The HALF-BALL HIT is Important

[@DrDaveBilliards]

*Contents:* 0:00 - Intro 1:46 - 1 - Easy to Aim 2:33 - 2 - Good Angle 4:57 - 3 - Equal Separation 5:56 - 4 - Natural Angle 6:47 - 5 - 30° Rule 8:01 - 6 - Peace Sign 9:25 - 7 - Reliable Carom 11:02 - 8 - Draw 90° Rule 12:05 - 9 - Safe Propositions 14:49 - 10 - Bank Double Kiss 16:14 - Wrap Up *CORRECTION:* - at 6:26, I said "This gives me an easy out," but I didn't make a ball! My original plan was to shoot a carom break-out safety shot here, but I obviously had a brain fart during filming and editing. - at 16:52, I said "8-11 cluster" but I meant "4-11 cluster." *Supporting Resources:* - fractional-ball aiming: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/fractional/ - target practice drills: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/drill/target/ - rectangle target: billiarduniversity.org/documents/BU_Rectangular_Target.pdf - CB control tutorial: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/cue-ball-control/ - sidespin tutorial: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/sidespin/ - 30° rule resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/30-90-rules/30-degree-rule/ - 30° rule peace sign angle template: billiards.colostate.edu/resource_files/30-degree-rule_angle_templates.pdf - air peace sign technique: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnKomGSBhZmZmqM - 3-times-the-angle system for draw shots: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/draw/trisect/ - half-ball-hit “gems:” billiards.colostate.edu/faq/30-90-rules/half-ball-gems/ *Subscribe to Dr. Dave's KZbin Channel:* kzbin.info

[@davidmcdaniel6833]

Wonderful. Thank you

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@davidmcdaniel6833 You’re welcome. I’m glad you liked it.

[@Ace234-gr4dz]

So what is the angle the half ball hit create on the object ball? 1/4 ball etc.?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@Ace234-gr4dz A 1/2-ball hit corresponds to a 30 degree cut angle. For all others, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cut/ball-hit-fraction/

[@cougar2013]

Holy smokes, this is decades worth of pool knowledge. It’s hard for many pool players to admit that they don’t know something, myself included, but this may be the best video on pool I’ve ever seen. I hope people are grateful that this is just out there for free. Taking just this video and playing practice games to hone these techniques will make you dangerous quickly, if you really go at it. Thank you Dr. Dave!!

[@kylejhazelton]

agreed

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you for your kind comments. You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@patriciajrs46]

I agree. Thank you so much.

[@Bozebo]

This might prove to be the most useful video on pool knowledge/aim I've ever seen. Thanks for that.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Wow! I hope everybody else agrees with you. You're welcome.

[@3941602]

🎉Thankyou Dr. Dave. Your passion for the game shines thru. The amount of work, filming and editing time on this and other videos is alot of work. We in the pool community appreciate it. You are like Scorese of tutorials.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome, and thank you! I aim to swerve. :)

[@cristianmunteanu8765]

Best explanation ever! This is incredibly useful for all players, but esspecialy for begginers. I get this question all the time: "How do I predict where the white is going?" Now I can just send them the link to this video. Awesome job! Thank you!🤩

[@DrDaveBilliards]

An even better resource for that purpose is my “CB Control … Everything You Need to Know” video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIG0dnWul6esepY And a lot more info and videos on this topic can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/cue-ball-control/

[@davidmcdaniel6833]

Much gratitude Dr. Dave! Been following all your teaching since i started three years ago. I won my first tournament recently, against dozens of contestants. Your teaching greatly shortened the time needed to become a good amateur. My biggest struggle is falling apart mentally and in concentration when playing in public. I could really use some advise on overcoming this, and being able to play publicly like i can alone. Love ya Dr. Dave!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad to hear my stuff has helped your improvement. FYI, I have lots of stuff dealing with the mental game here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/mental/

[@user-gc2ms9de2r]

Dave, this was one of my favorite teaching methods. My current student was so successful with this technique. You are a wonderful interpreter. Thanks, Al

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Sorry for the late response. I’m glad you found it helpful. I hope it helped your student also.

[@jeffreyvanderyacht]

Another great video, Dr. Dave! I have a friend who is a natural shot-maker, but says that he can never tell where the cue ball is going. I guess he thinks it's too hard to learn. I hope this video gets him interested in paying more attention to his cue ball.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. FYI, many more good videos on this topic can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/cue-ball-control/

[@James-qc9gh]

I wish I knew this 20 years ago when I was trying to be a tournament player. Just picking pool back up I have been blown away with the high quality information players can lean on KZbin today.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@James-qc9gh I also wish I knew all this stuff in my younger days.

[@patriciajrs46]

Thank you for this. It's nice that someone, finally, does not mind teaching others how to play.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Today’s pool world is definitely a different place than 30 years ago.

[@TwoEagleStar]

Another one of the "best all time" videos Dr. Dave!! I find it amazing that many do not understand this concept, and therefore, struggle with relative easy shots and cue ball control. Thanks

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks!

[@robertkerr229]

Agree. I recognize the page from the pamphlet used showing the 3 angles (bottom two were actually incorrect if you measured, lol). Won't name the pamphlet here but I did their training last month. Great day 1 stuff! However they were not versed well on the half-ball hit. I had more specific questions and they got annoyed and kind of mocked me a bit. Basically I was asking questions you answered in this video, such as "while the half ball hit is *this*, when in a game do you know you have a half-ball hit in front of you?" In a 1-on-1 someone eventually gave me an answer, because half-ball is only for a very specific angle as we acknowledge. When in the game do we know we have a 30-degree CB-GB-OB triangle? Other than rough estimates with fingers (depends on each person's flexibility, mine was 33 to 37 degrees when I measured), it wasn't clear /when/ to use the half-ball hit rule. One insight you gave, @DrDaveBilliards, is to (on prior shot) plan the CB position so it creates a half-ball (30 degree) hit with the next OB. That's a great insight and useful!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@robertkerr229 I'm glad you found the video helpful. If you want a better training experience, attend one of our Billiard University Boot Camps: billiarduniversity.org/instruction/school/ All four 2024 courses are already full, but you can get on the waiting list and new-course-notification list.

[@marcusoh]

I got a chuckle out of your comment "this gives me an easy out" in section 4 - Natural Angle around 6:30... since you didn't make a ball when you broke out the 8 & 9.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Oops! Good catch. My original plan was to play a safety with the breakout, but I obviously had a brain fart during filming and editing. Thank you for pointing it out. I'll add a correction to the video description and pinned comment.

[@davidmcdaniel6833]

Most of us never even noticed

[@dpbuc32]

One of your best videos Dr. Dave! Thank you for the upload.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

This one took a lot of work. I’m glad you liked it.

[@morganlobrose7253]

Wow! This was incredibly helpful! I will be returning to this video again and again because there's so much information! really useful for a beginner. Thanks Dr Dave!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you found it helpful. FYI, I have a lot more useful stuff for beginners here: billiards.colostate.edu/beginner-help/ Check out some of the other free resources there.

[@apexpredatorbilliardstraining]

Dr will go down as the greatest instructor and we don’t need 1mil subscribers to prove that! Need I say more

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@JWBilliards]

Just started my KZbin channel out of Loveland. See you play every now and then....love what you're doing

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Please say hi the next time you see you.

[@jerryhughes4256]

Thanks Dr Dave!. You swerve this community like no other.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You’re welcome, and thank you!

[@cosmicraysshotsintothelight]

Don't tell Trump he swerves. It will get taken the wrong way. Thank you for your swervice, Doc. Swerve it up! 22 seconds in.

[@puboh]

I never actually mastered the 3-times the angle draw system. This video makes me want to learn it in details!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Lots of info and examples can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/draw/trisect/

[@tetsuomiyaki]

huh i actually recognize quite a lot of examples of what pros do in tourneys, now it makes a lot of sense how they process their shots. thanks for the great vid!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. I'm glad you see the value.

[@garybkatz]

Good video! Another way I use the half ball hit is to shoot a bank shot, when the OB is a few inches off the long rail, in front of the 3rd diamond, the CB is parallel to it (more towards the center of the table) and I'm banking to the opposite side pocket. Then, if the OB is slightly above or below the 3rd diamond, I can just adjust my aim, a bit.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@garybkatz Thanks for sharing.

[@TLPSh0ckW4ve]

u should become a hall of famer, it's insane that u break the game physics and everything so down, that every normal person can understand it.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That is kind of you to suggest. Thank you.

[@shanesoldner9117]

So I will admit that I didn't watch a whole video before I commented. But number 10 was super useful. The double kiss perspective is really the ticket to that shot.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad you found it useful. FYI, I have a lot more videos and info dealing with bank shot double kiss detection and avoidance here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bank-kick/double-kiss/

[@cosmicraysshotsintothelight]

@@DrDaveBilliards I have some narrow banks with the object ball close to the rail where I compress the rail and make the bank shot. Maybe there is an additional kiss that we do not always hear. I can definitely draw bank what looks like cue-ball-in-the-path shots and freeze or draw it back. And any gap to the rail at all and the bank shooter can choose to "shoot past" the bank or "stay inside" the bank angle or "draw back" from the shot kiss completely.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@cosmicraysshotsintothelight I have lots of videos and info on this topic here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bank-kick/double-kiss/

[@henma1]

Great video, as always, Dr. Dave! If only this video had been posted a day earlier, I could have avoided getting this stupid protractor tattooed on my bridge hand.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

A protractor tattoo has many potential uses, so don't fret. :)

[@shanesoldner9117]

This is a great video and I'm glad to see you explaining how things work together. I think that's a very beneficial and helpful perspective. Videos like this are great for pool because they explain how concepts group together instead of each concept individually. You need to know each concept individually but you also need to know how they work together. And those two things are not the same knowledge. I only wish this video existed back when I needed it. I am a firm believer that the more people understand pool, the more people will want to play and the bigger the sport will become. It's definitely cool to watch the pool renaissance and realize (at least as far as the pros go) that pros used to take until their mid 30s to become their best. And now with people like Joshua filler and Shane Wolford coming out of the gate already great, I think pool is changing for the better. Imagine how good the people from their generation will be 10 years from now.

[@shanesoldner9117]

Hey I wanted to mention Something that I figured out and that was kind of cool. It's a fast way to do the math for CIT shots. So I'm going to start by rattling off a bunch of factual statements in order to explain in detail what I can do quickly in my head during a game. Maximum throw is 1"/foot. An American pool ball is 2.25 in. Most standard cue shafts are just under 2.5 ft. This means I can use my cue stick as a ruler in increments of a ball widths(which is a thing I am used to looking at from across the table and can easily repeat) So if I have a half ball shot that I need to roll into slowly. If the distance from the object ball to the pocket is just less than the distance from my tip to my joint, then I can aim exactly one ball over (on the diamond line you're facing). And the CIT should push it in. This also works also for SIT so you can figure out the distance from your object ball to the pocket and compare it to the length of your cue stick, and make a very quick and good guess on how much to adjust a shot aim line before you throw the ball in. On my SVB cuetec cue, 1 ball is about an inch from my joint on the shaft. 1.5 balls is at a little bit in front of my wrap, 2 balls is the far side of my wrap, and 2.5 balls is 4 to 6 in beyond the butt of my cue stick.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad you liked the video, and thanks for sharing you ideas on how to visualize aim for throw. Thinking in terms of ball widths might be preferred by some people.

[@idapilardejesus3871]

Best explanations I have seen. The best.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thansk!

[@licoricesaffron]

this is great as always! thank you! you are the nerdy scientist devoted to pool that we all need you are to this game what the search engines are to chess

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you, and you’re welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@Poolology101]

Great video. The halfball shot is the key to the Poolology aiming system.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks Brian. I'm glad you liked it.

[@gman5051]

Just when I thought I knew it all 😢, I find out all the thing’s missing in my game . Thanks Dr Dave !

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That's one thing that is so great about pool. There is always something new to learn. And the more you know, the more you realize you don't know.

[@martinolson761]

Thanks Dr. Dave! My wife and will use this video to improve our games!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You’re welcome. I hope it helps.

[@420jacksonian]

brilliant ! happy swerveday

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you liked my latest swerving.

[@Arnie.Y]

Thanks again for the great video! Why did you move your hand side to side slightly when using the air peace sign?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The details of this are covered in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnKomGSBhZmZmqM

[@AppleGameification]

Wow, the equal separation thing has never been explained to me! Great video

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad you learned something new.

[@cosmicraysshotsintothelight]

I always strive for whirled peas. Peace on you, man.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

World Peas! :)

[@cosmicraysshotsintothelight]

@@DrDaveBilliards Hey a good nickname for a pool player... the pea whirler. Or I know... The Ball Whisperer... hey wait... that doesn't sound right... OK The Rock Whisperer. Or in my case, since I shoot so hard way too often... The Ball Slammer!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@cosmicraysshotsintothelight I like the way you think (sometimes). :)

[@jjstratford]

@@cosmicraysshotsintothelightThat nickname doesn’t have to change if you do p0rn on the side, either. The Ball Slammer is a good, solid, versatile nickname.

[@cosmicraysshotsintothelight]

Did you see the parallels with the song "Butcher Pete" and pool? "Chopin' that meat!" Hehehehe! Those were the days of great songs.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Sorry, but I don't.

[@davekat4680]

…….always appreciated 🙌🏼 thanks Dave

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad to hear it. YW

[@ivanmclennon]

very insightful, thanks Doc 👍

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you, and you’re welcome.

[@zachx3895]

Thank you dr dave !

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@mnowako]

Amazing! Thank you!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you, and you're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@antoniomerida-perez676]

Excellent, thank you

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@antoniomerida-perez676 Thank you, and you’re welcome. I aim to swerve. 🤓

[@juanwilford6383]

There you go 👍🏾

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yep.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

DAM right!

[@tecnotutos7727]

Dr Dave, could you please make a video of you playing 8 ball or any other cleaning the table applying and explaining the cue ball path on every shot? There are many on youtube, even with effects on the cue ball, but they don't really measure degress. It woud be really useful

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I already have many videos like this here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/drill/ppc/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/drill/rds/ and in the "Example Videos of Dr. Dave Playing Pool" section near the bottom of the page here: billiards.colostate.edu/dr-dave/ Check them out.

[@nmartin0600]

Great video Dave.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks 👍

[@PoolManis]

I teach a lot of half ball stuff to students. You got many of those covered here :)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

What am I missing?

[@PoolManis]

@@DrDaveBilliards Nothing really. You have them covered different way in video. I have just many half ball cut drills that teach cueball routes with precision when pocket ball. They are just useful reference shots that can help streamline thinking process.

[@PoolManis]

@@DrDaveBilliards Also i know you wanted keep video short and simple but how speed effects to carom angle leaves little short. At least mention how cueball slides first and then carom goes same direction than slow rolling carom shot. That how players often control cueball direction 3-cushion and Russian Pyramid games.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. I should have included how speed can be used to widen the carom angle, but the video was already a bit too long for most viewers. For those interested, I cover this topic in detail in the video and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-ball-control/speed/

[@IAMLUKE656]

I need to find your pool basics for dummy video as this is next level cool stuff

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@IAMLUKE656 I have lots of good videos and other resources for beginners here: billiards.colostate.edu/beginner-help/ Enjoy!

[@thedelicategenius394]

DrDaveBilliards This is what a lot of us use during the Predator Pro Series shootouts

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That's a smart choice.

[@thedelicategenius394]

@@DrDaveBilliards Don't tell anyone though, it's a trade secret ;)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I wish I had thought to include "accurate spot shot aiming" as a section in this video. That would have been a good addition. But the video was already too long for most viewers anyway.

[@thedelicategenius394]

@@DrDaveBilliards not everyone uses this method, but if the path is lined up through the rear corner pocket to the object ball, the contact point is always a half ball hit, even in 'sudden death' when we have to move the cue ball back. If you find the right line, all you need to do is aim for the edge of the ball and nothing else changes #secretsfromthepros

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@thedelicategenius394 Exactly. That's the best approach. FYI, I show the line in the 1/2-ball-hit shot diagram in the video. It can also be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/fractional/ Here's the direct link to the diagram: billiards.colostate.edu/images/HAPS_ball-hit-fraction_shots.jpg

[@Bearschick23]

Thank you for this video!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You’re welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@meravids6740]

Very informative Doc, BTW I think Emily and Match room has the Efren Reyes Cup in the works. I think your video Tribute to the GOAT helped with that. Thanks again Dr Dave.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you, and you're welcome. I hope my Efren tribute video helped, but his reputation doesn't need any help from me.

[@terrythomas4407]

Excellent info

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad you think so.

[@incmplteGORILLA]

Great tips!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I'm glad you think so.

[@hanspw]

As always - DAMN good vid and tips... 👏👏👏

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you for the DAM comment.

[@KshitizArya17]

Great video! I always refer to your many videos whenever I am on pool table. BTW which software do you use for all the visualization and diagrams?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I’m glad to hear it. I use Pinnacle Studio for video editing and overlay graphics. I use Corel Draw for diagrams and illustrations.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

For more info about everything I use to produce my videos, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/video/dr-dave-production/

[@KshitizArya17]

Thanks 🙂

[@fredtaylor5268]

I am thoroughly enjoying your videos. In terms of physics they are the best on the web. I do have an off-topic question though . . . how do you remove the residue left on your cloth from the circular page reinforcements you use for your drills? My table has become a mess of glue circles and I don't know how to best remove them.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

If you leave the donuts on the table for a long time and then remove them, the outlines will be visible since the cloth underneath has remained cleaner than the surrounding cloth. So it might not be adhesive residue you are seeing. Regardless, the only advice I have is to clean the table per the info and demo here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/table/cleaning/

[@wags407]

2nd most important shot in pool behind the stun line

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed.

[@IamKlaus007]

Only useful when cue ball and object ball are same size. Would like to see this example transferred to English and Australian pool where they play with 2" object balls and 1 7/8 cue balls.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I cover ball weight/size difference effects here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/ball/weight/

[@IamKlaus007]

@@DrDaveBilliards Was referring to pictorial representation as shown with "same size" balls. Point of contact when potting what would be considered a "half ball" on standard size white is no longer a "half ball" shot when played with a smaller cue ball.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@IamKlaus007 Good point. The "visuals" are also different with balls of different sizes.

[@djamo1969]

I was just going to say that I can identify a half ball hit by using my “Dr Dave peace sign,” then you covered it. Lol.

[@Tupsx57]

I never saw it that way. Thank you very much for this insight.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I guess great minds think alike. :)

[@indianastoned8234]

Great stuff

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.

[@indianastoned8234]

@@DrDaveBilliards Absolutely! I'm considering purchasing your SAWS video. I'm trying to add spin into my game and having trouble with where to place the cue. Hopefully this question makes sense. Do you shift the cue over so it's still facing forward, do you tilt it but still shoot straight, or do you tilt it but shoot the cue diagonally now to still get the momentum towards the object ball? Is this covered in SAWS?

[@GetMeThere1]

Very good. Peace...

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. Peace!

[@chrestiancapuli2221]

If I see my opponent whipping out his peace sign on the table imma head out.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I use it very often (usually the “air peace sign”). It is fast, easy, and accurate.

[@user-lb8do4ew6k]

I do it all the time 😅

[@urkurk2]

lol

[@new2POOL208]

This comments gold!! 🥇

[@AndrewT]

Thanks for the informative video. For the bank double kiss, did you start just past the first diamond because it would be impossible to avoid the double kiss for any smaller object ball position e.g. at the first diamond? Does inside English help to avoid the double kiss and if so, how far can you go using it? Thanks!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yes. The double kiss is almost impossible to avoid with the OB closer to the end rail. Inside spin can help, but not as much at faster speed. For more info and demonstrations, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bank-kick/double-kiss/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bank-kick/spin-transfer/

[@TheBlueTechnology]

stance related question? does the leading leg has to have angle ? i am not talking about the foot but the entire leg , i know some players have straight and some has bent legs , but my question is about the leg angle , does it have to be vertical straight or or like ladder when leaning to a wall? im confused thank you very much in advance

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You should not worry about what some people/books/videos say "should be" concerning the stance. IMO, it is best to find your "personal best stance" with the help of the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/

[@kvn9]

For a quick 30 degree angle, take a sheet of paper with square corners and fold a corner into thirds. If the folds are very close you got your angle. Or find a clock and lay it on the table... really the paper trick is quick and easy.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You can also use the diamonds on the table (2-to-1) for 30 degrees. FYI, many ways to estimate many angles, including 30 degrees, can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cut/estimating-angle/ and here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/30-90-rules/peace-sign/

[@stormteam3004]

Im ok at pool but never thought of the fact that if i want the cue ball to travel farther than the object ball u ahould hit less than half the object ball and hit more than half the ball to have the object ball go farther. I like that! Easy to remember to because ita common sense lol

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@stormteam3004 Agreed. Common pool sense … and useful!

[@brendankaipa]

Very informative

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you think so. I definitely crammed a lot into this one.

[@brendankaipa]

@@DrDaveBilliards Very professional. I am a beginner starting to love this game my game has a long way to improve, and I am glad to learn from your coaching.

[@brendankaipa]

One of my difficulty shot is the rail shot or potting the object ball along the rail.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@brendankaipa I hope my stuff helps.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@brendankaipa See the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/rail-cut/aiming/

[@CosplayZine]

Hi Dave! When doing a half ball hit early in the video you demonstrated getting position for the cue ball. On one particular shot you used outside spin to gain position. Since it is my understanding that the ghost ball or contact point changes a bit with English I was confused about how much English you meant to apply with your diagram. I know that you can still use a half tip of outside English when shooting slow but your diagram appeared to show more than that amount of English. So if that is true were you aiming a bit off from the half ball and using the outside English to compensate or where you using just a half tip and a slow shot with that half ball hit. Thanks for this info. Second time I've watched this one.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@CosplayZine Please give me a MM:SS marker so I will know exactly which shot you are asking about.

[@jessiehawkins77]

YEAAAH DAVE!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

DAM right!

[@messagesent]

I don't think it wise to be scratching the cue ball. Instead, just make the object ball for the betting part. But once again, a great video. Oh by the way, to prove that I'm not a hater but a supporter. I've purchased almost all of your videos. All of the veps series vids. The haps video series, too. The are more I've purchased vid series of eight ball practice all of them I believe that each single video was only like $21 or so. So I'm really only saying I don't practice scratching. But you are definitely one of the smartest people in the game of pool. I definitely my go to person for advice on playing pool.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you like my stuff. Concerning the scratch proposition, an alternative is to pocket a hanger in the pocket so the CB pockets the ball instead of scratching. But you might be missing the point of the propositions. It is not easy to send the OB in an exact direction, but the CB carom direction is automatic (even with aiming errors).

[@Stellarffxi]

I disagree... if you know exactly how to scratch, you know better how not to scratch as well.

[@robertkerr229]

So half the energy of the hit is given up in the 30 degree hit? Great to know especially for position planning. I thought it would be 45 degrees though I agree with the evidence and results in the video! I made a table of 0,15,30,45 degree "speed lost" to keep as reference and it's completely wrong. Had 0 degrees (stop): 100% loss, 15: 97.5%, 30: 85.4%, 45: 50%. In practical use it was not working, same as the 7:1 rule on rolling hit (which in experiments was giving me 9:1). I understand that sin 30 is 0.5 and the 2 ball: 1 ball triangle created that draws the angle. What is the math for calculating the energy lost (ignoring all other things like friction, spin, humidity, etc)? Sine 30 would be the y or vertical component of the shot. Maybe I should email all these questions. Would like to redo my table and be able to estimate speed required in order to get the cue ball position based on angle of hit.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That's correct. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cut/ball-hit-fraction/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/speed/ball-travel-distance/

[@robertkerr229]

Aha, needed a table for natural roll CB, and those are provided in page 5 of TP A.16. My previous table numbers were for stun shots and reflected the same in page 2 of TP 3.2. Treasure trove!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@robertkerr229 I'm glad you found the resources helpful.

[@puboh]

you said at 5:05 that a slightly thinner than half ball creates equal separation. Is this because the CB has natrual roll when it hits the OB, so its velocity is slightly greater after it separates with the OB under a half-ball hit?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I don’t think there is a simple intuitive answer why “a hair thinner then half ball” gives equal speeds and angles. It’s just how the math and physics works out: billiards.colostate.edu/technical_proofs/new/TP_A-16.pdf With stun, a 45 degree cut gives equal angles and speeds, but when the CB has topspin (which adds speed after the hit), the hit must be fuller for equal final speeds.

[@TanishqBilliards]

Nice one

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I’m glad you liked it.

[@waelaltalaa]

I bought a wall clock to measure the 30 degrees, doesn't fit in my cue case 😢 😂😂

[@DrDaveBilliards]

It sounds like you need a bigger case or a wrist watch with an analog face. :)

[@calmarcalmar]

very good

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks.

[@keyboardkevin5949]

Is "natural angle" the path the cue ball takes after a rolling ball (top spin) or a sliding ball (center hit)?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Sliding ball (stun shot) path is the "tangent line." Rolling ball path is the "natural angle." For more info and demos, see: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/cue-ball-control/

[@HerbertsBilliards]

I understand what he is talking about with the "peace sign"❤. But, could you imagine what people would think if you were using your "air peace sign" to align your shot?😂😂😂 Just practice this great knowledge until you have a "feel" for the aiming line WITHOUT using the peace sign!💯😊

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I guess they would think I was declaring "Victory" to the table or being obnoxious to the ceiling. See the "Isn’t an outward-facing “peace sign” considered vulgar in many countries?" section at the bottom of the page here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/30-90-rules/peace-sign/

[@CosplayZine]

Hey Dave. Would the clock you mentioned be at 12:00 and 1 rather than 10 and 1 as displayed? I saw in one video that you could line up balls about a hands distance from the object ball which each representing 15 degrees beside of the cue ball on either side. But then another hands distance away it would take two balls placed beside it to make 30 degrees. I have been trying to imagine the object ball as a clock with the pocket as 12 and then imagining my cue ball as a hand pointing to the projected time in relation to the to the object ball but I might try to use the two finger method since it seems like less to think about.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@CosplayZine Any hour on a clock face can be used to visualize 30 degrees. Many methods for visualizing any cut angle can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cut/estimating-angle/

[@j2d2wak]

Hey Dr. Dave quick question Are you doing the BHE and FHE while explaining the half ball hit in this video? Just curious and thank you.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I use SAWS on every shot with sidespin. I edit out my pre-shot routine because most viewers just want to see the shooting. For people who want to see the details, I have dedicated videos for that: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/aim/saws/

[@j2d2wak]

@DrDaveBilliards Sweet thank you for the info

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@j2d2wak You’re welcome. I literally aim to swerve. :)

[@vegePOG]

I hope I will never see a person use the peace sign in the middle of the match lol

[@DrDaveBilliards]

… then you better not play me or any of my students. 🤓✌️

[@vegePOG]

@@DrDaveBilliards no worries 😅 and btw, I will let it slide once, but if I see a clock on the table, I'm out 😂 nice vids tho!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Don't worry about a clock on the table. That won't happen. :)

[@andrewcbuensalida]

@DrDaveBilliards, equal speed and angle applies to a rolling cb right? What happens if it's a stun cb? Will the cb lose more of its speed?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@andrewcbuensalida Yes and yes. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/speed/ball-travel-distance/

[@allgood6760]

"If only you knew the magnificense of the three,six and nine you would have the key to the universe" Nikola Tesla Homework: DrDave can you do some research on this quote and how it applys to Pool🎱... ghost ball, CTE, fractions,table geometry.. I be interested in your response 👍🇳🇿

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The quote doesn't have anything to do with pool. It sure would be much cooler if it did! :)

[@allgood6760]

@@DrDaveBilliards if you look at CTE and Stan Shuffet he uses 15,30,and45 degree aim lines...so when yoi break it down 3,6 and 9....I been using 1 third, 2 third, 3 third ball fractions and I think there is something to it..anyway each to their own 👍🎱🇳🇿

[@valentenicoletti3622]

Nice done , like allways 😂

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks.

[@phcore2550]

make system for vision and lenght of shots because in billiard its very important that angle of view is different depend of long of shot

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm not exactly sure what you mean, but a low stance (after "aiming while standing") definitely makes distance less of a factor. For videos and more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stance/low/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/dam/#advice Enjoy!

[@str8up_15]

What if u want to carom the cue ball into a 9 sitting in a pocket using an object ball that laying on the long rail and doesn’t have an open pocket unless banked. Basically ( CB into the OB into the rail into the 9)? Thanks

[@jeffreyvanderyacht]

Set it up and try to figure it out, assuming you have ball in hand. If you are trying to draw 90 degrees off the half-ball hit, I think you will get a double kiss, but if you experiment, you might figure something out.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

If there is no double kiss, you aim it like any carom! billiards.colostate.edu/faq/30-90-rules/carom/ If a double kiss is likely, it is much more difficult to aim, but examples can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bank-kick/double-kiss/

[@jaguar_jaw]

If you slow the video to 50% Dave talks like he’s been drinking. If you slow the video to 25% (highly recommend) Dave talks like he’s high on mushrooms 😂

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@jaguar_jaw I do live in Colorado, the Rocky Mountain “High” state.

[@sparrowguy345]

can halfball hit apply to any angle expect for straight and 90degree angle?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@sparrowguy345 An exact 1/2-ball hit is a 30° cut angle, but you can get more or less angle with a thinner or fuller hit.

[@iwillhackback]

Ok, until the draw 90 degree section, this video never mentions that the tip position has to be follow for 30 degree to work, which might be confusing for some people.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@iwillhackback Good point. I should have mentioned that the CB must be rolling at the OB for many of the principles in the video to apply. However, at the slow speed I used for most shots in the video, the CB would have full roll at the OB for almost any tip height.

[@frazierg0325]

Are those shoes approved for BCA?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

They are like "Sneaky Pete" cues. They look like socks, but they are actually shoes. :) Just kidding ... I was a little lazy and didn't want to walk upstairs to get my shoes. Also, I felt like being comfortable since I knew the filming would take a while for this one.

[@frazierg0325]

@@DrDaveBilliards I’m all about comfort

[@stanmullins9814]

Dr. Dave, can you help us translate this to 8' and 7' pool tables?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Everything in the video applies to tables of any size. For the proposition shots, the CB locations will be only slightly different, but the way you find them is the same.

[@ななみき-s1h]

half ball hit is realy important.i got it.39.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yep

[@crondawg101]

How much of this can be learned by learning English billiards? I'm told they use half-ball hits to score with in offs

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Half ball hits are key in English Billiards.

[@noahbogusz6281]

feel like i should have paid for this

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'll expect a "check in the mail." :)

[@CocoboloCowboy]

Sounds like C 2 E aiming.🤠

[@DrDaveBilliards]

A 1/2-ball hit is a center-to-edge aim, but the CTE "aiming system" mean something else entirely: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/CTE/

[@joebermuda6452]

I’m pretty sure the half ball hit is the most common cut in pool

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed.

[@HerbertsBilliards]

If you missed the carom while breaking our the 8, it would be your opponent s shot...Wouldn't it?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yep. See the "CORRECTION" in the video description or pinned comment.

[@DanLeniwiec]

Hey Doctor. Could you please explain why this happens?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

… why what happens?

[@user-lb8do4ew6k]

I think hes asking why does the cueball deflect at a roughly consistent 30⁰ despite being hit at 1/4 to 3/4?

[@DanLeniwiec]

Exactly. Thank you.@@user-lb8do4ew6k

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@user-lb8do4ew6k It is not easy to explain in simple terms, but the math and physics is here: billiards.colostate.edu/technical_proofs/TP_3-3.pdf and here: billiards.colostate.edu/technical_proofs/new/TP_A-4.pdf

[@williamsheppard8738]

It's actually around 28° but yeah

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Actually, the “cut angle” for a 1/2-ball hit is exactly 30°, but the exact angle the OB heads depends on throw (which depends on CB speed and type and amount of spin). For example, gearing outside spin creates no throw (0°), and slow speed creates much more throw than fast speed.

[@DeeDee-fi4kq]

True Line of Aim for a 1/2 ball hit originates from the bridge position (exact point of contact between bridge hand and middle of cue shaft) and goes from there thru the exact center of the cue ball and then to the exact edge of the target ball. It does not originate with the cue tip contact point on the cue ball, and it is incorrect to show it aimed that way.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good point. The cue is along the CTE line only for shots with no sidespin.

[@johnallison5955]

Why isn't it called a 150 degree angle?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@johnallison5955 … because that’s not how cut angle is defined. The shot is only 30 degrees away from being straight.

[@BMWLDRider]

LOL

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you found "Holiday Cheer" in my video. :)

[@ChambersRacing9862]

I love your videos, but you should drink some water before voice recording I cannot stand that dry mouth sound. I'm just poking fun😅

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@ChambersRacing9862 I need to get one of those giant designer water bottles that seem to be “in” now. :)

[@criticaltinker]

too much math. lol

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@criticaltinker 1/2 is a fraction. Scary math! 🤪

[@criticaltinker]

@@DrDaveBilliards tried it. it works on some shots but not true to all angles

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@criticaltinker There are many things to try in this video. Which are you talking about?