There are two types of english: running and reverse. Running english "opens" up the rebound angle off the cushion and helps the CB “run” around the table. "Opening the angle" means that the angle created when using running english is larger than it would be if no english were used (see diagram 4).
Line C represents the natural path of the CB (no draw, follow, or english is used). Line D represents the path of the CB if we use running english, in this case, right english (3 o'clock). Note that the angle created by BD is bigger than the angle created by BC. This is an example of opening the angle. Reverse english "closes" the rebound angle off the cushion (see diagram 5).
Line C represents the natural path of the CB. Line D represents the path of the CB if we use reverse english, in this case, left english (9 o'clock). Note that the angle created by BD is smaller than the angle created by BC. This is an example of closing the angle. Reverse english tends to slow the CB down when it contacts the rail, which is why it is also known as “kill” english.
