Introduction: What Is Throw?

In pool, throw refers to the deviation of the object ball from its expected path due to friction when the cue ball contacts it at an angle or with spin. This friction pushes the object ball offline, resulting in either a missed shot or unintended positioning if the player doesn’t account for it.

Throw occurs in two main forms:

Cut-Induced Throw (CIT): Caused by friction when the cue ball makes contact at an angle.

Spin-Induced Throw (SIT): Caused by side spin (English) on the cue ball, which transfers spin and friction to the object ball.

Understanding and compensating for throw is critical for improving shot accuracy, especially on tight pockets and long-distance cuts.

Types of Throw in Detail

1. Cut-Induced Throw (CIT)

Cut-induced throw happens when the cue ball hits the object ball at a cut angle. The friction between the two balls causes the object ball to be pushed slightly in the direction of the cue ball’s path. The amount of CIT depends on:

Cut Angle: The sharper the angle, the more throw occurs.

Speed: Slower shots increase throw because the cue ball remains in contact with the object ball longer, increasing friction.

Example: On a slow, thin cut to the left, the object ball will be thrown slightly right of the intended line.

2. Spin-Induced Throw (SIT)

Spin-induced throw occurs when the cue ball has side spin (English) during contact. The spin generates additional friction, causing the object ball to be thrown in the opposite direction of the spin.

Right English throws the object ball to the left.

Left English throws the object ball to the right.

Note: The amount of SIT increases with more spin and decreases with faster shot speed.

3. Throw in Combinations

Throw can also occur in combination shots, especially when the object balls are frozen or have a small gap between them. In frozen combinations, throw is maximum with a stun shot because the first object ball doesn’t have time to start rolling before contacting the second ball.

Frozen Combinations: If the first object ball is hit directly along the line of centers, there is no throw. However, if the cue ball hits slightly off-center, the throw will push the second ball in the direction of the cut.

Small Gap Combinations: Even with a small gap between balls, throw can significantly affect the direction of the second ball. When the gap is exactly 3/8 of an inch, the throw can cancel out the cut over a wide range of angles.

4. Maximum Throw Conditions

Maximum throw generally occurs when:

The shot is close to a half-ball hit.

The speed is slow.

The cue ball has a stun effect (no follow or draw).

Maximum throw can result in up to one inch per foot of object ball travel (or half a ball per diamond on a nine-foot table).

Key Factors Influencing Throw

Cut Angle: Larger cut angles result in more throw.

Spin Amount: More side spin increases spin-induced throw.

Shot Speed: Slower shots produce more throw, while faster shots reduce it.

Ball Conditions: Dirty or worn balls increase friction and therefore throw, while clean, polished balls reduce it.

Table Conditions: Humidity and table cloth wear can affect how much friction is generated during contact.

Surface Contamination: Chalk marks or other debris at the contact point can lead to excessive throw, known as cling or skid. Keeping the balls clean helps reduce this effect.

Advanced Concept: Gearing Outside Spin

Gearing outside spin refers to using just the right amount of outside English so that the cue ball "rolls" along the object ball during contact, like meshing gears. This eliminates throw entirely, ensuring the object ball travels along the expected line of aim.

Example: On a thin cut to the left, applying a precise amount of right spin (outside spin) can eliminate throw, allowing a pure ghost ball aim.

However, achieving gearing outside spin requires precise control, and the exact amount of spin varies with different cut angles. It’s not always practical during games, especially when position play requires specific spin and speed combinations.

How to Compensate for Throw

1. Adjust Your Aim

For most shots, the simplest way to compensate for throw is by slightly overcutting the shot. Aim to hit the object ball thinner than you normally would.

Example: On a thin cut to the left, aim slightly further left than your usual ghost ball aim to account for the throw pushing the object ball right.

2. Use Faster Shot Speed

Increasing shot speed reduces throw by minimizing the time the cue ball stays in contact with the object ball.

Tip: Be cautious with fast shots—while they reduce throw, they can make position play more difficult.

3. Minimize English

Unless side spin is necessary for position play, avoid using it on shots where throw could cause a miss. Center-ball hits produce no SIT, making aiming more straightforward.

4. Use Gearing Outside Spin When Possible

When you can judge the correct amount of outside spin, gearing outside spin eliminates throw entirely. This technique is especially useful on tight cuts where precision is critical.

5. Clean the Balls

To minimize cling or skid, regularly clean both the cue ball and object balls. This helps maintain consistent friction and reduces unexpected throw.

Common Mistakes When Dealing with Throw

Overcompensating: Some players over-adjust their aim, resulting in overcuts. Make small, precise adjustments.

Relying Too Much on Spin: Excessive use of English increases SIT and can complicate aiming.

Neglecting Speed Control: Forgetting to adjust shot speed can lead to unnecessary throw on slow shots.

Ignoring Table and Ball Conditions: Always be aware of how clean or worn the balls and table are, as these factors can significantly impact throw.

Forgetting to Wipe Chalk Marks: Chalk buildup can increase cling and cause unexpected throw. Wiping the cue ball and object balls regularly helps maintain predictable shot behavior.

Practice Drills for Throw Compensation

Drill 1: Cut Shot Throw Awareness

Set up a medium cut shot without spin.

Shoot at different speeds (slow, medium, fast) and observe how throw affects the object ball’s path.

Practice adjusting your aim to compensate for the throw at each speed.

Drill 2: Spin-Induced Throw Drill

Set up a straight-in shot with the object ball one foot from the pocket.

Apply left and right English alternately, using the same speed for each shot.

Note how the object ball is thrown off-course and practice compensating by adjusting your aim.

Drill 3: Gearing Outside Spin Drill

Set up thin cuts at various angles.

Apply outside spin and practice finding the correct amount of spin to achieve gearing outside spin (no throw).

Focus on consistency—this drill helps develop feel and precision for eliminating throw.

Final Thoughts

Throw is a complex but essential concept in pool. Whether it’s cut-induced or spin-induced, throw can dramatically affect your shots, especially on long cuts or shots into tight pockets. By understanding how throw works and practicing compensation techniques—adjusting your aim, varying shot speed, minimizing unnecessary spin, and mastering gearing outside spin—you can greatly improve your accuracy and consistency.

It’s also important to understand how cling or skid, caused by chalk marks or dirty balls, can lead to unexpected throw. Regularly cleaning your equipment can significantly reduce these issues.

For more detailed explanations and demonstrations on throw, check out Dr. Dave Billiards’ videos, "Top 10 Things You Need to Know about THROW - Part 1" (YouTube) and "Top 10 Things You Need to Know about THROW - Part 2" (YouTube). These videos were instrumental in materializing this blog, providing clear and insightful explanations that greatly helped in understanding the concept of throw. I can’t recommend Dr. Dave enough for players looking to deepen their knowledge of pool techniques.