Snooker Training Ball???

[marron]

I am really becoming frustrated with my inability to acheive any backspin on the cue ball even though i have hit the ball in almost every place that has been suggested on here. If i do get some backspin, then its usual minimal and i don't seem to be able to do it consecutively or even increase the amount by applying more power or cueing down on the ball.

I have seen in American Pool that you can get training balls which help you practice with your positional play and striking position on the cue ball. Is there one for snooker?

I'm sure most of you will have seen the Pool version with all the dots on it.

[Theguywithaplan]

They have a cheap one at JJB I think... try to follow trough all the way to your chest.

[C-J]

You don't need a training ball.First see if you can cue straight.Play a straight shot in the middle pocket with a little topspin,not too hard.See if the white follows the objectball ecxactly in the heart of the pocket.If you can do this 3 times in row you're on your way.Now do same exercise only with backspin.Don't hit the white too low,between center and bottom will do.Concentrate on cueing straigt and timing(acceleratetion) and not hitting hard.The same speed as with the topspin should be enough.Backspin is all about timing and cueing straight,good luck!

[hegeland]

The dotted cue ball isn't really a training ball, although it can be quite helpful, it was "invented" for TV. This is a real practise ball:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ctice_ball.jpg

[marron]

I will try that one again C-J, although i have tried before. I used to practice a similar exercise to see how straight i cued by hitting the white up the line of spots and back down the table. I could do this easily.

[C-J]

That one can be deceptive,this one isn't!
If you do the topspin first you can get used to the easy feel ,because you know the ball will go forward.You need the same easy with the backspin,knowing that it comes back.If you don't have that feeling(timing) you will knock the ball ' dead' meaning the cueball is still sliding on impact in stead of rolling backwards.

[The Doctor]

to be able to consistently screw back you need to be accelerating through the cue ball and also keep the cue on the same plane (angle) through the hit. most peoples faults lie in the fact they move the tip when hitting or they do not accelerate through the ball and stop at the point of contact or just after it. a good follow through is essential.

[C-J]

That's right Doctor that's why i mentioned the exercise in post 3.If your tip slides of only a fraction(wich happens easely with topspin or screwback) the cueball will not follow the ecxact line of the objectball right into the center of the pocket.
For this exercise you need all the basics to be right;good line up, solid stance,firm bridge,smooth and straight cueing.

[Semih_Sayginer]

try to source a slightly smaller or lighter cueball.....and use it to build up your confidence until its "effortless" with it, progressing back to a "perfect" one gradually.

any particular shot with spin (bottom), then go back to it for more practise

[marron]

When playing backspin should you be cueing down on the ball (ie. raising the butt of the cue) or lowering your bridge hand to the right level?

[Semih_Sayginer]

When playing backspin should you be cueing down on the ball (ie. raising the butt of the cue) or lowering your bridge hand to the right level?

a lot of factors, depending on shot circumstance, your technique, your cue tip etc...make it "impossible" to generalise what you need to do to get backspin.

you dont need to cue down on the ball to generate backspin, but in close up shots it can make it much easier, and also can help prevent push shots

[hegeland]

Don't raise the butt of your cue. If you raise the butt any unintentional sidespin will cause the cue ball to curve and change path. Only time you'll want to raise your butt ( ) is when another ball is blocking or when cue ball and object ball are close together or when you want to force an angle (due to the smaller pockets that shot is very rarely used in the snooker world, I saw Steve Davis try it the other day though on the Premier League. In the pool world that is a common shot.)

[The Doctor]

definitely don't raise the butt of the cue. this will only lead to unintentional side. always try to keep the cue as parallel as possible to the bed of the table. lowering the bridge hand is the correct method.

[MrRottweiler]

No matter what shot you are playing your cue should always run paralel with the table and the butt should never be raised. If it is you are cuing down on the object ball and will likely miscue especially if you are playing a deep screw. When down on the shot imagine the cueball is a clockface. To play a screwshot you need to aim at 6 0' clock. Practice slight screw backs first by hitting it just below centre and try to get the cue ball to screw back a few inches. As you get more confident move the cue further down (remember to lower the entire cue)

Playing a screw shot well is more about delivery technique than raw power and hitting the cue ball at the bottom. It needs to be fluent and smooth. Imagine the cueball is a few inches further away from you. This can assist in a good follow through which is also vital in a screw shot. As mentioned the tip should be a good few inches past the cueball after you have completed the shot.

[cocked hat]

screw shots

I haven't seen any mention of tips in any of the replies so far.Top and bottom spin are the two techniques which rely the most on a high level of friction between the ball and the cue.If you are struggling to get a reaction it may be due to a hard tip or it not holding the chalk well.
Remember that not all chalks work well.Over-screwing is just as bad as under so you are trying to eliminate all the things that may affect consistency.
Stance,height and firmness of bridge,ball address,delivery,follow through,type and quality of equipment.

It's a good thing we're all obsessed by this game innit?