Spinning
One of the first things that everyone wants to to talk about when I mention posting for beginners is… spinning. In the beginning there is always spinning because it is the easiest way to get power on a shot. Players that want to get more serious about their game quickly learn that spinning is a bad idea.
First; It is not allowed in tournament play, period. So If you ever want to try your hand at tournament play it is best to get away from the spinning technique immediately.
Second; You have virtually no control of the ball when practicing the spinning technique, and scoring on yourself is a very real possibility.
Third; It is hard on the table. It can break the pins that hold the men, and even the men themselves. When that happens it usually ends the game until repairs can be made.
But then there is the problem of being in the bar and a cute girl/boy wants to play but they start spinning. Do you let lust rule and let it happen or do you let loyalty to the game rule and call them on it. Hmmmm. In all honesty I would probably let lust rule and keep my mouth shut on the subject. Unless a relationship develops later, then it’s time for the talk. I mean unless there is money on the line I think fun is important too.
Local rule
When I use to live in Pensacola there was a young lady that started coming around the tournament that was happening then. She had developed a controlled spin shot; she let go of the handle but then grabbed it again before a full rotation. Much discussion ensued. The general consensus among the players was; that in the strictest interpretation of the rules it was considered a legal shot because she would catch it before a full rotation. (And everyone wanted more women involved in the tournament.) So they let it ride, with some dissent.
But it all worked out in the end. She developed a wicked pull shot and got away from the spin shot. And more women began coming to the tournament.
Fun Rule
I don’t care for spinning, and try to discourage it whenever I can. But I am not going to go up to a group of people laughing and joking and spinning at a bar table and tell them they are doing it wrong. What good would that do? They probably don’t care as long as they are having fun.
How you react to spinning is a personal decision. I just want to remind everyone; remember to have fun.