NV A.1 - Cut shot vs. carom shot example

http://billiards.colostate.edu

Dr. Dave compares the difficulty of carom vs. cut shots in pool and billiards. One of many instructional video demonstrations available at:

http://billiards.colostate.edu

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• pool
• billiards
• carom
• shot
• cut
• comparison
• instruction

[MrJconnor2]

must be a pretty fast table to be able to hit the cueball that slow and still make the cut shot

[DrDaveBilliards]

@MrJconnor2

Actually, I would describe this table as "slow." Simonis cloth is probably twice as fast as the nappy cloth on this table.

[GetMeThere1]

So, the question is: Is the carom shot TRULY easier than the direct shot? Or is the difference psychological? You had a nearly 1 1/2 pocket width variation on your direct shots, but the first 4 carom shots had essentially no variation--the fifth you almost TRIED to throw away, and it still hit the 9 within 1/4 ball of the center.

Another interesting thing: men (especially, IMO) have a psychological aversion to cutting too thin. ALL your imperfect direct shots were hit too thick.

[DrDaveBilliards]

@GetMeThere1

The carom is about 10x easier than the cut, based on geometry and physics alone (i.e., not taking psychological factors into consideration). For much more info, see the June '04 instructional article on my website (billiards DOT colostate DOT edu)

Dr. Dave

[GetMeThere1]

@DrDaveBilliards : This raises the interesting topic of error--and gives a great example. Most common is distance: balls nearer the pocket vs those farther.

What about banking? I've always had the impression that making a bank amplifies error (beyond distance issues), but is that true? Surely, there are all sorts of added rolling/english/speed effects. Is there anything about a bank that--other considerations being equal--amplifies aiming error?

[DrDaveBilliards]

@GetMeThere1

FYI, I have some good material on "margin forerror" in the "cut shot" section of my FAQ page (at billiards DOT colostate DOT edu). I also have lots of good info on bank stuff in the FAQ page, including how fast speed can help consistency.

Regards,

Dr. Dave

[GetMeThere1]

@DrDaveBilliards : Wow! What a resource. Sadly (IMO) most people interested in pool are not the "academic type" who might like to read and study that sort of material. OTOH, anyone who is dead in earnest trying to be a top player will DEFINITELY study it--if they can find it. I can only hope that more people zero in on these YT videos and fill up the comment sections with penetrating questions and expert opinions :)

[GetMeThere1]

@DrDaveBilliards : First, your August '04 article: Did you ever notice the bank --> combination shot in the corner, to set up a break shot, that Paul Newman made? He actually MADE that shot himself! Of course, they simply filmed him doing a lot of stuff--I think he was basically just knocking the balls around--and they caught him making that once in a lifetime shot (that no pro would even ATTEMPT).

A lot of such stuff is often listed on IMDb--I think that fact is mention in the DVD commentary.

[DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you like my stuff. Please help spread the word.

Agreed ... stun is difficult to control at larger distances. That's why its always best to play position with roll shots when possible.

Regards,

Dr. Dave

[buffbeck]

I have your book and I have definitely improved my game, thanks. Even just to see the carom shots, that was always the last thing on my mind, but sometimes it is easier, and with your 30/90 degree rules, It is a whole lot easier to judge, the hardest part is speed and how low to hit a long stun shot.