Your stance sets the foundation — but your cue action builds the shot. Once your stance feels natural and stable, it's time to focus on improving how you deliver the cue. Two key areas to master are:
Snooker, pool, and golf are among the few sports where you can rehearse your motion before execution. In cue sports, feathering helps you find rhythm, confirm aim, and mentally lock in your stroke — especially when playing shots involving spin.
Skipping this step often leads to rushed execution, poor timing, and missed shots. It’s your chance to prepare with purpose.
Feathering is the smooth, light cueing action you do before taking the actual shot. Most pros use 3–5 warm-up strokes to find their rhythm. Don’t rush — this is the moment to dial in your feel for the shot.
Before you begin feathering:
Once your line feels right, begin your feathers. Pause either at the front or back of the final stroke — whatever feels natural. Then finish with a smooth follow-through that builds pace gradually.
Your body should remain completely still once you’re down on the shot. Only your cueing arm should move.
During warm-up strokes:
Think of it like gently accelerating a car — not slamming the pedal with the police nearby! Controlled acceleration leads to a clean stroke and better cue ball control.
The transition is when your cue finishes the backswing and begins moving forward. This moment should be smooth, natural, and relaxed.
Beginners often rush this or tense up, which breaks rhythm and accuracy. Practice building a cue action that flows — no jerks, no pauses that kill the shot. Let the cue do the work.
Choose the right cue ball height and follow through to the end of the stroke — every time.
Many players stop their cue as soon as it hits the cue ball — but that’s a mistake. A jabbed stroke limits power and usually causes inaccuracy.
Instead, let the cue continue its path naturally after contact. A good follow-through transfers more energy, keeps your line true, and helps with spin and position play.
As you practice more, your mechanics will settle into rhythm. The tension in your arm will ease, your stroke will feel natural, and your confidence will grow.
During the stroke, your eyes should focus about 80% on the object ball and 20% on the cue ball for alignment. Once your bridge hand is planted, shift your focus to confirm cue ball contact point before delivery.
A common mistake when applying side spin is twisting the cue toward the spin direction. This reduces accuracy and control.
Always keep your cue straight — spin is achieved by where you strike the cue ball, not by angling your stroke.
Grip is key here. If your grip is too tight or fingers dominate the action, you may unintentionally twist the cue. Look at the chevrons or arrows on your cue — they should stay aligned through the stroke. (We’ll go into more detail on grip in a future article.)
Great cueing combines all the small elements you’ve been working on:
Practice these together and your game will evolve. You’ll stop thinking about your stroke — and start trusting it.