General points

The Screw Loser is a very useful shot that is much easier to play than it looks. On a decent table with a good nap, you will find that the shot is quite easy to play.

Aim to leave the object ball in the middle of the table as It is too risky to do much else with this shot.

The shot is played with lots of side and full screw, striking cue ball at 5 or 7 o'clock. Play at a pace to allow the nap to work on the side, so that the cue ball turns as it travels towards the pocket, hugging the cushion. If the cue ball hits the jaw the side should spin it into the pocket.

Standard shot

Set up the balls as shown in the diagram. Concentrate on 'biting' into the cue ball, striking at 5 o'clock to get the screw and side on. Practice this shot and all of the following shots from both sides of the table, so that you do not favour one side over the other.

Object ball away from the cushion

Set up the balls as shown in the diagram. Concentrate on almost hitting full ball, whilst getting the screw and side on the cue ball.

Straight screwback without side

Set up the balls as shown in the diagram. Concentrate on hitting full ball and getting the backspin on the cue ball. Play at a pace to leave the object ball on for the next shot.

Against the nap

This shot needs to be played at a fairly quick pace to stop the nap from turning the cue ball away from the pocket. Despite the nap, reverse side is still used (in this case left side), so that the cue ball will spin in off the pocket jaws.

Deep screw

You must really 'bite' into the cue ball for this shot. Hit low on the cue ball and follow through.

Practice Targets

Remember

• Strike the cue ball at 5 or 7 o'clock
• Bite into the cue ball with a good follow through

Common Mistakes

• Not getting the side on