Screw Loser across the table
General Points
The shot is played using screw and side, normally striking the cue ball at 4.30 or 7.30. It is quite a difficult shot, so most of your concentration should be on making the shot. Positionally, 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 the appropriate amount of side, contact and screw.
- SIDE - The cue ball should be struck at 4.30 or 7.30 to get the maximum side on.
- CONTACT - On a standard shot the required contact is a thick half ball. If you are above the object ball then a slightly thicker contact will enable the screw and side to take effect. Too thin a contact in this case will sometimes result in the cue ball hitting the cushion just after the object ball, resulting in a missed shot. If you are below the object ball, play the shot thinner to avoid the double kiss. Also, a thick contact here will result in the cue ball coming away from the cushion.
- SCREW - The amount of screw that you use to make the shot depends on the distance from the object ball, the pace and the contact that you use. Strike slightly higher than 4.30 and 7.30 for shots close to the object ball. If you are playing a thinner contact, you will need more screw.
Having Difficulty?
If you are having little difficulty with the shot, try playing it with maximum side and screw every time and only varying the contact.
Standard Shot
Set the object ball fairly close to the side cushion, about 2/3 of the way from the middle pocket to the top cushion. Place the cue ball level with the object ball and and about 2/3 of the way from the Billiard spot to the side cushion.
Higher than the object ball
Move the cue ball slightly towards the top cushion. Hit the object ball slightly thicker and use a bit more screw for this shot.
Lower than the object ball
From the standard position, move the cue ball slightly towards the baulk cushion. Hit the object ball slightly thinner for this shot.
Altering the distance
Now put the cue ball at different distances from the object ball.
Practice Targets
| Beginner | 1/10 | Success rate for scoring here will initially be low and this is a difficult shot to master |
| Club Player | 3/10 | An average player will miss this shot more often than not |
| Professional | 9/10 | This is an simple shot for the top players and they would expect to get it most of the time, leaving the object ball in the middle of the table |
Remember
- Get the side on
- Adjust screw as required,especially as the distance varies
- Aim to leave the object ball in the middle of the table
Common Mistakes
- Hitting the object ball to thick
- Not getting the side on
