Slowed Ball.
Slowing the cue-ball and speeding the object-ball is one of the most important strokes in the game. If the cue-ball be delivered at the pivot centre of the object-ball, the points of impact will be at the greatest diameter of both balls and the exact centres of each ball will meet, and the cue-ball, if hit ¼ below, will stop instantly and rest. If the cue-ball be delivered a hair’s-breadth from the centre of the object-ball, the former will describe a perfect right angle from the object-ball, as illustrated in Plate IV., balls 1 and 6. The fractional divergences from centre in delivery of cue on cue-ball gives that ball a separate and distinct action.
Elevation of the Cue.
Diagram giving the degrees of elevation at which the cue should be held.
The angle line 10° represents the position of cue in making the “draw-jump” shot, the stroke “very hard” ⅝ below centre.
The angle 22½° is for the “jump stroke,” struck ¼ above the centre.
67½° is the “half-massé,” ½ aft the perpendicular or top centre, as hereafter explained under “Massés.”
78¾° is the full massé, the cue-ball being struck ½ aft the perpendicular centre, i.e., looking down from a line above the ball at 90°, at the top centre of the ball, which latter centre is directly over the centre of motion, and the centre of gravity as well.
The common angle—45°—is denoted by a heavy line whereby the player may better gauge the other lines.