Many who are new to the game find that screw is a complete mystery, yet it is
simply a backward or reverse spin given to the cue-ball by striking below centre.
One of the biggest problems faced by those learning to play
the screw shot is that they are almost forced to experiment
with it during an actual game when there is so much else to
concentrate on.
It is best learned by keeping it simple, so to begin with just practise striking the cue-ball below centre. Place the cue-ball
where you can reach it comfortably, and line yourself up to play towards the cushion
at a slight angle. This will prevent the cue-ball coming straight back at you.
Now get in the playing position and lower your bridge so the whole cue is as parallel
to the table as possible. Concentrate on striking the cue-ball below centre and push
through with the cue when you play the shot. It is this forward acceleration of the
cue that applies the backspin.
If you practise in this way, with no object-ball and no pot to worry about, then you
can concentrate on the only thing that matters - striking the cue-ball below centre.
Many players lift the cue off their bridge without realising and strike the cue-ball much
higher than they believe. This exercise will show if you are guilty of this common error.
Place the 'Spider' rest as shown so you have to
cue underneath the handle to strike the cue-ball.
If your cue makes contact with the rest then you're
not controlling the cue as it moves forward. You're
swinging the cue rather than pushing it through.
You may also be holding the cue too tightly as you're able to lift it up off your bridge.
So play the shot again but grip the cue more softly, this makes your wrist more supple
and may help you push the cue through with a more controlled forward motion.
If you can achieve this you will strike the cue-ball more accurately and improve not
only your screw shots but every single shot that you play.
Another worthwhile exercise can be found in the section on Cue-Action
This diagram shows a useful exercise to practise screw.
You should begin from a if you're left-handed, or b if
you're right-handed.
You must pot the pink and screw back for a red, pot
the red and then replace the pink and the cue-ball.
As the reds disappear you have to be more accurate
to gain position on the ones that are left. As your skill
increases you should try to take the reds in order.
When playing this exercise remember to keep your head
down and to push the cue through smoothly. When you need to screw back a little
further simply aim lower on the cue-ball. Play these shots at the same strength and
with the same follow-through and you will quickly become more consistent.
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