SPM Billiards Magazine Issue 34

The “Cutting Edge”

By Rick “The White Wolf” Prince

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There are many Shots in Pocket Billiards. Straight shots, Banks, Kicks, and Cuts are the most common. In this edition, I’ll be going over my cutting technique.

It’s like my friend “The Drill instructor” says..., “Sometimes you just “See the Shot” after years and years and many hours Rollin’ the Rock.”

That’s certainly the case with me after 51 years of play, but there is one technique that gives you a very good advantage on cut shots. The “Edge to Edge” cutting system.

Understand that your Ferrule is not just there to hold your Tip on. It’s Your Sight! Looking at it as your sight, just like you would a sight on your rifle, you would be more inclined to keep it very clean. I hate to see a guy or gal with a “Dirty Ferrule” it tells me right away that there most probably not using the “ Tip Ferrule” sighting Method.

Which, in my opinion, gives you an edge. Using the edge-to-edge sighting method is very simple. Imagine a ball 2 Diamonds off the foot rail and only an inch or so off the rail. Your cue ball is also 2 Diamonds off the foot rail but a few inches off the opposite rail. You’re almost straight with the object ball. You’re cutting the ball to the right to pot it in the corner pocket.

You simply go through your stroke routine the same way you always do, but you line up the Right side of your Ferrule to the Very Outer Edge of your object ball. Shooting through the cue ball, oftentimes, it will appear that it doesn’t line up.

This is because you’ve been just trying to “See the Angle” and estimating in the past. Try it a few times with very easy cut shots to start. Then practice using the edge of your Ferrule to shoot “ Full table cut shots”!

Of course, if you’re cutting to the left, you’ll employ the left side of your Ferrule. This technique has been proven time and time again to me when I’m not stroking at my best, i.e., nervous or tired, etc., and has allowed me to make almost impossible Cut shots to win many matches over my 35 some odd years of Competitive pool. It’s definitely a shot you’ll want in your Bag!

So, if you want to “Have an Edge.” on cutting, use the edge-to-edge sighting method. I Am Sure it will “ Up your Game and improve your cut Shots.

Until Next Time “Happy Shootin” From “The White Wolf “

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