The Basics of Back Spin
I'm sure you've all heard the term, back spin. This is where we strike the cue ball (CB) below the centre line with the cue tip. This creates backwards rotation on the cue ball.
Imagine we have a straight shot, so CB, object ball (OB) and pocket are in a straight line. If we strike the cue ball below centre at the correct speed, the cue ball has no choice but to spin back towards you once it makes contact with the OB. This is cue ball physics.
You will have noticed that I mentioned the correct speed... Just because we strike low on the CB, it doesn't guarantee back spin. Back spin will only take effect if the CB is still spinning backwards once it makes contact with the OB. So if you hit low but play it too soft, the back spin will run out by the time it makes contact with the OB. It’s about gauging the correct pace of the shot to achieve the desired spin.
This is a huge part of being able to achieve back spin. It doesn't mean we have to hit the CB hard. The lower we hit on the CB, the more potential back spin we can achieve, and then match this with the correct pace and backspin will become much easier. This is why, when there's a big distance between CB and OB, back spin is harder to achieve, as it has more time to run out of spin by the time it reaches the OB.
So what should you practice? Start with a 12 inch gap between CB and OB inline with the middle pocket. Aim the cue tip right at the bottom of the CB, play about with the pace of the shot, start soft and see what happens. If the CB stops still completely, you're either too soft or not low enough.
Try the same shot but harder. If you still get the same result then you're definitely too high on the CB. Time to go lower. You can go much lower than you think. Make your back swing nice and long. The longer the back swing, the more natural cue speed you will achieve. Long enough and low enough is the key.
If you're too short on the back swing you will end up having to put more effort into the shot. This could turn into a quick 'jabby' stroke and you could end up moving on the shot. You'll know when you're long enough and low enough as you will achieve back spin with no effort at all.
Play around with different distances between CB and OB, you'll soon have a better idea of what pace you need to play a shot at to achieve back spin.
Long enough and low enough!!!!
Be sure to check out our great range of cue tips: soft, medium, hard and extra hard available.
Until next time.
Ian