How To Perform An English Shot

How To Perform An English Shot
As you enter a higher level of pool IQ, you will realize that you will need to have different types of shots in your arsenal. The English is one of the more advanced shots and takes a lot of practice to get the desired results consistently.

Understanding The Shot
The English or sidespin is probably best learned after you have the basic draw shot, follow shot, and stop shot mastered. Generally, depending on where you want your shot to end up, you will have to hit the cue ball about 1-1 ½ cue tip distances on the left or right side of the center. The side you hit will be the side your ball spins in the direction of.

Things To Note
The distance between your cue ball and object ball is very important to establish, the further it is, and the more force in the English is required. Similarly, the stronger your stroke the more deflection will occur. Remember the friction of the cloth, not to mention that every pool table is not alike, heavily impacts this type of shot.

Alternative English
Aside from making the ball spin left or right, you can actually choose to make the shot a low or high English. This means that you can mix a draw or follow up shot with your spin, which is generally quite tricky for amateur players. Nonetheless, the English is an excellent tool and should really be practiced by dedicated players for consistency.