What Is English in Pool? Side Spin Made Simple
Quick answer: English in pool is side spin on the cue ball. You put it on by hitting the cue ball to the left or right of center. Left english makes the cue ball spin to the left, and right english makes it spin to the right. English mostly changes what the cue ball does after it hits a rail. It can also change the path of the cue ball and the object ball a little, through effects called squirt, swerve, and throw. Most players use english only when they need it, because center ball hits are easier to control.
Many people think english means any spin. In most pool talk, english means side spin. Top and bottom spin are usually called follow and draw.
Left and Right English
- Left english: Hit the cue ball left of center. The ball spins to the left.
- Right english: Hit the cue ball right of center. The ball spins to the right.
You can also mix side spin with follow or draw, such as low left or high right.
What English Does Off a Rail
The biggest effect of english is on the rail. When the spinning cue ball hits a cushion, the spin grabs and changes the angle it comes off.
- Running english is spin in the same direction the ball is moving along the rail. It makes the cue ball come off longer and faster.
- Reverse english is spin against that direction. It makes the cue ball come off shorter and slower.
Players use this to move the cue ball for position on the next shot.
Squirt, Swerve, and Throw
English also has side effects. Knowing them helps you avoid misses.
Squirt. When you hit off center, the cue ball pushes a little away from the side you hit. Hit right and the cue ball goes a little left of your aim line. This is also called deflection.
Swerve. The spin can curve the cue ball a little on the way to the object ball, mostly on slower shots or when the cue is raised.
Throw. Spin on the cue ball can push the object ball a little off line when they touch. That changes where the object ball goes.
Squirt and swerve can work against each other, and the amount depends on your cue, speed, and distance. That is why players practice with their own cue.
When to Use English
- To change the angle off a rail for position.
- To help a ball that is frozen on a rail in some cases.
- To fix a small throw issue on a cut shot.
- On banks and kicks, when you know how it will change the angle.
When to Avoid It
- When a center ball hit will get you where you need to go.
- On long, hard shots where squirt can make you miss.
- When you are new and still learning your stroke.
How to Practice English
- Set up a shot where the cue ball hits a rail after contact.
- Shoot it with center ball. Watch the path.
- Shoot it with a little right english. Watch the path.
- Shoot it with a little left english. Watch the path.
- Use small amounts, about one tip off center, before you try more.
To learn other ways to control the cue ball, see what is a stun shot in pool and what is cue ball path. For big curve shots, see what is a masse shot in pool.
Key Points
- English means side spin.
- It mostly changes the angle off a rail.
- Running english lengthens the angle and reverse english shortens it.
- Squirt, swerve, and throw are side effects to learn.
- Use english only when you need it.
Keep Reading on This Site
- What Is a Bank Shot in Pool? How It Works and How to Aim It
- What Is a Lag in Pool? How the Lag for the Break Works and How to Win It
- What Is a Masse Shot in Pool? How the Cue Ball Curves and When to Use It
- What Is a Kiss Shot in Pool? How Kisses Work and When to Use Them
- What Is a Double Hit in Pool? The Foul Explained Simply
- What Is the 90 Degree Rule in Pool? Predict Where the Cue Ball Goes
Frequently Asked Questions
What does english mean in pool?
English means side spin on the cue ball, put on by hitting left or right of center.
What is running english?
It is side spin in the same direction the cue ball is moving along the rail. It makes the ball come off the rail longer.
What is reverse english?
It is side spin against the direction of travel along the rail. It makes the ball come off shorter.
Why do I miss when I use english?
Side spin causes squirt, swerve, and throw, which can move the cue ball or object ball off your aim line.
Should beginners use english?
Beginners do best with center ball, follow, and draw first, then small amounts of english once the stroke is steady.