Side & Deflection

Objective: Understand side spin, cue-ball deflection (squirt), throw, cushion reaction and the compensation needed to control them.

Why it matters: Side spin behaves differently on every table and cue, so understanding deflection and throw is what lets you adapt rather than mis-hit.

Watch: [Video placeholder] Demonstration of squirt and throw effects, and how to compensate for them.

Learn: A short guide covering side spin, cue-ball deflection (squirt), throw, cushion reaction, compensation techniques, and how different cues and tips can affect these variables.

See it: [Image placeholder] Diagram showing squirt deflecting the cue ball off its aimed line, and the compensation adjustment needed.

Practise: On your own table and cue, play 10 shots with side into a cushion and record how much compensation you needed to hit your target, since these variables are table- and cue-specific.

Test yourself: 1) What is squirt (deflection)? 2) What is throw, and which type of shot is most affected by it? 3) Why do these effects need to be learned through practice on your own equipment rather than a fixed rule?

Challenge: Find the amount of compensation your own cue and table need for a half-tip of side at medium pace, and confirm it holds across five repeated attempts.

Common mistakes: Applying a fixed, memorised compensation rather than calibrating it to your own cue and table.

Coaching cue: Ask: have I actually tested this compensation on my own equipment, or am I assuming it?

Completion criteria: Consistently compensate for squirt and throw on your own table, hitting the intended target on at least 8 of 10 side-spin shots.