficulties for you.
Exercise 8 :
Arrange the balls approximately as shown in the figure. You will need to aim at the opponent's ball with an amount of paint around 6 - 7 eighths.
varying slightly from time to time, hitting it always "big", but NEVER "full".
Hit the your billiards Under e without Effect with a discrete Force (2-3 past)
the ball must go back and hit the long side.
You will need to try to analyze and 'memorize' the various 'return' trajectories followed by your billiard ball, depending on the
various amounts of balls hit.
Exercise 9.2: Underhand shot with effect to tighten (the opponent's ball).
The balls are in the same position as exercise 9.1. By striking the ball with right spin, you will achieve a trajectory of the ball.
opponent (blue line) is more "narrow" compared to the trajectory of the same shot, executed with the same Quantity of Ball, but
without Effect (dashed line).
The own ball, furthermore, hitting the long side, will suffer a deviation in its trajectory as a result of the Effect.
Exercise 9.3: Stroke Under with effect to WIDEN (the Opponent's ball).
Like the previous case, but with left effect. The opponent's cue ball creates a wider trajectory (blue) compared to the
trajectory del shot executed without Effect.
Our billiard ball, arriving on the long side, will change its course to the opposite side compared to example 9.2.
Note: in this case, moreover, the opponent's ball gains a significant effect to the right, as they accumulate.
"Impact Effect" and "Transmitted Effect" (from our billiards).
In this exercise, you can aim at any point on the short side, between the corner and the central diamond. You will need to hit your ball.
in such a way that, after bouncing off the short side, the trajectory of exit forms an angle of about 45° with the aforementioned side. If this happens, it
consegue che anche l'angolo dientratacon la spondalunga, risulterà di45°.
The billiard will hit accordingly, the short side and the long side, at two points that measure the SAME DISTANCE from the included angle.
The billiard table must be positioned so that it has a 'START' from the corner.
This means that by extending the line of sight in the opposite direction (towards the player), it is directed towards the corner (red circle) in
low
When you are set to shoot, that point will become easily identifiable, through the stick's kick that passes 'over' you. In terms of
Billiards, this point, from which the trajectory 'originates', is called: 'Departure'.
This exercise is very important for executing indirect shots using two cushions. Familiarize yourselves with the exit trajectories after the second cushion.
(long), which bring the billiard ball near the castle, also because these will no longer be at 45° with the bank.
Note: The exercise becomes increasingly difficult when the aiming point on the short side moves away from the corner.
Exercise 11:
Under these conditions, the combined effect of these three factors (very Strong Blow to the Head - Proximity of the
"A large" opposing ball hit by the cushion results in non-linear trajectories, apparently,
inexplicable.
In reality, due to the almost "central" impact, our billiard ball gives up almost all the energy it possesses.
to the opponent's side, remaining almost exclusively "animated", by a strong forward rotation
due to the Head Blow). This rotation can be so powerful that it contrasts the subsequent
impact on the edge, allowing the cue ball to slow down, stop, and resume its forward motion.
Exercise 12:
This type of execution (from a Headshot) is preferred only in cases where there is no
possibility of aiming, using the Under shot, your ball directly at the long cushion.
We will see all this better in section 2.
Exercise 13 :
Two things to keep in mind regarding this last exercise: first, on tables with 'new' cloth
the shot is not obtained since the trajectory after the 5th cushion tends to move towards the left
from the castle; second, it is a shot much more suitable for the Gorizian specialty than for that of 5
Birilli, given the dimensions of the castle, it will be easier to achieve the framing by playing with 9.
rather than with 5.