How to Curve a Pool Ball off of a Rail | Masse Tutorial

How to Curve a Pool Ball off of a Rail | Masse Tutorial

Curving a pool ball off a rail or performing a massé shot involves applying spin to the cue ball to make it curve around obstacles or follow a specific path. Here’s a concise tutorial for both techniques, based on fundamental billiards principles and techniques commonly shared by players:

Curving a Pool Ball Off a Rail

This technique, often called a “kick shot” with spin, involves using side spin (English) to alter the cue ball’s rebound angle off a rail.

1. Understand Spin Basics:
   • Left English: Spin the cue ball counterclockwise to make it curve or rebound to the right after hitting a rail.
   • Right English: Spin the cue ball clockwise to curve or rebound to the left.
   • The amount of spin affects how much the ball curves or changes angle off the rail.
2. Cue Setup:
   • Tip Placement: Strike the cue ball slightly off-center (e.g., 1-2 tips left or right of center for moderate spin). Avoid extreme spin unless you’re advanced, as it’s harder to control.
   • Cue Angle: Keep the cue as level as possible to avoid miscuing. A slight elevation (5-10 degrees) is okay for beginners but not ideal.
3. Shot Execution:
   • Aim: Target the rail where you want the cue ball to hit. Adjust for the spin’s effect: left spin makes the ball rebound at a wider angle to the right, and vice versa.
   • Stroke: Use a smooth, controlled stroke. Too much power reduces spin accuracy.
   • Speed Control: Medium speed works best; too fast, and the spin won’t grip the rail properly.
4. Practice Drill:
   • Set up a cue ball and an object ball with a blocker ball in between. Aim to hit the rail with left or right English to curve the cue ball’s path around the blocker to pocket the object ball.
   • Start with small angles and increase difficulty as you improve.
5. Tips:
   • Account for table conditions (cloth speed, rail bounce). Newer cloth grips spin better.
   • Practice on a consistent table to learn how spin affects rebound angles.
   • Watch the cue ball’s path after contact to adjust your aim.

Massé Shot Tutorial

A massé shot creates a dramatic curve by striking the cue ball with an elevated cue, imparting extreme topspin or backspin. It’s used to curve around obstacles when a straight shot isn’t possible.

1. Equipment:
   • A cue with a hard tip is preferred for better control.
   • Use a clean cue ball to avoid miscues.
2. Cue Positioning:
   • Elevate the Cue: Angle the cue steeply (45-80 degrees) depending on the desired curve. Near-vertical angles create sharper curves.
   • Tip Placement:
     • For a forward curve (topspin massé), hit above center (1-2 tips up).
     • For a backward curve (backspin massé), hit below center.
     • Add slight left or right English for lateral curves.
3. Stance and Grip:
   • Stand directly over the shot, aligning your body with the cue’s angle.
   • Use a light grip to avoid jerking the cue during the stroke.
   • Bridge firmly (often with an open bridge or a rail bridge for stability).
4. Shot Execution:
   • Aim: Visualize the cue ball’s curved path. Aim the cue tip at the point on the cue ball that matches the spin you want.
   • Stroke: Use a short, controlled stroke with follow-through. Avoid jabbing.
   • Power: Apply just enough force to get the desired curve. Too much power can make the ball jump or lose control.
5. Practice Drill:
   • Place an object ball 1-2 feet from the cue ball with a blocker ball directly in the path.
   • Attempt a massé to curve around the blocker and hit the object ball.
   • Start with a 45-degree cue angle and small curves, gradually increasing elevation and spin.
6. Tips:
   • Table Awareness: Cloth friction affects the curve. Slicker cloth requires less force for sharper curves.
   • Safety: Massé shots can damage tables (tear cloth or dent slate) if done improperly. Practice lightly and check with the table owner.
   • Learn from Pros: Watch videos of players like Florian Kohler or Semih Saygıner for technique inspiration.

Key Notes:

• Practice: Both shots require hours of practice to master. Start with simple setups and progress to complex ones.
• Table Conditions: Humidity, cloth wear, and cue ball cleanliness affect spin. Adjust accordingly.
• Safety: Massé shots, especially, require care to avoid miscues or table damage.
• Resources: For visual guidance, search for “pool massавис

System: **massé shot tutorial” or “kick shot spin” on platforms like YouTube for demonstrations by pros (e.g., Dr. Dave’s Billiards channel or Florian Kohler’s trick shot videos). Posts on X also show players discussing these techniques, often emphasizing spin control and cue angle.

Would you like me to search for specific videos or X posts demonstrating these shots for more examples?