The Carom Effect
If you play straight pool, then you understand the importance of Caroms. If you like to fish in 9-ball, then this is a drill for you. Make sure you are aware of all the balls on the table, not only your primary target ball because you may be able to sink two for the price of one.
Understanding that the cue-ball will deflect off at a 90 degree angle after making contact with the object ball is a very important concept to understand when learning cue-ball positioning.
You will use 2 object balls and the cue-ball for this drill.
Place one object ball near a pocket, any pocket. The other put randomly on the table.
You are given ball in hand. Place the cue-ball in a location where you will be able to make both balls. You should hit the cue-ball center in order to judge the delflection at a 90 degree angle. The cue-ball needs to still be sliding when it hits the first object ball.
It is important to remember that at longer distances away from the first object ball the cue-ball must be struck harder. If the cue-ball isn’t sliding, but instead has generated some foward roll, it will not come off the object ball at 90 degrees. The cue-ball will drift foward and deflect at an angle greater than 90 degrees.
Tip: Judge the 90 degree angle from where the cue-ball hits the object ball and not the object ball itself. It is only about an inch difference, but could make a big difference over long distances on the table.