General Points

The first step to playing a successful Long Jenny is to set the cueball accurately in the D for the thick half-ball loser. Take care to make small adjustments until you are happy that the angle you have set is correct. With practice you will gradually learn to recognize the angle more quickly, but even after you become quite confident of getting a high percentage of Long Jennies, care still must be taken to position the cueball accurately in the D. As the table conditions change, the setting angle will need to be adjusted to allow for the nap on that particular table.

For shots on the right side of the table address the cueball at 2 o'clock and for those on the left, use 10 o'clock. Above centre striking is normally required to avoid any stun on the cue ball. As the long jenny is played with a moderate pace set the cue ball back in the D to give more distance from the object ball; this will ensure that the cue ball is rolling nicely by the time it reaches the object ball and that you do not inadvertently get a stun effect. The bigger the distance between the cue ball and the object ball, the lower you can address the cue ball. The more side that you get on the cue ball, the easier the shot is.

It is important to accelerate though the cueball with a good 'follow-through' in order to get the side on. The side will cause the cue ball to turn towards the side cushion and also has the added effect of helping the cueball into the pocket should it hit the far top jaw (it effectively widens the pocket).

Pace

A moderate pace is used, to bring the object ball back across the table to bounce off the opposite side cushion above the middle pocket. The aim is normally to to leave a loser into one of the top pockets, but if the other ball is situated nicely you may be able to play the jenny at a slightly different strength to leave a cannon.

Distance from the cushion

The long jenny generally becomes easier as the object ball gets closer to the side cushion because the path to the top pocket will be nearly parallel to the cushion and you therefore do not have to judge how much the side will turn the cue ball as it travels to the pocket. In this case just get the side on and let the cue ball spin along the cushion. When the object ball is well away from the pocket the cue ball can not spin along the cushion so you now have to judge the pace correctly to achieve the correct cue ball trajectory - this is critical. With too much pace the cue ball will not turn enough and will hit the top cushion and if you play too slowly the cue ball will turn too much and hit the side cushion.

Nap

The nap has a massive influence on this shot. For example, on a table with a good nap and with the object ball near the cushion, the shot will be relatively easy as the cue ball will hug the cushion. However, the same shot on a shaved snooker cloth is much more difficult as the side barely reacts on the nap.

The Very Long Jenny

There is a variation to this shot that is in effect a Very Long Jenny. This is when the object ball is past the middle pocket. In this case set the cue ball at the front of the D and push the cue through at 5 or 7 o'clock, getting stacks of side on. This shot has to be played at a slightly faster pace than the standard long jenny or the side will bite on the nap and the ball will turn too much before reaching the object ball.

Standard shot

Start by setting cue ball half-way between the middle spot in the D and the right spot, on the baulk line. Set the object ball 7 inches (178 mm) inches from the side cushion and 57½ inches (1461 mm) inches from the baulk cushion. The position may need some adjustment depending on the conditions but is a good starting point.

Variations

After you can make this shot 2/10 move the object ball to a new position fairly close to the first one and mark the position with a small chalk mark and now try to set the cue ball yourself; you will find this much more difficult. Repeat this shot until you find the correct cue ball position and then repeat the whole procedure from both sides of the table until you are confident that you can make the shot 4/10 from any new position.

The very Long Jenny

You need to avoid the double kiss on this shot. Play the shot briskly, striking below centre.

Practice Targets

Remember

• Set the cue ball accurately
• Address the cue ball at 2 (or 10) o'clock
• Follow through and get the side on
• Try to bring the object ball away from the side cushion

Common Mistakes

• Stunning the shot
• Not getting the side on