How to Apply Backspin

Putting backspin on a ball is a technique used to make the ball move back in the direction it came from after hitting the ground or hitting another ball. Backspin is a useful technique for getting a ball into a position that would appear to be impossible at first glance. While backspin is used in many sports, it is commonly applied by golfers taking an approach shot, billiards players looking for just the right positioning for their next shot and bocce players attacking a protected target.

Instructions

  1. Billiards

    • 1

      Align your shot as you normally would to move the target ball in the desired direction.

    • 2

      Lower the aim of your cue so the top of the cue is aimed at the equator of the ball. Aiming below center is used to create the backspin. However, moving too low will cause the ball to jump.

    • 3

      Hold the cue as level as the rails allow you to without sacrificing the height of the cue.

    • 4

      Strike the cue ball with a firm stroke. The harder you strike the ball the more backspin will be applied, increasing the distance backwards the cue ball travels after striking the target ball.

    Golf

    • 5

      Select a lofted golf club, such as a short iron. The more loft a club has, the more backspin it will naturally apply to the ball and the more vertical the shot will be, allowing for quicker stopping on the green.

    • 6

      Open the club face more, turning the iron so that its face points more vertical, to add spin to a shot.

    • 7

      Open your stance by moving your forward leg slightly away from the target line, to facilitate an open club face and a more lofted shot.

    • 8

      Strike down on the ball with the club. Attempting to lift the ball often results in the bottom of the club striking the ball, not the center of the face, resulting in a low shot without back spin.

    Bocce

    • 9

      Address your target line with four fingers of the hand holding the ball facing forward down the target line, and the thumb behind the ball.

    • 10

      Step forward with the leg opposite your throwing hand, meaning a right handed thrower would step with their left leg.

    • 11

      Swing your throwing arm back, with your arm lowered down by your waist, as you begin the step.

    • 12

      Bring your arm forward as your foot lands and your weight shifts forward.

    • 13

      Flick your wrist up as you release the ball. The overhand grip and flick causes backspin to be placed on the ball.