Billiard Trick Shots: The Masse

As with many billiard trick shots, the masse shot uses spin, or “english,” to curve the cue ball around an obstacle ball and strike the object ball. To understand the motion of a masse shot, think about the way the Earth spins on its axis in free space as opposed to how the Earth moves forward in its orbit. A masse shot is a way of spinning the cue ball on its axis in a different motion from which the cue ball is traveling. Most often, the masse shot is used when a ball is in direct line with the desired shot, therefore turning that ball into an obstacle.  The billiard masse can at times be the best option, even over the jump shot, but several things come into play and must be recognized before you can execute the shot with continuous efficiency.

When shooting the cue ball around an obstacle ball, it is usually in the shooter’s best interest to masse as soft as possible.  When practicing, try slightly arching your pool cue by raising your back arm. Doing this will create a much bigger target.  Also when practicing, try different shot angles along the rail. Not only is this a common shot to use masse, but you can somewhat eyeball and measure the curve angles, kick, and various distances of the ball’s orbit and travel paths using the long, straight rail cushion as a measuring stick.

While practicing, use a striped ball, as you can more easily pick up the rotation of the ball’s axis than with a cue ball or a solid. Try maintaining one stroke speed, changing the angle of the pool cue and the contact point of the pool cue tip.  Take note of all the different ball movements during practice and try to remember them.  Again, using the rail as a guideline when learning stroke speeds and pool cue angles is greatly beneficial to your masse shot learning curve.