How to Hit a Backspin in Pool

Steps

• 1

  Line the cue ball up with an object ball on the pool table so they are about 1 foot apart to practice. Don̵7;t be concerned with making the shot. Instead, first learn the correct technique, and then worry about sinking the object ball in the pocket later.

• 2

  Chalk the cue tip by rubbing the chalk upward around all the edges and across the top. Try not to grind the tip of the cue into the chalk.

• 3

  Hold the cue stick by forming a bridge with one hand; spread fingers and thumb out on the table and rest the cue stick between the thumb and forefinger. Hold the back of the stick with the other hand so that the elbow is up and the forearm swings freely like a pendulum. Grip the stick firmly, but not so tight that the wrist is stiff.

• 4

  Position the tip of the cue stick so it is lined up just below the center of the cue ball. Keep the cue stick level; there is a tendency to raise the back of the cue stick. Draw the stick back, keeping the elbow up with the wrist swinging back and forth directly below it.

• 5

  Strike the cue ball below center, and follow through as if you are trying to hit the object ball with the cue stick. Shoot through the original position of the cue ball. In doing so the swing arm is partly extended in front of you, which pulls the wrist up and directs the tip of the cue down, putting back spin on the cue ball.

• 6

  Snap the stick back quickly so the cue ball has room to retreat back toward you after it makes contact with the object ball. Upon contact between the cue ball and the object ball, the cue ball will stop briefly before spinning backward.