Spin is a critical aspect of pocket billiards. When the cue ball is struck with English (spin), it imparts a rotational force on the ball, causing it to curve and change direction. The spin also interacts with the table's friction, affecting the ball's motion.
The type of shot played in pocket billiards can be broadly classified into two categories: solids and stripes. However, from a scientific perspective, the most critical factor is the type of collision that occurs between the cue ball and the object ball. Science of Pocket Billiards download pdf
The coefficient of restitution (COR) is a measure of the elasticity of a collision. In pocket billiards, the COR is typically around 0.9, indicating that the collision is nearly elastic. However, the COR can vary depending on factors like the balls' material, the table's surface, and the cue stick's tip. Spin is a critical aspect of pocket billiards