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Cueing Academy

Pool glossary · Aiming & Physics

Throw

Also called: Collision-induced throw, Spin-induced throw, Cling

What is throw in pool?

Throw is friction between the cue ball and object ball pushing the object ball a little off the line of centers. Cut shots throw the object ball slightly toward the direction of the cue ball's motion, and sidespin can add or cancel throw.

In more detail

Throw is usually a few degrees at most but enough to miss on long or thin shots. It is greatest at slow speed and half-ball hits, and with dirty balls ('cling' or 'skid'). Outside english reduces cut-induced throw.

People also ask

How much does throw affect a shot?

Commonly 1–4°, which can be a ball's width on a long cut. Faster shots and clean balls reduce it.

Train it at the table

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