🎱 Main Points – Positional Play in Snooker and Pool
1. Potting Isn't Everything
- Beginners often focus only on potting balls.
- Once you get consistent with potting, it's time to work on cue ball control — positional play.
2. Why Position Matters
- Positional play helps you leave the cue ball in the right spot for your next shot.
- It also lets you play safe shots — like snookering your opponent or making their next shot harder.
3. See the Next Shot Before You Play
- Before each shot, picture where the cue ball should finish.
- Think ahead. Don’t just pot — plan the next move too.
4. Cue Ball Reactions
- Learn how the cue ball moves after different shots.
- Cuts, spins, and speed all change how the cue ball reacts.
- Watch closely to see where the cue ball goes after contact.
5. Practice Straight Shots First
- Start with no spin. Hit straight shots and watch where the cue ball stops.
- Try soft, medium, and firm shots to see how speed changes the outcome.
- Practice with a small amount of side and see how the cue ball reacts and what new positions you can create.
6. Add Spin Gradually
- Once you're confident, practice adding topspin by hitting above centre.
- Try using a half tip and full tip of spin to see how it affects cue ball travel.
- Practice using cushions — with and without object balls — to build skill and control.
7. Build Up to Harder Routines
- Add more object balls to the table.
- Try potting them in sequence while keeping the cue ball in good position.
- If you're out of position, adjust the next shot’s spin or speed to recover.
8. Master the Stun Shot
- A stun shot stops the cue ball dead after contact — no forward or backward roll.
- It's great for staying in control and setting up your next shot.
- Strike the cue ball just below centre and use a smooth follow-through.
- Grip pressure changes here — your grip hand is different than when using topspin.
9. Learn the Draw Shot
- A draw shot pulls the cue ball back toward you after contact.
- This is done with backspin — strike low on the cue ball.
- Start soft and build up speed as your control improves.
- Grip should go from loose to a firm squeeze, like pressing a sponge. This gives even feel and control.
- If your chevrons shift right, you may be twisting with your fingers. If they shift left, you might be letting go too much.