MG at AOL writes,

Q.Ghost Ball

PLEASE DEFINE USE AND FUNCTION. HOW CAN I LEARN FROM IT.

A. The ghost ball is an aiming device.

Simply, we are visualizing the cue ball at the exact spot you wish it to be at the moment of impact with the object ball. You can now drive the cue ball to the visualized spot displacing the visualized ball.

This theory however must be used in conjunction with the knowledge of frictions effects on the object ball which will surely happen when struck by the cue ball.

High follow or especially a maximum spinning low draw on the cue ball will also decrease the (throw) friction to some degree.

The complexity doesn't stop there. Left of right english can increase or decrease the friction. Combinations of all the above can nullify the friction entirely on some shots & strokes.

Also, I know this is highly advanced, but on slower or faster maximum english shots, the ghost ball aim must be adjusted to meet varying amounts of cue ball deflection. Sort of a "double ghost ball".

Welcome to the game!
Don Rose

A user from AOL asks,

Q.Dear Don:

I am having a problem with cue movement going side to side, when I move my stroke back and forward. I have tried gripping the cue shaft slightly tighter, and I have also moved my hand closer to the cue ball, giving myself minimal space between the cue ball and the tip of my cue. I would appreciate any suggestive and helpful tips on stopping this bad habit.
Thank you very much!

A. Plainly billiards is an acquired skill. A learning process fed by hours of repetitive movements and thoughts.

So, your uncontrolled "side to side" movements would indicate that you are new to this game. Quite simply, you haven't got your "sea legs" yet. Your body parts are waiting for instruction from your brain which doesn't fully understand what message to send.

Even if you were an experienced player, any long layoff would at least temporarily disrupt this message to some extent.

You also commented you have tried gripping the cue "tighter". On a scale of 1 to 10 this could be O.K. if your grip pressure was a "1" and you increased it to a "4". However in general, the grip tension required to play well falls between "1" (for ultra-touchy, soft (slow) shots) to less than "5" for firm and full (long) release shots. And even these two examples could vary in grip pressure depending on the desired action on the cue ball.

So, any firmer that "5" (on almost all shots) would tend to push the cue out of alignment, which would be bad news in regards to your shotmaking ability. This would also tend to squelch the action of the cue ball because a "natural" release would be hard to come by.

Moreover, I feel your bridge finger grip pressure should compliment (be very close to) the grip pressure of the hand that delivers the cue. Thus, on soft shots I have been seen using an open bridge. On firm shots I wouldn't dream of doing this unless forced to do so.

In short, I believe a blending of these pressure points aids your rhythm, timing and release. So - "keep a firm bridge" could be somewhat misleading advice.

Lastly, you have stated you have moved your bridge hand "closer" to the ball leaving "minimal" space between the cue ball and tip.

Well, an active and experienced player can do this without fear of touching (fouling) the cue ball. Why? - because his setup routine is identical each time. You, however, may find your adjustment may allow you to accidentally touch the cue ball because of the lack of sameness in your set-up routine. - If you do, just move back slightly (1/4" or so) until the problem disappears. You will eventually find what's best for your style.

Thanks,
Don Rose

Frank writes,

Q.Don,

I have used what I call a slip stroke for many years and I am very proficient at it. My question is that I heard that some of the European players use it also. I know that it differs from the standard in which the US players use but have too much time and effort invested to change. Plus, I have won my share of tournaments and money using this technique. I would like to know if there is anywhere or anyone (including the internet) that could give me more information on this technique?

Gratefully yours, Frank
Thanks a million!

A.Frank, I do not encourage, teach or employ a slip stroke. However, I am not totally against this method. The slipping action should promote a relaxed grip, which in turn would favor a proper release.

In general, I find that slip strokers do not perform short (nip) shots - or short power shots - as proficiently as players who use varying degrees of backswing length that compliments each shot.

This again is not to say using this slip method is totally wrong - but I believe you must play every day to maintain the timing necessary to pull it off. You must also have a high degree of experience. This is why I hesitate to teach it to players who play less that 15-20 hours per week.

My final comment: If it works for you - do it!

P.S. Check out the 10/99 issue of Pool & Billiards (page 41) - The Kinetic Cue. A slip stroke without the slip while the shaft remains stable.

Good Luck
Don Rose

Mick from AOL writes,

Q.Hi Don,

Could you please explain what you mean by advanced center ball stun? I use center ball stun quite often to "walk" the cue ball over but I don't quite understand why you would specify advanced stun. Are there more than one type of stun shots? Also, when you use use the term center ball, do you mean the exact center or do you mean center anywhere on the vertical axis? I use center english on most shots but almost always have some degree of follow or draw. How much off the vertical axis would I have to hit to achieve a better rolling object ball. I would very much appreciate your reply. Thank You, Mick

A.Mick, my reference to "advanced" center ball stun meant that usually only somewhat advanced players use this option, not an advanced center ball theory.
However, after saying that I also teach the stun shots with varying degrees of follow-draw-side english and combinations thereof.
Your vertical axis question is addresed in the 5th paragraph and your use as you explained it (some degree of follow or draw) sounds like you're on track.
As for your 3rd question ("How much off vertical"), I recommend 1 tip as a general rule unless you are attempting a high rate of spin "specialty" shot like a breaking (delayed) cue ball or a long draw attempt.

Thanks for your inquiries,

Don Rose

John S writes...

Q.WHICH TIP WOULD YOU PREFER, A TAD HARD OR MEDIUM TIP? ALSO WHAT IS YOUR MIND SET WHEN YOU PLAY STRAIGHT POOL? DO YOU RUN THEM FIVE AT A TIME, OR DO YOU LOOK AT THEM AS ONE LONG NINE BALL RUN? I HAVE A HARD TIME BEING CONSISTENT AT THIS GAME AND DON'T KNOW WHY.

A.In short, I prefer a medium-firm tip and as for straight pool, I would recommend consulting your local pro to improve your shot selection (patterns), and learn more regarding shooting patterns.

A future article will cover straight pool. Watch for it in the near future.

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