Pool Made Simple - THROW SHOTS You Need to Know … with GoPro POV

[@DrDaveBilliards]

*Contents:* 0:00 - Intro 0:36 - Slow Roll 1:52 - Stun 2:47 - Rail Cut 4:22 - Max SIT 6:01 - Max CIT 7:03 - Frozen Combo 8:00 - Thin Cut 8:44 - Spin Transfer Bank 9:39 - More Info *Supporting Resources:* - throw resources: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/ - throw tutorial: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/throw/ - squirt, swerve, and throw effects summary: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/aim/effects/ - rail cut shot aiming: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/rail-cut/aiming/ - System for Aiming With Sidespin (SAWS): billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/aim/saws/ - gearing outside spin: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/outside-gearing/ - how to get maximum SIT and CIT: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/maximum/ - why there is less SIT at more spin: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/speed-effects/ - combination shot aiming: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/combination/aiming/ - small-gap combination throw: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/combination/small-gap/ - spin transfer shots: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/spin-transfer/ - bank shot spin transfer shots: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bank-kick/spin-transfer/ *Subscribe to Dr. Dave's KZbin Channel:* kzbin.info

[@thetowndrunk988]

I’m absolutely loving these “return to basics” videos, Dr. Dave. You’re well appreciated.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad to hear it. Thanks. Pool Made Simple!

[@ryzenjmeg]

imo, this is the most systematic pool tutorial channel in youtube

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. That's my goal: "systematic."

[@St1ckY72]

​@@DrDaveBilliards lol I read that in an almost AI voice, the same monotone voice you use for your videos. I mean this with absolutely no disrespect, I honestly see it as a commendable thing to provide pure information with little inflection, and even less emotion. When I click on a Dr. Daves video, I'm not looking for a fast paced, sexy Arby's commercial, I'm looking for and getting an actual factual video, one I can dissect and study. Seriously, don't ever change.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@St1ckY72 Arby’s. We have the meats (with emotion). 🤓

[@onemoremisfit]

I always throw a like on a new Dr Dave video. The camera work on the frozen rail shot is enlightening.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@onemoremisfit Im glad you liked the rail cut slo-mo clips. A fancier and faster camera would have been better, but the clips I showed still got the points across.

[@nbas09]

I wish I could like this video more than once. I had to discover a bunch of those shots the hard way. I'm glad to see them explained within the framework of CIT and SIT. Thank you!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@nbas09 Thanks!. You’re welcome!

[@omgafc212]

dr dave i hope you know we love you very much , and I don't think there is anybody that puts as much effort and detail into their videos as much as you do , i was watching the 2023 international 9 ball on accustats today and seeing you in the Ringside made me wanna watch the match even more somehow ❤️🤙

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you for your kind comments. I was very lucky to get the ringside seat and I enjoyed it very much.

[@HungNguyen-vi4rr]

this is not billiard, this is science . I'm really into that. Thank you!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@HungNguyen-vi4rr This is the kind of “science” that helps you make shots and win games. I like that kind of “science.”

[@lesterweinheimer665]

Thanks a lot Dr. Dave! It's always good to be reminded of the physics and practice them on throw shots.Thanks again!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@lesterweinheimer665 Basic pool physics understanding can win games and matches.

[@metellus8152]

Yesterday, (Sunday) I was going to post a comment on an older CIT video of yours to ask if you have any new videos on throw, specifically stunning balls into centre pocket. Then today, I see this little gem. Its like you read my mind. Thanks so much posting these great videos. I really appreciate the time and dedication it take to do this. I can't wait to share with the team!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@metellus8152 Im glad you got what you were looking for, and I hope the shots in this video help your team win some games and matches.

[@iforwms]

An invaluable video - as with all your content, so well explained - much appreciated!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@iforwms Thank you. I’m glad you liked it.

[@puboh]

Hi Dr.Dave, at 3:13 you said that to make the rail shot we need to have CB touch the rail slightly before the OB, and the CB cuts the OB away from cushion to cancel the throw. My question is, what throw, and why does the CB cuts the OB away from cushion? Do you mean that the CB's cut cancels the OB's SIT due to CB's spin picked up from rubbing the cushion? Or do you mean that the CB actually cuts the OB into the cushion, but because it is boucing away from the cushion, the CIT on OB is away from the cushion, and these two cancel?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

It can work both ways. If the CB is still compressing the cushion at OB impact, the cut away from the rail (due to the compression) cancels the CIT. If the CB is already rebounding from the cushion with transferred sidespin (but the cushion is still compressed), the SIT cancels the cut. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/rail-cut/aiming/

[@ericpoolguy29]

Another great video Dr. Dave, it is always nice to make a shot using CIT after your opponent is sure you will not make the shot!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@ericpoolguy29 Thanks. I love when I can throw a seemingly impossible (to my opponent) shot in for the win.

[@h3artbreak3r1994]

beautiful summary ❤🎉 Dr Dave is here!!!!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@h3artbreak3r1994 Thanks.

[@jakehinkle1613]

5:51 can you explain why, from a physics standpoint, more side spin results in less throw at the same speed?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@jakehinkle1613 Yes. This is described in detail here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/speed-effects/

[@martinolson761]

Outstanding info Dr. Dave! As an intermediate player CIT and SIT don't come naturally. With practice I will improve. Thanks.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@martinolson761 Thanks. Practice is important with anything.

[@CocoboloCowboy]

More good info from Dr. Dave.🏆. Good stuff.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@CocoboloCowboy Thanks, CC!

[@joshid8402]

Thanks to your previous videos on throw, I now came up with a trick shot that I show my buddies occasionally. The shot seems impossible because how the two balls are wired, but you are able to throw the second ball length of the table bank. Very beautiful shot on my nine foot table. Thanks again Dave for the tips!🙏🎱🙏

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@joshid8402 You’re welcome. I’m glad my videos inspired your trick shot.

[@AssoxHolo]

That 90 degree cut is wild

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. It looks quite impossible at the table. Spin Magic!

[@rofsjan]

Great explanation.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I worked hard on this one.

[@9livespool]

Nice one Dr Dave

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.

[@cziffra1980]

There's one question that comes to mind - what path do the balls actually take? A pretty straight line from the starter position at an adjusted angle? Or do they bend slightly on the route? I've heard it explained in terms of the balls basically skidding forwards as a pair before the object balls is released. Does it make sense to visualise as if the balls were slightly further forward and then picture the true mathematical angle from that position? Rather than to just think of finding the angle and then aiming thinner? I'm not sure whether picturing the balls further forward is the closest thing to the literal explanation, or whether it's a good idea to think this way (even if not necessarily quite real). It seemed to help to picture that skid forward rather than just to aim thinner.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@cziffra1980 The balls stay in contact an imperceptible amount of time. The OB heads in the angled direction immediately, for all practical purposes. Although, with top or bottom spin, there is a very slight initial curve in the ball path. See the info and videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/swerve/object-ball/ especially this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpXNlZqbhbKLfMk

[@MagicMikeBilliards]

Unrelated to throw but I need this answer Dave. What’s higher percentage or more accurate over time… Regarding the speed of my shot, adjusting my bridge length and always bringing the tip of my cue back to my “V” and minimizing accidental left and right movement with my back hand OR keeping the same bridge length (say 12 inches) and adjusting the length of my backstroke? The first option is what I do and what feels comfortable and accurate to me but I’m curious your thoughts?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@MagicMikeBilliards Either approach is fine, but the second approach is more common with better players who have straight strokes. See the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bridge/length/

[@user-yl6nk9og1f]

At 5:50 you say too much sidespin throws the ball less, but then at 8:20 you show maximum sidespin to throw the ball as much as possible. Is the amount of sidespin needed for maximum SIT dependent on cut angle?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yes. 50% spin gives maximum SIT for a straight shot only. More spin is required at larger cut angles. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/speed-effects/

[@whartonjones]

At 8:36 you talk about using extreme right spin but in an earlier shot you said max SIT occurred at about half of max left/right. What changed?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@whartonjones The amount of spin required for max throw depends on the cut angle. For a straight shot, half of maximum spin is required. For an extremely thin cut, maximum spin is required. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/maximum/

[@dntnawall]

i always underestimate CIT for sharp cuts, i think "more spin and more speed = more throw" but it makes sense why that isn't always the case. also the part about frozen rail cuts goes against everything i thought i knew, but i haven't been consistently making them lately and now i may know why lol. thanks doc

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@dntnawall I’m glad you learned some things from the video. I hope it helps you make more shots.

[@seanzie24]

During the Max SIT section you say that using approximately half of the maximum sidespin generates the most SIT, but during the Thin Cut section you say to use extreme side to pocket the 8 ball. Are you using maximum sidespin on the thin cut to deflect the cue ball more, or to generate more SIT? Does the very thin cut change things regarding max SIT?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@seanzie24 The amount of spin required for max SIT depends on cut angle. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/maximum/ With a thin cut, maximum spin if required for maximum SIT.

[@AlexC-dy3ni]

Btw, with the extreme cut example notice how the check side spin kept cue ball in place, it was very firm stroke and yet the cb only traveled two cushions. This is very useful in any thin cuts when you don’t want the cb to fly around the table (eg 9ball or 8 ball last shots)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@AlexC-dy3ni Nice observation, and good point.

[@stephenmarian7097]

When you cut the object ball do you put inside english on the shot? Down below on my other question what do the 40 and 60 mean??? I’m confused on that part. Thanks dr. Dave

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm not sure which shot you are talking about. Please reply back with a MM:SS timestamp.

[@tomhiggins875]

I play every other week at a bowling alley using the supplied cues. Are there any quick tests I can do to determine how the cue will play? Your answer might help others in a similar situation, or somene just starting out, or someone who currently doesn't have the money to buy a cue, or are confused by the mind-boggling pool cue and tip options.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I have some good general advice here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/selecting/ Check it out.

[@HighLeeCoyote]

Try laying the cue on the table, and then push it allowing it to roll. If the cue is straight it will move smoothly, without any wobble.

[@stevemarion9591]

Dr.DAVE one question for tonight, I’m on a 8 ft place 3 balls at the middle of the short rail, remove the middle ball, take the cue at the other end. Now I line up and shoot right hand english at the center of the 2 balls. Everything is perfect the cue hit the middle of the 2 balls and it heads for the right corner pocket. How come when I do the same shot with left english the cue always hit one of the 2 balls. What do you recommend? Thanks stephen

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@stevemarion9591 That means you are not doing the pivots cleanly and consistently in both directions. Are you using an open bridge? That helps. Also, make sure you bridge does not turn or tilt during BHE, and make sure your entire body is perfectly still during the FHE bridge shift. It might help to carefully review the pivots section of the SAWS video.

[@I-am-MK]

Some of these shots worked for me, but I didn't understand how, now I know. 😊

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@I-am-MK Im glad you found the video helped your understanding.

[@stephenmarian7097]

Hi DR. Dave I was just wondering do you just set your backhand English for 1ft, 3ft, and 6ft. Because on your SAWS video those are the shots you show. Otherwise if you were 5 feet away from the opposite ball would you use your measurements for your 6 foot shot or your 3 foot shot I imagine will be for the six. Thank you steve

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I usually just pick the closest distance, but sometimes I interpolate between the numbers. For example if the BHE # is 40 at 3' and 60 at 1', I would use 50 at 2'.

[@stephenmarian7097]

@@DrDaveBilliards I don’t know what that means. Could you explain a little bit more or sent me to one of your videos that will explain it a little more. I really want to learn just what you mean.thanks stupid Stephen

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@stephenmarian7097 Look at the first column of my example BHE/FHE numbers at the bottom of the 2nd page here: billiards.colostate.edu/resource_files/SAWS_calibration.pdf If I am shooting a slow 2' shot, I use 50% BHE (between 60% at 1' and 40% at 3').

[@brendanknowlton9231]

Thanks Dr Dave for the videos. I am 16 what is the best way to get involved in tournaments

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@brendanknowlton9231 Many areas have juniors programs. Check with local pool halls and ask them if they know of any. Some pool halls also do tournaments during the day on weekends and allow juniors to play with supervision. BEF junior state and national tournaments is another option: www.billiardeducation.org/

[@CueballcontrolSometimes]

What is your theory as to why Too Much spin throws less? Appreciate the effort you put in to help all of us.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@CueballcontrolSometimes It is described in detail here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/speed-effects/ Enjoy!

[@Brandzaman39]

When you put too much spin, you are not giving a lot of forward momentum to a cue ball. Ball travels with less speed, so the contact point does not transfer a lot force to a ball. So scratch that needs to create friction between balls is not enough applied to change direction, there is less friction. Also the speed of rotation is greater, so there is less time of contact between balls. In contrary, stop shot do everything opposite.

[@Brandzaman39]

Wow, Dave this is quite revelatory knowledge, feel like cheat code :) One question about cue butt, i know it is matter of personal preference, but does thickness play some roll in terms of feedback? Does it affect grip in case of size of the hands? Should players with bigger hands try thicker cue butt? I've noticed that you play with p3, that has thick cue but.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@Brandzaman39 I’m glad you liked the video, but are you saying I have a big butt? 😲🤓 Seriously though, I think butt size is unimportant (unless you think it is, in which case it is). I just compared my P3 to all the other cues on my wall. They all have the same standard butt size.

[@Brandzaman39]

ok, tnx Dave. p3 has thicker butt in comparation to todays standard. Today they make thin butt cues more often

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@Brandzaman39 Every cue I’ve ever owned has had the same butt diameter. But I think I would be okay with any size.

[@Brandzaman39]

@@DrDaveBilliards A thicker cue stick is supposedly meant to provide better feedback on impact, with less vibration, according to people who make cues. Speed control is certainly important, but we can’t perceive everything visually, nor even motorically, when it comes to fine adjustments, which can sometimes make a significant difference in positioning.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@Brandzaman39 I personally think the importance of a cue's "feedback" or "feel" or "hit" are grossly exaggerated (especially by people who make and collect cues). See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/feel/ Seeing how the CB moves is all the "feedback" I need.

[@larrylozuk]

Nice! Hard to believe that rail shot goes even hitting the cue ball so far from the object ball.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@larrylozuk Honestly, I was a little shocked by that also. I couldn’t wait to see the video footage after I hit the shot.

[@stephenkaake7016]

when people say they are bad at pool, its because pool is difficult to master

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@stephenkaake7016 Amen to that!

[@leopard24]

This one made my head hurt. Great stuff though. Have to rewatch a few times haha

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@leopard24 Sorry, but I made this one as simple as I could while still keeping it useful. Try watching it again (or several times). Better yet, try each of the shots at a table, one at a time.

[@leopard24]

@DrDaveBilliards the video is great don't get me wrong you did a great job explaining everything but there's just a lot to unpack.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@leopard24 Thanks. Agreed. There is a lot there. And it is all useful.

[@leopard24]

​@@DrDaveBilliards came back a few more times after my first watch. It's making more sense now. I'm excited to try some of these shots.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@leopard24 I’m glad to hear it. Have fun with the shots. I hope they help you win some games.

[@williammcdowell3718]

A lot of people don't believe in SIT, but I have been using it for 20 years. People told me I was wrong to my face, but here we are. If you are using spin, then you are throwing the ball and your CTE aiming system is garbage. Dr. Dave finally putting it to rest.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@williammcdowell3718 Now you have a video you can send to the doubters.

[@330devans]

CTE has worked for me and improved my shot making since switching to it. I don’t use it with all shots but most. To say it’s garbage is funny to me. And how do people not know how putting spin on the cue ball affects the throw and path of the object ball?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@ CTE does not have throw correction built in, but this is the case with any “aiming system.” I personally think a better approach to aiming is DAM: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/dam/ I’m not sure what the other person meant by me putting CTE to rest. Maybe he was referring to my evaluation and analysis here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/CTE/evaluation/

[@MikeHughJass]

I'm dying to hear an explanation for "more spin = *less* throw" for those of us who did not major in physics.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@MikeHughJass A full explanation can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/speed-effects/

[@Faxie83]

Probably something to do with slightly less contact time because of the speed. Like skipping stones on the water.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@Faxie83 It is described and demonstrated in detail here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/speed-effects/ Enjoy!

[@alexvo6873]

Great video, thanx!)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@alexvo6873 Thank you, and you’re welcome. I aim to swerve (and throw). 🤓

[@omg4life234]

Thanks for the video Dr. Dave, but I’m wondering why pros like to use stun on their last ball rather than just topspin, especially for example in 9 ball, when the 9 ball is on its spot, since stun will cause more throw? Obviously, pros are really good at compensating for throw, but I feel like it’s better to keep it simple and rolling it is better than stunning the ball.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@omg4life234 They often stun the last shot to guarantee no possible scratch. See the 45 degree rule here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-ball-control/45-degree-rule/ But they also don’t use slow speed. Faster speed reduces throw significantly. They sometimes also use a small amount of outside spin to reduce throw even more.

[@scruffyleon7383]

Excellent

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@scruffyleon7383 Thanks. I’m glad you liked it.

[@scruffyleon7383]

@@DrDaveBilliards Where I have made mistakes is not understanding speed and adding top or bottom spin. You cleared that up for me - Thanks.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@scruffyleon7383 I'm glad to here it. If you want to learn even more about throw, see items 16-40 and the supporting links and videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/aim/effects/#list Enjoy!

[@EhBitTV]

So I’ve definitely been aiming rail shots wrong 😅😂

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@EhBitTV Most people do.

[@D.H.1987]

I still believe you have to hit the ball just before the rail if you play with outside english. The throw will float the ball in and makes the ball stick against to the rail on his way to the pocket

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@D.H.1987 If you use gearing outside spin, the most accurate option is to hit the ball and cushion at exactly the same time. See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/outside-gearing/ If you use more outside spin than that, you need to hit the ball first.

[@hunthebug]

Never noticed throw. Haha. I always thought my table was just wonky.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@hunthebug Now you have more excuses when you miss shots. 🤓

[@specialisedheavy9932]

I love you

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@specialisedheavy9932 🥰

[@cosmicraysshotsintothelight]

Throw me some physics, Doc! Hey, man... you still need a faster camera. Seems like a local college should have something like a good, fast digital camera around... I mean, heck, Boulder and NIST is right up the street. One would think you would have a good college over there... But at this point I'd almost bet that my 4k x 60Hz iPhone would cap better than that.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@cosmicraysshotsintothelight Agreed. I should purchase a fancy high-speed camera, but I think the iPhone 12 was able to show the important points.

[@cosmicraysshotsintothelight]

@@DrDaveBilliards I thought you said it was a GoPro. That is why I said that because my vids are pretty sharp even after KZbin down-res-es them. Though I am not trying to capture a fast, short event, which my videos do show blur on as well. So yeah, even Best Buy's last years closeout models would be nice. Problem is they don't get marked down very far. I used to love buying a big screen TV that was hundreds off the orig price. Cameras... nope. But sure, any digital "slr" replacement that came into the world likely has a better frame rate. I still do not know how they write at the rates and array sizes we do get cheap. Thank God for Moore's law.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@ The main camera is a nice Canon camcorder. The shooter POV stuff is from a head-mounted GoPro. The rail cut shot slow motion stuff was from my iPhone.

[@cosmicraysshotsintothelight]

@@DrDaveBilliards You should call the slo-mo guys and have them come over. I know their gear is overkill, but it would be fun to see them record a few events. I am still not happy with some shot analyses, such as the tip compression vid. Great for slow shooter, low compression events... but you know I shoot hard and I think the tip compression is different for a higher impact force and velocity 'moment'. Because my "soft" tips definitely allow me to get a slightly better 'grip on the tip' and apply a bit more more of the Mr. Twisty function we began using leather tips over our "clubs" or "billiards" on. That is what a cue was originally referred to as. Those Frenchies and their words...

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@ Easier said than done.

[@Faxie83]

Always a lot of 'fun' playing an opponent who doesn't understand throw, and you just made a ball 'that shouldn't be possible, so it must be a foul'. I always take care to explain what I'm about to do, and even sometimes ask for a neutral bystander to observe, to avoid discussions afterwards.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. Making shots and winning games and matches with a little knowledge is fun.

[@puboh]

second

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That means you still have room for improvement. 🤓

[@NoisqueVoaProduction]

First

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Actually, second. I was first! :)

[@NoisqueVoaProduction]

@@DrDaveBilliards hahaha Touché!

[@pedrom1619]

Hi Dr Dave! Very curious about the physics of throw and how the mechanic equations showcase that this effect is maximum at slow speed and particularly for a stun shot. It is there any formulation available?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@pedrom1619 All the math and physics can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/technical_proofs/new/TP_A-14.pdf Intuitive explanations can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/maximum/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/throw/speed-effects/ Enjoy!