Players always want to win when they play pool, whether they’re seasoned pros or total newcomers. Before you can amaze anybody with your pool abilities, you must master how to control a masse shot.
A masse shot, often known as a curve shot, is effective for striking balls that appear unhittable. If you’ve ever observed a talented pool player at work, you’ll note that their primary thing is always a suitable pool cue.
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Choose a Right Pool Cue
Whenever you need to buy a new pool cue, there are a few things you can do to ensure you receive the appropriate one. It is critical to pick a wrap, a cue weight, inspect the cue’s straightness, and test the cue on a pool table.
Because one-piece cues cannot be disassembled, they are not suitable for travel. A cue designed for travel is not required for a home pool table. One-piece cues are typically less expensive and the ideal solution for home use.
Pool cues range in weight from 17 to 21 ounces, with most players choosing 19 or 20-ounce cues. Because weight influences your shot, it’s critical to select a weight that you can readily utilize.
If you’re still uncertain about which pool cue to buy, consider your game and pick which one will help you improve your game and your style. Then visit Pearson Cues to choose the best one for you.
How to Curve A Cue Ball in 5 Steps
We don’t always want the ball to move in a straight line on the pool, and it may need to curve around to reach its destination. A massé shot occurs when you curve the ball, which means that instead of the ball traveling in a straight line, it will curve. Curve your ball successfully by elevating the cue stick and striking it below its center.
It’s one of the more difficult shots in the pool, and it’s difficult to describe. It may take some work to learn how to curve the cue ball such that it goes on the route you choose, but it is certainly feasible.
The main difference between a massé and a regular spin shot is that with a normal shot, you’re relatively flat with the cue parallel to the pool table as much as possible. Typically, you’ll lift your cue more than 45 degrees for a massé. So, for example, this is a relatively common cause.
Step 1. Set up the cue ball
If you’re attempting to hit a ball into a pocket and then another ball is in the way, this is the time to curve your cue ball. The first thing you need to do is align the cue ball with your target ball and the pocket you want to aim. When you have a little bend in your cue ball, it will go around the ball that is in the way and hopefully strike the proper one.
Your pace should be just fast enough to get the object ball into the pocket, thus you must know when to stop it as soon as it strikes. You may then perform your next move after it’s all set up.
Step 2. Create friction for the cue stick
Lightly rub chalk on the tip of your cue stick to create a fine coating. The chalk will keep your cue stick from slipping off the side of the cue ball before you can make your stroke. If your chalk has a deep groove from prior cue sticks, be sure the chalk reaches the tip not only the edges of the stick after you’ve applied it.
Step 3. Raise your cue
Because this stroke requires a downward strike, you must hold the cue stick at a considerably greater angle than usual. You’ll need to work at 30-45 degrees of elevation depending on which direction you want to curve it.
The precise angle required will depend on how far apart the balls are from each other and how far apart they are from the table, so experiment with the angles until you find a method that works for you.
Some people find it simpler to proceed from the left, but this will depend on where your target ball is located and whether or not there are any barriers in the way.
Step 4. Position the tip of the cue
There are various additional techniques to aim with the tip of the cue stick between your fingers, so choose one that works for you. To do so, use your dominant hand to grasp a pool cue by the hip. Place it at the back of the stick (called the butt) where a tape is normally applied. Maintain a 4- to 5-inch gap between yourself and the tape marker.
When you’re gripping the cue stick and getting ready to strike the ball, create a ‘V’ with your thumb and pointer finger to give yourself greater control over your stroke. To increase your stability, your fingertips should be contacting the pool table.
Step 5. Strike the ball
The central axis is an imaginary line that circles the ball’s center. If you hit the ball over this line, it is more likely to travel straight rather than a curve. Change how far up or down you strike the ball while keeping below the central axis to try out different curves.
It will be simpler to create a downward movement if you hold the cue stick at an elevated angle. When you’re aiming, don’t level quickly out the cue stick. Instead, bring it down in a straight line onto the ball.
Hit the right side of the cue ball if you want your cue ball to bend around a ball and to the right. Hit the left side of the cue ball to have it bend to the left. The direction the cue ball curves depends on whatever side you strike it.
Conclusion
There are several strategies for curving a pool cue, but it all comes down to practice. If you want to become a better pool player, you must practice these tactics until you master them. You’ll discover whatever approaches are most comfortable for you over time.
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