Nick Prinsloo has been playing pool for a total of 21 years, 15 years competitively. Originally a pro-level snooker player and instructor, Nick discovered 9-ball and came to the US in 1998, where he has been playing on regional tours ever since. Lately, Nick writes more about the game than he actually plays. Nick was the Guide for Billiards at About.com for almost four years. Nick's column archive is located here.
	Se Habla English? By Nick Prinsloo What Is English? - Lateral English  No English Player View of contact point No English - Aerial View Same as before - cue ball travels slightly forward, after making contact with the object ball. As you see, there is no lateral spin on the ball.  Left English Player View of contact point Left English - Aerial View Left english makes the cue ball spin in a clockwise motion, but still sends it traveling forward until it makes contact with the object ball. After impact with the object ball, the cue ball retains most of the original spin imarted, and keeps traveling in the same line (provided it is a straight shot).  Right English Player View of contact point Right English - Aerial View Right english makes the cue ball spin in a anti-clockwise motion, but still sends it traveling forward until it makes contact with the object ball. After impact with the object ball, the cue ball retains most of the original spin imarted, and keeps traveling in the same line (provided it is a straight shot). Okay, this all seems simple enough, so what is the big deal with applying this to real life? The problem is, the above scenarios are simply theory. There is a great deal more happening that the human eye does not see, but what will only be experienced when taking these scenarios to a real table, with real balls. Next: What Really Happens... Previous Features Copyright © About.com