what is English?

Question

i have heard of it and i have probably accidentaly used it while playing pool. i just want to know what they mean when they say using english to make a shot???????

please help?

Answer 1

The term "English" is generally used to refer to putting side spin on the cue ball by hitting left or right of center. Many people falsely use the term to also describe spin on the vertical axis above and below center (draw and follow). English does not transfer from the cue ball to the object ball (ex. right-hand English on the cue ball does not transfer left-hand English to the object ball). That's a very common myth. The cue ball does get deflected in the direction opposite the English (ex. hitting the cue ball left of center will make the cue ball deflect, or "squirt" to the right). Therefore, aiming while using English can be very difficult. The effects of side spin are only apparent after the cue ball contacts a cushion or an object ball that is frozen to the cue ball. It has nothing to do with elevating your cue. M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

P.S. Once again, my friend "eightbraker" makes a valid point. The less English used, the better. Also, in case you were curious, in England, they call it "side".

Answer 2

English is just a term used to put left or right spin on the cue so that you can wind up in a position that is probably difficult for the next shot. A straight center hit of the cue ball will not allow the deflection that english allows.

Answer 3

english is when you hit the cue ball in a certain way to make the cue ball act different. like if you hit the cue ball 2 the right you can actually make it curve 2 the left so much that u can curve around balls. if u hit toward the bottom of the cue ball it will stop almost as soon as it hits another ball. there's all kinds of ways 2 use english but using it on accident can really screw u up. if u learn 2 use it well u can do almost anything in pool though.

Answer 4

English is when you use right or left spin on the cue ball. When the cue ball hits a cushion, the spin will cause it to leave at a different angle than it would naturally. It is generally better to play english without elevating your cue. When the cue is elevated the cue ball is deflected and will cause the cue ball to travell a curved path. This is called masse and is very hard to control, but spectacular when you do use it.

Answer 5

It is hitting the cue ball in various spots to achieve spins, or English, such that the player may position his next shot in the best possible area, to break out a cluster of other balls on the table, or to hide the cue ball behind others yielding a difficult shot for your opponent.
English basically has to do with setting up you next shot, after the one you are currently taking, to make it easy as possible.

Answer 6

It is simply hitting the cue ball to the left or right of center to achieve a desired affect. Usually to leave the cue ball in a certain place on the table. The less english you have to use , the better off you are.

Answer 7

Putting "English on the ball" means using the cue to spin the cue ball in a way that causes it to "bounce" back after hitting the target ball or to send the target ball either to the left or right depending on the direction of the spin. It takes practice and strategy to use it well.

Answer 8

It means you strike the cue ball at an elevated or lower angle to make the cue spin at an angle. This will make the cue reflect back in a better position for the next shot.

Answer 9

It is a spin that is put on the ball by hitting it either left or right on the the top or bottom. If you use english you have to compensate when shooting as the ball because it will vere to either side depending on which english you use. I would not recommend using english unless you have to!

Answer 10

Hitting the cue ball in such a way that it spins. This will change the direction of the ball it strikes or the angle at which it rebounds off the rail.