Massé and Swerve Shots … Everything You Need to Know

Dr. Dave covers in detail everything you need to know to learn and master all aspects of small-curve swerve shots and large-curve massé shots. Many examples, some from pro pool tournaments, are included.
Contents:
0:00 - Intro
0:53 - Basics and Strategy
---- 2:41 - swerve safety
---- 3:30 - jump vs. swerve
---- 4:41 - swerve vs. jump vs. kick vs. massé
---- 6:21 - using the rail
8:20 - Technique
---- 8:40 - bridge and stance
---- 9:50 - grip and bridge options
---- 10:32 - stroke
11:07 - Effects
13:39 - Aiming
---- 14:30 - Coriolis (BAR) System
---- 15:23 - swerve shot example
---- 17:00 - massé shot example
18:03 - Examples
---- 20:00 - piqué shot and safety break-out
---- 21:03 - piqué power draw and jump massé
22:25 - Wrap Up
---- 23:06 - shot montage
Supporting Resources:
- massé shot resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/m...
- swerve shot resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/s...
- jump shot technique advice: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/j...
- 2-to-1 kick shot aiming system: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/b...
- vision center resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/e...
- Coriolis (BAR) aiming system: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/m...
- great pro pool shot collection: billiards.colostate.edu/video...
- Venom massé tutorial video: • How to CURVE the Cue B...
- Video Encyclopedia of 9-ball and 10-ball (VENT): drdavebilliards.com/videos/vent/
- Video Encyclopedia of Pool Practice (VEPP): drdavebilliards.com/videos/vepp/
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Good Luck With Your Game!!!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

*Contents:* 0:00 - Intro 0:53 - Basics and Strategy ---- 2:41 - swerve safety ---- 3:30 - jump vs. swerve ---- 4:41 - swerve vs. jump vs. kick vs. massé ---- 6:21 - using the rail 8:20 - Technique ---- 8:40 - bridge and stance ---- 9:50 - grip and bridge options ---- 10:32 - stroke 11:07 - Effects 13:39 - Aiming ---- 14:30 - Coriolis (BAR) System ---- 15:23 - swerve shot example ---- 17:00 - massé shot example 18:03 - Examples ---- 20:00 - piqué shot and safety break-out ---- 21:03 - piqué power draw and jump massé 22:25 - Wrap Up ---- 23:06 - shot montage *Supporting Resources:* - massé shot resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/massé/ - swerve shot resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/swerve/ - jump shot technique advice: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/jump/technique/ - 2-to-1 kick shot aiming system: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bank-kick/two-to-one/ - vision center resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/ - Coriolis (BAR) aiming system: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/massé/aiming/ - great pro pool shot collection: billiards.colostate.edu/videos/pool-shots/ - Venom massé tutorial video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmGnl3t6YsprbMU - Video Encyclopedia of 9-ball and 10-ball (VENT): drdavebilliards.com/videos/vent/ - Video Encyclopedia of Pool Practice (VEPP): drdavebilliards.com/videos/vepp/ *Subscribe to Dr. Dave's KZbin Channel:* kzbin.info

[@Hawk_eye420]

Thank you for making this video. I have been waiting for something like this.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@Hawk_eye420 I’m glad to hear it. You’re welcome. I literally aim to swerve. :)

[@OfficialTrailer-cc2gr]

Hi, i would like to give you a suggestion to record your videos, in some cases using a head-mounted video camera can be rather helpful for us

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks for the suggestion. I try to include different camera angles when I think they are helpful or necessary, but I know a lot of people would like to see the shooter's perspective more.

[@jackmichalsky9878]

Very complex topic explained in a simple way. Good job DrDave, as usual :))

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks! I’m glad you liked it. I worked hard on this one.

[@jarlaatz632]

Thank you for the lesson. I respect how slowly and proffesionally you explain these complicated aspects of the game. You're one of those GOATs behind the curtain🤝

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome, and thank you. I'm glad you like my stuff.

[@lesterweinheimer665]

I just bought a designated masse cue. Mostly just for fun by myself. your videos always come at just the right time for me. You are the best DOC

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad my timing was good again!

[@cavemanooga]

The difference between understanding the theoretical Coriolis path and the correction you need to apply for accuracy perfectly encapsulates the need for table time. Also, those pique shots are incredibly useful for beginning one pocket players!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed, on both counts.

[@muhweziblessings]

The most beautiful shot in pool

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed, especially when it works. :)

[@raferb]

Another classic video Dave! Thanks for your dedication to education.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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

[@1Andypro]

Great topic. I used a couple of swerve shots this summer in my first season in a league, and they are really crowd pleasers because not many people do them.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

After you have the fundamentals down, the Coriolis Aiming System can be very helpful (for both swerve and masse).

[@jasonbailey3383]

Great video as always! Time to hit the table! Thanks Dave!!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you liked it. You're welcome! I hope it helps.

[@Halfgig57]

As always, excellent and very informative!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I had fun making it (and I got excellent practice).

[@babiyeranaji423]

Thanks Dr Dave

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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

[@naonao76]

Thank you so much Dr. Dave! Now I will be able to practice these with purpose and structure!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. I hope it helps.

[@joeyq1497]

Thank you Dr. Dave!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You’re welcome!

[@melaninoncode7555]

Dr.Dave is a Jedi master on a pool table! Great video

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I'm glad you liked it. I hope it helps.

[@lertbert6110]

Wery impressive! Thank you!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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

[@adamdozier5757]

Great video! Thanks for showing how to aim.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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

[@rpmevo8]

I’ve been wanting this explanation for some time now, thank you Dr. Dave!!! 👍

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad I finally delivered, and I hope it was everything you expected.

[@djamo1969]

I wonder at what frequency Venom has to re-cover his table. I’m guessing if he’s practicing a lot, it’s a few times a year!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

If he is working on a new, tough masse shot, he can destroy a cloth in 1 day!

[@djamo1969]

@@DrDaveBilliards Holy cow! Really? (For some reason, I just got this notification.)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@djamo1969 I’m glad it finally showed up. The Algorithm sometimes works in Mysterious Ways.

[@djamo1969]

@@DrDaveBilliards LOL, yes, it does!

[@r.salisbury133]

9:00 I do a half-sit on the table edge for most of these, and for high middle of the table shots, push my elbow against my hip bone with a closed bridge to get it stable

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I should have showed the elbow-against-the-hip-or-body trick for the tough-to-reach shots, but my low ceiling height directly above the table limits these types of shots.

[@andrewbrenneman9592]

I have made "free bridge" shots before. It looked awesome when the shot works. I only used the "free bridge" when I felt a "grounded bridge" or bridge stick could not get close to the object ball.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I probably should have showed ways to reach shots with an "air bridge," but the limited ceiling height over my table makes it difficult. I do cover the extended "air" bridge some in my "Top 10 Creative Billiards Bridge Options" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIjYnJyodtGVars

[@Kermitnirmit]

In the latter half of the "effects" section, I think it would be cool to show the whole path of the ball instead of just where it hit the rail. Some of those shots went straight for longer with a curve at the end vs curving early and going straight at the new angle for the rest. Changes what kind of shot you're able to play if there are balls in the way.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good suggestion and good point.

[@ronaldbrown4085]

Minutes to learn, LIFETIME TO MASTER!!! LOVE YOUR VIDS, THANK YOU!!!!!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I think the video can help speed the mastery by informing and guiding the practice. Working on the video sure improved my ability with the shots (in a fairly short amount of time).

[@ronaldbrown4085]

@@DrDaveBilliards BEEN WATCHING VIDEOS FROM LIBRARIES, ONLINE, FOR YEARS. ABSOLUTELY HELPFUL!!! TY BRO!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@ronaldbrown4085 I'm glad you think so. Give everything a try.

[@xeyedsurfer]

To reduce the variables I have practiced a 4" swerve at 1/2 table distance, now that I am consistent I will be expanding on the curve.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Reproduce the sets of shots in the "Effects" section would be a good set of drills.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

You sure do know your action when it comes to all aspects of the game Keith

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I aim to swerve (literally). :)

[@kevinsu256]

@DrDaveBilliards thanks for the video! From a theoretical perspective, can you aim at *any* point along the RA line? Intuitively, aiming further along the line feels like you'd apply more spin with a tip position closer to the edge of the cue ball.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yes. You can aim anywhere along the line to get the final angle, but the CB path to the final angle will vary a lot with cue elevation and shot speed. See the article here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/masse/cue-elevation-and-speed/

[@runningside]

Hey DrDave! Could you give me a piece of advice? Does spin induced throw works on extremely thin cut shots? Should I use outside english on these shots? Will the spin help me to cut ball a bit more in that scenario? What is the best way to make super thin cut shots? Thank you for your science!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

When the CB is fairly close, outside spin can definitely help throw in super thin cut shots. For more info and demonstrations, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cut/impossible/ and: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/outside-gearing/ and "How do you know which way the object ball will throw for different types of shots?" here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/answers/ Enjoy!

[@NotSurge]

Niceee

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Be sure to watch the whole thing. There is a lot of good stuff in this one.

[@keyboardkevin5949]

When you are aiming from an elevation, when you show to hit the cue ball on the side, are you hitting on the side from a bird-eyes POV or on the side from an eye level POV? In essence, where exactly are you hitting the cue ball from which angle?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Whenever I show a tip diagram (showing where the cue tip hits the CB), it is always from the shooter's POV in the elevated position, looking down at the CB. See the 1:56 point in the video, where I explain and demonstrate this.

[@keyboardkevin5949]

@@DrDaveBilliards Oh thanks!!!

[@dhirajpallin2572]

Dave I've noticed an interesting phenomena when it comes to swerve. Lately I've had a problem with my wrist/grip that was causing me to shoot across the ball to the left. So for example, if i was swerving the ball to the left and using left side, my cue tip would be pivoting out slightly. Doing this I could never get _any_ swerve on the ball, like it simply would not swerve. After correcting my wrist problem, now I'm getting heaps of swerve on my shots. I can theorise that if the cue is pointing outward towards the edge of the cue ball, it counteracts the swerve somehow. Although that doesn't make a lot of sense to me, since shooting across the ball to the left is roughtly equivalent to just aiming more to the left, so I'm not sure. What do you think?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

If you were hitting the same spot on the CB the swoop to the left should not have changed the amount of swerve, but it might have been changing the initial direction the CB was heading (to the left). Regardless, everything should be better now that you got rid of your stroke swoop.

[@dhirajpallin2572]

After watching a video by this snooker coach Coach Brando, I now suspect that my shooting across the ball may be the opposite direction to what I thought it was. He said that if the tip curves to the left on the backstroke, then it will probably curving to the right on the forward-stroke. That might make more sense in terms of why it was lessening the swerve. It's made me rethink my analysis of what's happening when I notice the cue curving on the backstroke.

[@elijahkim4872]

Dr Dave did you change shafts? The ferrule on this shaft does not look like a Revo 12.4

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I used an SVB Cuetec Synergy for this video. I didn't want to abuse the tip on my Revo.

[@shader26]

I tried a few of the swerve shots, and actually made a few, but I’m confused a little still. Am I right in my experience that one cannot SEE the actual swerve when shooting? I also tried putting a lot of side spin (left and right) on the cue ball while aiming and hitting it fairly hard and it seemed like the ball always just shot straight ahead and the spin only had an effect after it hit the rail. The tables I play on my have a thin cloth after so much use, I tried a few other tables in the place, ones that I know have less wear, but it was the same. I’m really confused now.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The curve occurs very quickly at slower speed and on cloth that is not very slick. You can wax the CB to simulate slicker cloth.

[@mconner262]

Where can I get a small cloth like you mentioned to practice jumps and masse'?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You can use any type of cloth, but pool table cloth is best. If you know anybody with a table or if you know of a pool hall nearby, they should have some old cloth you can cut one from. Or you can wait until they get a table’s cloth changed so you can cut some pieces from the old cloth before they throw it away.

[@ryan382]

I'm gonna practice my masse briches.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good pockets and belt loops are a must for massé. :)

[@BROU-bb2uc]

Dave i have old felt to speed it up i spritz it with water and use a iron .

[@DrDaveBilliards]

If you also Turtle Wax the CB, you can be like Venom!

[@BROU-bb2uc]

@@DrDaveBilliards I've used wax on them.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The only problem with wax is: it gradually wears off (and often non uniformly) making the balls play differently and variably.

[@toncent]

One thing i'm not sure i understood correctly: Is there some fundamental difference between massé and swerve beyond just "small curve" and "large curve"? They seem to be the same thing to me just using different levels of cue elevation and power

[@DrDaveBilliards]

True, but few people call a swerve shot a small masse shot. Likewise, few people call a masse shot a large swerve shot.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

They are just different names for curve shots of different degree.

[@cungifungi]

Out of topic here Would love to hear your opinion on the foul call in the recent match between Robbie Capito and Fedor Gorst (2023 US Open Quarter Finals). The call happened near the end of the 2nd rack.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I didn't watch the match live, but if you send me a video link (with MM:SS point indicated), I'll take a look.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I found it. It looks like the 8 was not hit by the CB (which would have been a foul), and instead just tilted when the frozen 6 separated (which would not be a foul).

[@cungifungi]

@@DrDaveBilliards that was quick! Was rooting for Fedor, but I think it was not a foul as well. How do you think it should have been handled? Maybe these kinds of foul calls might be another video idea for you!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I already have lots of videos and links covering lots of examples of bad calls here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/examples/ I've added this one to the list of links.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks for the heads-up on this one. I might not have seen it otherwise.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Dr Dave it's Keith I wanted to stop in and say hello. I have a question buddy. Is it legal to wear some type of ear pads to block out noise while you're playing pool . I was wondering because I saw Earl Strickland with these headphones on one time. Is it totally legal to use such a device or not in all cases? Thanks Keith

[@DrDaveBilliards]

There is no rule preventing this; although, sometimes you need to hear the ref, opponent, or shot clock.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

@@DrDaveBilliards thanks for answering my question I thought it was real funny the time I saw Earl come out with these big headphones on. Keith

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@KTHKUHNKK Earl has done many "funny" things over the years. He has also done brilliant things (related to actual play).

[@adamd316]

Only been playing a little over a year and I've been calling swerves "half-sse" - masse but only half way.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That's a good name ... halfsies.

[@BlackStarEOP]

Is that the V10 I am spotting there? Recently my girlfriend and I went to get a cue for her, I gave her the Taom pyro pink as a present and got a V10 for myself. I've got my opinion on it but I'll wait before biasing you. Really curious to hear your opinion on the V10 vs the Pyro.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The V10 seems to go on easier and stick to the tip better. I haven't noticed any other difference compared to the Pyro; although, I do plan to do some careful tests soon.

[@BlackStarEOP]

@@DrDaveBilliards I have the exact same experience. With pyro I had to regularly scuff the tip otherwise it wouldn't stay on anymore. With the V10 it seems this problem is largely gone. (Keep in mind though that my block of pyro is now 4 years old and halfway through, so that might be an influence) The only downside is that it's green, I now have some nice green marks on my tournament blue cloth, nothing serious though it gets off easy. I hope Taom will create different colors for the V10.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@BlackStarEOP Like you, I am not a fan of the color.

[@puboh]

@@DrDaveBilliards Predator also released their new "Pure chalk", looking forward to those tests too!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I have some on the way. That's what I'm waiting for before my next set of tests.

[@SlickRick4EVER]

Merci, Capt. Mingaud!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. FYI, I'm half French.

[@pumableu]

@@DrDaveBilliards So you mind if je vous remercie pour ces leçons, exceptionnellement en français! -A pool enthusiast from belgium

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@pumableu You’re welcome. I don’t speak or read French, but I know how to use Google Translate. :)

[@josephsmith4540]

Dr. Dave did you switch Cues?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I didn't want to abuse the tip on my Revo, and I was too lazy to remove my joint extender (my ceiling is low over the table), so I just grabbed the SVB Cuetec Cynergy off my rack since it is also carbon fiber (although, it has noticeably more CB deflection).

[@josephsmith4540]

Oh okay makes sense. I was wondering if you could do a video of ways to correct stroke imperfections. I have a terrible habit of twist my wrist when stroking through the ball and have no idea how to fix it properly. Tried everything from switching stances to body position etc.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I have lots of videos and info dealing with proper stroke fundamentals here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/ For many people, a wrist twist is caused in part by elbow drop and "chicken wing" motion. Lots advice on how to fix this can be found under "How can I get rid of elbow drop?" here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/elbow-drop/

[@josephsmith4540]

Dr . Dave I am well aware of what the proper stroke is. But I can’t seem to find the cause of the wrist twist

[@DrDaveBilliards]

... but wrist turn is often associate with elbow drop (and chicken-wing motion), so the advice at the links above (especially the 2nd one) might help you eliminate the wrist turn.

[@rogerscottcathey]

Why do some pro players aim on a different spot on the cue ball than that with which they end up hitting the cue ball?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

See the section at the bottom of the page here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-tip/height/

[@dothelukaszkillchain8036]

Your stop shot is called a back spin the buton right is called a right english backspin

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Many different terms for sidespin are used based on the game situation, per the info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/terminology-and-uses/ A stop shot is usually a backspin shot, but the amount of backspin needs to be right for the shot distance and speed (and cloth conditions): billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stun/stop/ A short, fast stop shot requires no backspin.

[@toddshrader8407]

nobody ever talks about the type of strike or ever says less is more when it comes to spin. to get effect you need a good but soft punch when contacting or you wont get effect but nobody talks about that. i think its because people just want to show off more than they want to teach

[@DrDaveBilliards]

It doesn’t feel like a “soft punch” to me, but if thinking of it that way helps you or others, then I like it.

[@toddshrader8407]

@@DrDaveBilliards do you prefer snap instead but you agree it is a type of punch and it is necessary to get the action . example would be straight shot to middle diamond you give left english and you hit hard or harder what happens it tends to take to left just a little but if you shoot it softer with left and the grab off rail is more profound if you give it a snap then it will spin the most off of rail.hence the less is more. it doesnt help me cuz i already know. it is not my intention to be rude but if your going to relay info then relay it all otherwise your just showing off and not really teaching anything

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@toddshrader8407 It honestly feels like a normal fast-speed stroke to me. I think all the technique advice offered in the video is sound. And more can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/masse/

[@BROU-bb2uc]

Nice sarcasm Dave😂

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You must have heard about my "1st world problem." Or was it something else?

[@BROU-bb2uc]

@@DrDaveBilliards no you're right.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

"My life is so hard!" Wah. Wah. :)

[@RT-Ford]

You might want to remind your viewers that masse and jump shots will always cause the tip of the cue to strike the bed of the table and possibly damage the fabric.

[@jbp2532]

7:23 into the video.

[@RT-Ford]

@@jbp2532 Yeah, and then he shoots a bunch of masse and jump shots without using the protective cloth.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The spare cloth makes jump shots much easier. That's why I try to not use it when demonstrating jumps. I use the cloth with masse shots only if I think they will take lots of attempts. The spare cloth is certainly recommended when practicing the techniques.

[@losoj30]

Not if you by bullshit BCA rules

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm not sure what you mean.

[@SlickRick4EVER]

Dr. Dave, what is the difference of a curve and a massé? I researched in a book by Eva Mataya Laurence in 1999 that a curve was when the cueball just made a very shallow parabola while a massé is a “very sharp turn curve”. Is that statement plausible?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

A small curve shot is usually called a swerve shot. The term usually refers to any large curve that requires significant cue elevation.