TECHNIQUE - Tony Robles’ Deflection Drills

Master the Art of Spin with a Predator Shaft

“As both a player and a teacher, I have learned that more than 50 percent of all shots are missed due to the fact that players don’t know how to adjust for deflection – that’s when they get into the bad habit of avoiding spin.  Not using spin will limit their ability to play position and stops them from improving their game.

The key to playing with a Predator shaft is experimenting with different hitting speeds. With either the 314² or Z², you’re going to feel and see a difference in how the cue ball and object balls react.” 

Deflection Differences Between 314² and the Z²

“The 314²– my personal preference – is perfect for players that like to adjust their shots, but want to have more assurance on where the object ball will land. It lets me aim the object ball to the center of the pocket and then adjust, or swivel, my back hand position to compensate for deflection.  With a normal shaft, I’d have to aim the object ball away from the pocket and then adjust my back hand position also.  That’s too much guesswork – the 314² is a big confidence builder because when I play with it, I know where I’m aiming… and the ball actually goes there, too. 

The Z² is better for players that want more access to spin without adjusting much. It’s what I call the Miracle Shaft. Within a three to four foot range, I was able to aim the ball straight to the center of the pocket, with as much spin as I wanted, and I got no deflection whatsoever.  I could see right away how this would help someone take their game to the next level.”

Test How Deflection Works with Tony's Deflection Drills

To practice deflection, use the illustrations below to set up your shot. Each depicts the aiming point and the paths the object ball will take with a Z² shaft, a 314² shaft, and a conventional shaft. Note, the “Desired Cue Ball Path” shown is approximate and will vary slightly depending on the shaft you’re playing with. As you improve, practice these shots with different distances between the cue ball and the object ball. Once you get to a five to six foot range, you will need to make an adjustment and aim the object ball closer to the rail by the point of the pocket. 

 

Deflection Drill: Aim high left on the cue ball for left english and right deflection.

 

Deflection Drill: Aim high right on the cue ball for right english and left deflection.