October 5th, 2008
Cut shots, also known as angle shots, are some of the most often used shots in billiards. It is important to master the cut shot if you want to excel at pool because they are so commonly used. The proper cut shot takes practice to master but with the right skills it I a very effective way to pocket balls.
A simple straight in shot is very easy, but as the angle of the required cut increases the difficulty of the shot gets increases as well. A cut shot is any shot where the cue ball’s path away from the object ball is at an angle. A cue ball can travel at a maximum angle of 90 degrees away from the object ball. A cut shot at a 90 degree angle is very difficult, however, and is usually only effective if the object ball is close to the pocket. Cut shots at smaller angles are easier, especially at angles less than 45 degrees.
Cut shots at small angles, less than 45 degrees, are easy to achieve using a soft to medium stroke. When beginners have trouble with cut shots at small angles it is usually due to an incorrect stroke. It is possible to use English to propel the object ball into the pocket to overcome stroke problems.
Cut shots at angles larger than 45 degrees are more difficult even for more experienced players. The cue ball positioning and your aim must be precise and shots at these angles take a longer and stronger stroke. The contact between the cue ball and the object ball is less in cut shots at greater angles so accuracy is essential.
Cut shots at angles between 75 and 90 degrees are very difficult even for advanced players. Cut shots at these angles are almost impossible if the object ball is very far away from the pocket. You will need expert accuracy, positioning and speed control to make cut shots between 75 and 90 degrees.
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October 5th, 2008
Setting up your next shot is important if you want to win at pool. Cut shots allow you to position the cue ball anywhere on the table after your shot. Positioning the cue ball with a cut shot will ensure that you have another shot to take or that your opponent is left with an awkward shot. With a cut shot the object ball moves along the desired line directly into the pocket, but instead of following the object ball the cue ball moves away from it at an angle. This allows you to direct where the cue ball goes and position it better for your next shot.
To make a cut shot you have to first asses the position of the cue ball and object ball in relation to the pocket. You need to hit the object ball at the point that will make it move toward the pocket, usually with a glancing blow. This type of hit is harder to achieve accurately than a straight on shot but is essential if you want to make a successful cut shot.
The speed of the cue ball will determine how much speed the object ball will have but will not affect the angle of the cut. The cue ball’s momentum is determined by the cue stick when it strikes the cue ball and the object ball will only have as much momentum as you give the cue ball. Cut shots require more finesse and accuracy than straight shots and usually less power. Only hit the cue ball as hard as you need to get the object ball to the pocket, too much power can mess up your shot.
The most important part of a cut shot is hitting the right spot on the object ball. When an object ball is struck precisely in the middle by the cue ball it will move in a straight line and at the same speed as the cue ball. When the cue ball is struck at an angle it is deflected at an opposite angle from the path of the cue ball. The goal in a cut shot is to strike the object ball so that its deflected angle is directly in the path of a pocket. Always calculate your cut shot by looking at the angle of the path of the cue ball and remembering that the angle that the object ball will take is the opposite of the cue ball’s angle.
Tags: billiards, billiards shots, billiards techniques
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