'An
extreme form of swerve, played with an almost vertical strike'.
The
masse shot is used in extreme situations, often when you
are placed in a snooker. It is particularly useful when
there is a short distance between the cue ball and the snookering
ball, or between the snookering ball and the object ball.
As
demonstrated in the picture opposite, the masse shot is
one of the few shots that requires extreme downward striking
on the cue ball. The cue is held as close to the vertical
as possible and brought down sharply with very little follow
through.
The
gripping hand is brought down the cue for comfort and control,
with the bridge hand raised on three fingers to form a suitable
groove for the cue.
As you would imagine, this is a difficult discipline to
master and will take a great deal of practice to work out
the varying degrees of spin required to achieve your objectives.
How the cue ball will spin, depends entirely on how you
strike it and at what pace.
If you strike down on the back of the cue ball, the ball
will initially go forwards and will then come back as the
backspin takes effect. Striking the front of the cue ball
will initially propel the ball backwards, until the spin
takes effect and brings the cue ball forward with extreme
topspin.
Should
either shot be struck left or right of centre from this
vertical position, the cue ball will react consistent with
the side-spin imparted.
The
'Masse' Shot is rarely required, but when played correctly
can be a match winner. Try it out, but be warned - this
is a very difficult part of the game to perform well.
