The "diamond system study" starts out with an understanding of "table terminology" and applying the components of it to game situations for kicking, banking, position play, and playing safeties. Counting "diamonds" and "diamond segments" will ready you for the "road to victory". Knowing the total number / exact locations of the "dots on the rail" and understanding how the segment relationship of table length vs. table width will cement your position as a tuned player.
Connecting the diamonds" produces "designator tracks" which are directional agents to learning the proper angles a cue ball or object ball may enter a cushion. The "diamond system study" starts with simple concepts of counting segments between 2 points and uses "tracks" for shooting help. Once a "track line" is established, a "parallel shift" is often used to maintain the calculated acute angle for the cue ball and / or object ball entry into the first cushion of contact.
A "tip" of english is often misunderstood. The dimension of one's cue tip off center is not a reliable measurement for this, since tips come in a wide variety of width, type, hardness, and curvature. Two factors define "one tip of English" for diamond system "kick" application - 1) a consistent and defined speed, and 2) the result of hitting the cue ball off center laterally using this programmed speed. These two items can be mastered by any player with any type of cue stick and tip amenity. In this manner every player can be on the same page, so to speak, with an exact understanding of what "one tip of English - by definition" really is during critical game play.
The simplest "diamond system study" calculation is when the cue ball and the object ball are both "equidistant" from a cushion. Counting the diamond segments between the object ball and the cue ball and dividing that number in half provides an easy method of figuring a "kick" angle into the opposite cushion. When the pressure is on and a "fail safe" or "double check"is needed, this system will assure your road to victory is a smooth one.
Sometimes your calculated track line into the opposite cushion is "blocked" by another ball. In these cases, knowing how to calculate a needed application of sidespin based on the extent of the "blockage" will provide shot success. Calculation of the necessarry segment or the "part of a total segment" which "clears the blocking ball" will convert to a prescribed sidespin for the cue ball, which in turn will alter the angle of the cue ball off the first cushion towards its intended target.
One of the most common situations that comes up in play mode is when the cue ball and the object ball are "not equidistant' from the cushion. Using "ghost ball" imagery next to the object ball will aid in calculating a "7th pocket" point on the opposite cushion or on an extension of the opposite cushion. In addition, a simple midpoint calculation between the cue ball and the "ghost ball" will provide a connecting point with the "7th pocket" and subsequent "rack line" with acute angle "kick calculation. A "parallel shift" over to the cue ball center provides an "aim line" for shooting the cue ball into the opposite cushion. A short bridge is vital for accuracy on this shot.
The most highly praised "diamond system" is the "Plus 2" or "basic 2-rail kick system". A simple counting of the number of segments between the cue ball and the object ball on the long rail fulfills the 1st step in the total calculation process. The "end of the last segment" counted in step 1 provides an initial point of reference. A memorized numerical order of half segments on the short rail is then calculated. The foundation points of 5-5 create a "track line" / acute angel calculation and a subsequent "parallel shift" movement over to the center of the cue ball for shooting with an application of 1 tip of sidespin - by definition. Enjoy the beauty of this system!
There are many options for using the "Plus 2" diamond system. Calculated "track lines" of aim at 7-7 and 6-6 and corresponding "parallel shifts" as needed, require slightly less sidespin while calculated "track lines" of aim at 4-4, 3-3, and 2-2 and corresponding "parallel shifts" as needed, require slightly more sidespin due to the compression differences on the first cushion of contact. Normally, these sidespin adjustments decrease or increase in quarter tip increments from the 5-5 application of one tip of sidespin - by definition. Practice and enjoy the roll of the "Plus 2"!
Banking is definitely an art form with a myriad of methods for achieving a successful result. Left brain analysis of a particular bank may render dozens of common systems; however, the "M & M" Banking system carries a simplicity to it that is sure to keep you coming back for more. It is the most accurate to use and the most fun to learn with the unique instructional tools/tips presented. Part 1 of this system include finding 2 points - the "mirror image" pocket and the "midpoint" on the line between the object ball and its intended pocket.
Once the fine tuned mechanics of a player are executed shot after shot, game after game, and match after match, the overall perception of ones billiard journey may still have an unfavorable accent to it. This relates to a boring nature of practice for some and a persistent mystery for others. Getting in touch with the reason we were first attracted to pool in general can be the perfect prescription to long-term game health and enjoying the roll again. Discovering the sight and sound of our beautiful sport is often the hidden practice key for racking up a victory!!
Once you have practiced the "analytical" approach of the "M & M" Banking System on short and long bank shots, it is time to engrain your newfound knowledge into your "right brain". A series of short banks with ball in hand on each one is a perfect regimen to program what I call the "sight and shoot" technique for banking. Keeping the left brain active with "burning focus" will allow the right brain to release the cue stick "automatically" in a smooth and fluent manner. Trusting what you learned the analytical phase of banking and trusting the purity of game mechanics will go a long way to establish pleasant "banking memories" and special "victories" along the way!
When an object ball is close to the cushion, but not frozen to it, the object ball will often "slide" into the 1st cushion for various reasons, causing the banked ball to rebound "short" of its intended pocket. The "non-rolling" motion of the object ball into the 1st cushion can be offset to help make the intended bank work by overcutting the object ball slightly and by reducing the speed of the shot. Continued practice on various types of cloth, different distances, of the object ball to the 1st cushion of contact, and learning the adjustments in speed for each of these factors will reveal a new found joy for making more banks of this type during your billiard journey.
The "frozen" ball bank is often considered to be the hardest bank shot to make. Fortunately, there is one bank of this type that can become your best friend. As in regular pool when a player shoots a shot "at a slower speed", accuracy increases and the shot actually becomes "easier". Shooting a bank harder is normally a deterrent to a higher percentage make rate, so opting for the "easier" option is often referred to as a "smart pool" move. With proper shot identification, a player can hit a frozen ball on the right side with right english with the object ball banking "back to the left" in what will become for many an "easy" and "controlled" shot with more game confidence garnered along the way. For an object ball being banked "back to the right" hitting it on the left side with left English will help grow your knowledge for banking better.
One of the greatest and most often used "kicking" systems is when the cue ball and object ball are in the "same square" of a table. A simple "midpoint" calculation between the cue ball and the object ball with line extension into the pocket away from the shooter, plus a corresponding "parallel shift" to the cue ball with produce amazing results. One tip of "left or right" english (by definition) as determined by the direction the cue ball rebounds from the 1st cushion makes this proven system the one to use when other less favorable options present themselves to you.
One tip of English (by definition) can also be used for another 2-cushion "midpoint" scenario when the cue ball and object are in "opposite squares" of the table and the player is shooting the cue ball "into the square" where the object ball is located. When the cue ball is being shot "away from the square" the object ball is located in one tip of English (by definition) will not work. In this latter case, "favoring" English must be used to make contact with the object ball after the cue ball travels 2 cushions. A shorter bridge helps to maintain accuracy on this type of shot. Using any of the 2-cushion kick systems being presented in these APA instructional segments will add valuable insight for obtaining the highest level of play regardless of challenges you might encounter.
When "diamond systems" began their instructional offering decades ago, the most common presentation included some form of the "50 - 30" study. Often referred to as the "standard 5" system "difficult to calculate" fractions were used and the concept of English was seldom, if ever "defined" specifically. This left many players confused with a feeling that "systems" in general had little or no value and were difficult to learn. A simple "part 1" understanding of the "50 - 30" system showing "object ball return track 20" will take away years from your learning curve for "kicking to an object ball 3 cushions" and will enhance your foundational understanding for "object ball location."
Part 2 of the "50 - 30" system presents an easy to understand foundation for "cue ball location" and how to calculate the "aiming line" for a 3 - cushion shot. The cue ball value of "50" becomes a reference point for future system encounters of this type. Subtracting the "object ball value" of 20 from the "cue ball value" of 50 establishes the 1rst rail aiming value and resultant "aim line" (50 - 30) to shoot the cue ball down on its travel around the table, hence confirming the "50 - 30" system name. This system will come in handy when all other options for kicking at a ball are limited. You will learn to use it with confidence as the joy of hitting or making the object ball 3 cushions will become part of your shooting arsenal.
Learning different "return tracks" and using the cue ball location of 50 will help highlight your understanding of the "50 - 30" system. Subtracting the "10" and "30" return track line values from the "50" cue ball value continue to produce easy to calculate "aim values" and "aiming lines." As these 2 primary return tracks and the 50 cue ball value are firmly planted into your memory banks, others will follow as you study available system information via my instructional products both in written and video format. More opportunities for shooting excellence will present themselves to you; therefore, the more system knowledge you can acquire in this area will produce huge results.
Numbering system such as the "50 - 30" are very accurate when pure mechanics are applied to them. Normally a player can hit an object ball on the exact side they want to hit with calculation double-checking and solid physical and mental approach to the shot at hand. The use of another 3 cushion kick system might be favored by some players that don't want to calculate object ball / cue ball values and specific aiming lines during a match. The "spot on the wall process" applied to the 50 - 30 aiming line and the 2 "convergent points' can be a suitable substitute for doing calculations. Hitting a specific side of an object ball is normally reduced with this system as the "hit zone" expands to the entire object ball, plus either side of it. Using this system can be tons of fun!
Sometimes your opponent will leave you completely safe, or so it appears to be! In this segment a 3-cushion "short track line" is used as a guide to make a ball in the side pocket. Pocket speed is important on this shot, and slight "parallel shifts" of the cue stick can be used when the cue ball is slightly right or left of the demonstrated shot. Experimenting with extreme draw on the cue ball when it is located 1 diamond right of the video position while aiming at the same point on the 1rst cushion can be very valuable in a pinch. This 3-cushion beauty will help you find success when nothing else seems to work. Have fun with this one!
As your quest and passion for more knowledge on kicking systems increases, the 4-cushion kick system presented here will accent your shooting enjoyment. It will become a valuable tool in a variety of challenging pattern situations where other options no longer exist. A very easy track line is obtained with 2 easy to locate diamond points. A small "parallel shift" to either side of this line can also be used to create a successful shot. When you want to add a little variety to your game, try this nifty and easy to use kicking system. By the way, this is one of my most favorite kicks!
One of the easiest and most attractive systems is the 5-cushion kick system. Three easy to learn "designator track lines" (1-1, 2-2, 3-3) provide handy reference aiming lines for almost any cue ball location on the table. Doing a parallel shift to the closest of these track lines and applying slightly more English for the higher number track line will produce valued feedback on this type of system for one's game and a method of showing others the fascination of what our beautiful cue sport has to offer. 5 cushions to "victory" is often the way to execute a shot when a little more competitive excitement is wanted, especially among friends who want to learn as well.
The "reverse" kick shot is always a challenge since players normally have to guess on the exact amount of English to use. This kick system solves the "guess factor" when consideration is given to this type of shot or no other option is available to hit or make a ball. Using a diamond reference point on the long rail creates a line of aim for the cue ball and produces an "exact" English amount as the cue stick crosses over the end rail closest to the shooter. Double lag speed may detour the objective at hand, so try using a shorter bridge and practice this reverse English beauty often.
Once you have studied, implemented, and enjoyed the fruits of many of the systems presented via these online segments, your search and opportunity for learning will expand even more. This instructional segment provides some unique "trick kicks" to have fun with, but more importantly to consider when it looks like there is no other way to shoot a shot. Multiple cushion reverse shots, simple 1 cushion compression kicks, and other "nifty" kicks can be used to win a game, play position, entertain a friend, and "enjoy the roll" even more
Magnetic "trick banks" can also be used to expand horizons of thought and game progress. The Hustler Bank is one of the most famous banks of all time thanks to Paul Newman in his Fast Eddy portrayal from the 1961 blockbuster movie, The Hustler. A unique bank over several blocking balls being made in the opposite side pocket will excite any player and surprise any opponent and/or fan that has never seen it. Adding a little "golf ball" flavor to a cross corner bank is a special way to demonstrate a simple bank when you want to "show off" to a friend or to possibly start your entertainment/exhibition career. Remember, that each "golden nugget" in these segments will help you Rack Up A Victory.. in Your Game and Life... According to Dr. Cue!!!