Gripping the ball

Ever wondered what happens with the tip the moment of impact when it hits the cue ball? No. Have a good look at the picture below.

It is a sheer demonstration how physics work when 2 objects of different compactness and density collide. The object with the least density will be pressed in. Exactly this happens when a tip hits the ball. The tip will be pressed in because the ball is harder.

At the moment of impact the shape of the tip will slightly curve around the ball. That is the precise moment we say the cue is gripping the cue ball.

LET’S DO SOME CALCULATING …

A cueing action forward has an average length of about 30 to 35 cm; devided in 15 to 20 towards the cue ball and 15 cm as from the moment of impact (distances and lengths can vary). The cueing action takes only little in time. Something about 1/3 to 1/4th of a second.

Now comes the tricky part. The distance the cue is covering, gripping the ball, is estimated to be 2,5 to 3 cm. 3 cm is about 1/10th of the total length. Taking into account the acceleration of the cue, we can conclude that our shot is being made in a split second (0,025 to 0,030 of a second).

This calculation is showing how important it is for you to make sure to control the cue action. Every slight deviation, upwards, downwards, sideways during this fraction will have a huge impact on the result.