Quote:
Originally Posted by Valiant Thor
Yes for a friend,he is not open to CTE and I am not an instructor.
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Back in May I participated in a free clinic on banking and kicking by Jerry Briesath. He asked for someone with a good stroke and my buddies pushed me forward. Jerry had me shoot several bank shots the way I hit most banks, using spin here and there.
Then he set several shots up and showed us how they were dead banks just the way they lay, no need for any spin. He said, "Ok, Brian, you've proved to be a good banker, now how would you hit this one?" The shot looked like it was way off, too wide for such a narrow bank. I said I'd aim it thicker and use top inside to shorten the shot up. He said, "I want you to shoot center ball and hit the object ball straight on with a good firm speed." So I did....and the ball split the pocket. I shot 5 or 6 like this, each one dead in the hole though it sure didn't look dead. He had another player try a few and the balls quit hitting the pocket. The guy said, "I'm hitting center ball and aiming straight at the ball." Jerry said, "The cue ball would stop in place if you hit it like I asked, with no drift left or right. You are either missing center cue ball or not aiming straight to the object ball." Just goes to show the importance of stroke when it comes to learning what someone else is trying to teach.
I've spent years and years banking balls with spin because I thought that was the best way to tighten or shorten the angle when needed. He showed me something I never thought about, the action of the ob when sliding into the cushion. If the ball looks like it needs to shorten up, and it's a diamond or less from the cushion, it's more than likely a dead bank with no spin needed.
Jerry gave a great lesson on natural banks and we all learned something. Not sure where your buddy lives, but I hope he finds an instructor as smooth and knowledgeable as Jerry Briesath.