Only those who have to do simple things perfectly
will acquire the skill to do difficult things easily” -Friedrich von Schiller , 1759-1805
This is a tricky shot that requires really a lot of
practice. The idea behind is to
slide the cue ball with enough sidespin
action that after it passes the obstruction...it will
curve back to hit the intended object ball. This
is mostly done effectively with a special massé
stick. The reason why this shot is difficult
is that we're dealing with three-dimensional (down
(z-axis), side (x-axis), and forward (y-axis)) action.
Down stroke to promote the side spin needed...side
stroke to throw the cue ball sideways, forward stroke
to move the cue ball forward. So the combination
of these on one single stroke is really a big
challenge. Where is exactly to hit the cue ball?
Try the diagram below.
Well first you have to determine the x and y
dimension motion (yellow line). This is the side
forward throw...then...draw an imaginary line
perpendicular to it (blue line see diagram) in order
for you to initiate this motion is you have to hit the
cue ball perfectly straight from the top at the
intersection of yellow and blue lines. Doing just
this, will throw the ball the direction of the yellow
line with a draw back action...therefore...the cue ball
will go back to its original starting point.
Now you know where to hit...The next step is to apply a
side spin action. You accomplish this by tilting
the cue butt away from the side and top rails.
With a snap, massive stroke, hit the cue ball exactly
at the same spot. Is that a massé
shot or what!
