How to Put English on a Pool Ball

Putting English on the cue ball causes it to spin when hit.

Putting English on a pool ball is an advanced aiming technique that allows you to control the spin of the cue ball when hit. With English, you can make the cue ball stop when it hits the object ball, continue rolling after it hits the object ball or curve to the left or right. There are many instances during a game of billiards in which English will come in handy. While the method is simple, mastering it will take time and practice. Once learned, English is a technique that can dramatically improve your pool game.

Instructions

Center English

1. Set up your cue ball with an object ball six inches behind it.

2. Aim at the exact center of the cue ball.

3. Hit the cue ball using medium speed while aiming for the object ball. This technique of striking the cue ball while aiming at the object ball will give you follow through on your shot. When done correctly, the cue ball will come to a complete stop once it strikes the object ball.

Follow

1. Set your cue ball on the table with the object ball six inches behind it.

2. Aim at the middle of the ball, slightly higher than the exact center.

3. Hit the cue ball with medium speed while aiming at the object ball. This will give you enough force when hitting the cue ball. When done correctly, your cue ball will continue to roll after striking the object ball, appearing to "follow" it.

Side Spin

1. Set up your cue ball with an object ball eight to 12 inches behind it and off to the left or right of the cue ball.

2. Aim at the center of the cue ball. Now move your aim slightly to the left or right of center.

3. Hit the cue ball using medium speed, making sure to follow through on your shot. If you aimed to the left, your cue ball should curve to the right. If you aimed to the right, the cue ball should curve to the left. When done correctly, your cue ball should roll and strike the object ball even though they weren't perfectly lined up. If you miss, adjust your aim further out to the left or right from the center and try again.

Tips & Warnings

• To help with aiming, imagine an X and Y axis on the cue ball that crosses in the center of the ball. Adjust your aim using these imaginary lines as reference.

• Always keep your pool stick in a straight line during aiming, hitting and follow through to ensure the most accurate shot.

References

• EZ Ghost Ball: Cue Ball English 101 Learn How To Add English To Your Pool Shots
• Easy Pool Tutor: Understanding English
• Pool And Pocket Billiards Resource: English And Side Spin