This article isn’t about a medical stroke (although after a bad shot, it sure feels like it! 😅). We’re talking about the most important part of your snooker or pool game — your cue stroke.
A good stroke is what separates top players from casual ones. It's about the speed, rhythm, and follow-through. In this guide — along with future videos featuring Stan Moody — we’ll show what a smooth, powerful stroke should look like and how to build one.
🔁 What Makes a Great Stroke?
The ideal stroke is straight, smooth, and followed by clean delivery. Your cue should travel at least 4 inches past the cue ball, and for power shots or draw (screw) shots, aim for 6 inches or more.
Pro Tip: Place an object ball beyond the cue ball on the same line. Play a shot and see how far past the cue ball your follow-through goes. It’s a great way to check your technique.
🎯 Before You Stroke — Set Up First
Once you’ve chosen your tip height, cue speed, and shot type — stop cueing. Get everything locked in before you get down. Side spin must be set before your stance and during your aiming routine — not while you're on the shot.
If you cue as you drop down, you lose control. Your shoulder may rise, your stroke shortens, and you limit your follow-through. This one detail is often missed by coaches — but it makes all the difference.
When you’re fully set and confident in your aim, only then should you start cueing.
🧘♂️ Find Your Rhythm
Every player needs rhythm. In practice, try counting your strokes:
One... Two... Three... Comeback... Pause... Deliver.
When done right, the follow-through feels natural — and the contact sounds sweet. That “pop” you hear when the object ball is struck cleanly? That’s your stroke doing the work with less effort.
Eventually, this rhythm becomes a habit. But under pressure, habits break — so having a routine helps you stay focused and repeat your best stroke when it matters most.
🧠 Calm the Mind, Focus the Shot
Match pressure changes everything. One trick that works? Tell your brain there’s only one ball on the table. Forget about the rest. Just plan your position and play the shot — one ball at a time.
🧭 Build a Setup Routine
Like a golfer adjusts their stance before every swing, cue sport players need a repeatable routine. It helps with timing and teaches you to feel when something is off.
Your cueing action (or “feathers”) should be smooth and even. Don’t rush. The final pull back should be slow, with a pause at the back before a straight, clean follow-through. Practice this on the baulk line — it helps build trust in your stroke.
Note: Some players pause at the front, others at the back — or both. Find what works for you, not just what a coach says works for them.
🧍♂️ Cue Setup and Body Position
Your cue should lock into position:
- Bridge hand firm, with finger pads gripping the cloth
- Cue touching your chest or side for support
- Chin placed on the cue while aiming
The cue should stay on your chin during the backswing,