How to use english when playing pool?

English, in billiards (pool) is putting a spin on the cue ball. This is done by hitting the cue ball off center. If you look at a cue ball like a clock face, hitting the cue ball in the center, where the clock hands would be attached to the clock, imparts no English or spin on the ball. If done correctly, the cue ball, after striking the object ball should roll slightly forward, in proportion to the force used. By striking the cue ball anyplace other than the center puts a spin on the ball. The farther out toward the circumference of the ball the more the spin. That is the easy part. To make this happen with consistent results requires: a good stroke, a decent cue tip that can hold a minute layer of chalk, a clean level table with a good cloth and lots of practice. 99% of the time it is best to use minimal force in obtaining the spin. Spin on a cue ball has a gear effect on the object ball meaning the cue ball will spin in the direction of the strike and the object ball will spin in the opposite direction.