Extract of text from our Coaching DVD

`PLAYING THE GAME TO WIN`

PLAYING WITH TOPSPIN  

Having studied the effects of screw and drag shots, and the backspin they can generate on the cue ball, the next logical stage of your coaching is to learn the art of topspin.

The important point to remember about topspin, and backspin for that matter, is that you are still aiming to strike along the imaginary vertical plain of the white. If you don’t contact this centre line when playing topspin, you will inadvertently apply what is called ‘check’ or ‘running’ side - which we will discuss later.

To engage pure topspin on a pool ball, you must strike marginally above the dead centre of the white with the cue tip. Although the cue ball will then travel forward in the usual manner, on impact with the object ball the white will pick up extra forward momentum due to the topspin applied and carry on in the same general direction.

As with playing screw shots, the only part of your body and stance that alters when employing topspin is the height of your bridging hand. The fingers should be drawn further inwards towards your palm - in effect, raising the level of the bridge.

Resist all temptation to simply lower the butt end of your cue when applying ‘top’. It will cause the cue to be driven forward with an underlying upward motion, which can often lead to embarrassing miscues!

It should be embedded in your mind by now - the cue must remain almost parallel to the bed of the table during all strokes. The exception to the rule is the very difficult and dangerous ‘swerve’ shots, which are fully explained in our ‘Advanced Techniques’ DVD.

Back to the shot in question:  Let’s see what happens when we set up the familiar practice black, and execute the shot with topspin. (Demonstrated on DVD) Notice again, before Jason plays the stroke, his bridge hand has been raised to facilitate a level and smooth cue action.

As we have just seen, having applied topspin on the white, the generated action carried the cue ball all the way into the pocket after the black. (Shown going in-off) Of course, in normal circumstances this would result in loss of game, but for our tuition purposes it perfectly highlights the effects topspin can create.

Once again, when you have become confident and proficient at potting the black from about twelve inches, try increasing the distance between the object ball and the white, (as Jason is demonstrates). At this stage, always practice straight pots and try to propel the cue ball into the pocket after the colour - it makes it much easier to gauge your accuracy.

Don’t be disheartened however, if the white doesn’t quite find the pocket every time as nobody, not even professionals, are that good! If you manage to get it fairly close on a regular basis, you are doing very well. 

As you progress to angled shots, you will find that the effects topspin can cause are quite remarkable. Mind boggling swerves and parabolic curves can be created by merely varying the strength in the stroke.