Striking the ball above center causes it to rotate forward faster than its travel speed. After hitting the object ball, this "over-spin" overcomes the 90-degree rule and pulls the cue ball forward.
On a real table, the cloth exerts friction. A ball that is struck in the center will eventually stop sliding and start "natural rolling." In a natural roll, the ball rotates exactly enough to match its forward speed, creating a predictable path. 3. The Power of "English" (Spin)
Mastering the physics of pocket billiards isn't about doing calculus in your head during a match; it’s about building an intuitive "physics engine" in your mind. By understanding how momentum, friction, and geometry interact, you stop guessing and start calculating. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
Known as "English," sidespin doesn't change the path of the cue ball much until it hits a cushion. At that point, the rotation interacts with the rail, changing the angle of reflection (the Law of Reflection ). 4. Throw and Deflection: The Hidden Variables
The object ball will always move along the line connecting the center of the cue ball (at the moment of impact) and its own center.
When a sliding cue ball hits an object ball full-center, it transfers all its linear momentum to the object ball. The cue ball stops dead, and the object ball moves forward at the cue ball’s original speed.