08. Aiming in Snooker - Where should you look?

[@coolmind2476]

When I first watched this video many months ago I could not understand that there is a major difference in these techniques... Then my passion for Snooker grew and I practiced cueing on my office table through the handle of a coffee cup (2cm). I realized, without having this video in mind, when I observe the cue coming back straight I can play the shot best with closed eyes without the cue touching the handle. So suddenly this all makes sense. Thank you so much Barry!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Cool. Sorry for late reply. I have been on holiday. Its these little things that can make all the difference.

[@keithguenzel2312]

I've got some much respect for Barry. His videos have done more then improve my game, they've removed doubt from my game and for that he's a great man. Thank you Barry !

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Keith. Great to hear. My pleasure.

[@wadepatton2433]

As a Yank, I came up learning to play 8-ball. Today I find Barry Stark and now I'm totally fascinated by Snooker. Thanks so much and your videos are excellent productions-a rare thing indeed for this venue. Lots to learn, love learning.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Wade. My pleasure.

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

Agree with your assessment. I also grew up playing in the U.S. playing 8 Ball and 9 Ball. Some of the snooker coaches I've found are extremely good on KZbin. I haven't been able to pause on my back stroke as most snooker players do yet and the stance a snooker player uses faces much more forward than players in the U.S. and I haven't been able to do that either. Snooker players play on a 12 ft table, I play on a 9 ft table. The balls they use are smaller and the pockets are also smaller. Allison Fisher has a snooker background and has that pause snooker players use and nobody can deny how dominant she was for so many years in the U.S. But most snooker players don't dominate in the U.S. However it is much more likely that a snooker player will win in the U.S. than an 8 ball or 9 ball player from the U.S. will dominate a snooker tournament across the pond.

[@GeoJesse]

@@BladeRunner-td8be i think the snooker players dont play 8 ball as much because it would could possibly affect their snooker game.

[@dhirajpallin2572]

There's lots of amateur snooker players who play pool as well. The pros just don't cause they're too busy practicing their game that brings in the $$$.@@GeoJesse

[@dhirajpallin2572]

In terms of just learning pure technique, there's probably nobody better than a snooker coach. Obviously they're not going to know all the patterns from pool and the use of side is quite different. Pool players tend to use the 'clock face method' and natural angles a lot and are hesitant to play stun shots that require very fine-grain vertical cue-tip precision, whereas snooker players _love_ their stun shots and employing very fine-grain control of vertical tip position on the center line of the cue ball. I guess that's partially because running out of position in snooker is not the end of the world, since you can just play a safety to the balk cushion, whereas running out of position in pool can be absolutely devestating.

[@locarno1234]

Hi Barry, played for 7 years using option 1 on your video, changed to your favourite one and pot success and breaks are amazing, thanks for videos, you are easily the best coach on you tube, no disrespect to others, but your teaching background comes through very well in your vids, all the best

[@LearnEnglishwithHamidAli]

You are right sir ,but you know I have been the game for years. When I play with English I somehow hit the ball hard which create unnecessary or no spin the ball .

[@stephen9821]

Fantastic coach. Watched most videos but this one has made such a difference. Focussing 100% on the object ball whilst striking the cue ball has improved my potting hugely. Takes some getting used to, and requires immense trust in your own cue action but picking the spot on the cue ball and maintaining eye contact takes discipline but works !

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Stephen. All top players look at the object ball when they play the shot, the only real question is at what point in the cue action are the eyes fixed on it for the final time. That is an individual thing and you are right, you have to trust that action, good luck.

[@glipquux]

I watched this two weeks ago and processed it in a confused way and have been practicing method 3 since then. woops! have to rewatch this a few times and think about what method to use.

[@ya2121]

Whatever Barry Stark uses, I now use

[@ciarancooling3014]

I found today something really helpful, I’ve been focused on my technique, how close my bridge hand was to the cue ball, my unfurl and refurl, how my cue was positioned realtive to my dominant eye, two things lined up for me today that improved my game immensely. 1) my stance became fixed, I’m aware of the proper stance but wouldn’t naturally get into it on a shot, today I found myself sliding into it naturally with my left leg bending and my right straighting, 2) I looked at the object ball. I would always focus my feathers on the cue ball and then flick my eyes to the object ball at the last second, today I looked at the object ball for the entirety of my swing after the feathers. I knocked in almost everything in sight, long balls, cushion shots, even cut backs into blind pockets. Postion came naturally as well. My swing technique remained unchanged, I was amazed. I tested how cavalier I could be with my pre shot routine and still pot that balls. My technique margin for error is wider then I though with these little changes

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ciaran. It is often little things that can make a massive difference, great that you have found something that works for you, good luck with the progress.

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

Such a long post which shows me that your passion for the game cannot be questioned. I also make long posts, probably about 50 percent of the time. One thing that I have noticed as I practice is that it takes a few days before I know if some new thing that I'm doing is helping my game. Many times the thing I think I figure out to help my game only works for a little while and then I'm standing there scratching my head, wondering why it worked before but not now. Hopefully this thing you have figured out to increase the quality of your play works forever, but be aware is all I'm saying. Cheers

[@craighart9278]

You're a gem. Ta for sharing your knowledge. Appreciated.

[@usmanusman6312]

these tips helps me too much to improve my game. Barry Stark is really nice couch.I admire him as a my virtual teacher.

[@blitzsah]

Barry, thanks for your videos. Always very informative and to the point.

[@josephheikes1459]

What a great video, thanks Barry.

[@halnineooo136]

Excellent teacher

[@RyanEdwardJesso]

I think the method I use is similar to number 3, but I kind of focus on the middle point between the object ball and cue ball and play the shot. I can actually shoot quite well this way. Started using number 4 yesterday and it feels like starting from scratch and its very hard to make shots haha. I guess I have a lot of work/ getting use too. Thanks Barry

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Blow. When you actually play the shot there is no doubt in my mind that a player should be looking at the object ball. The only thing that player should experiment with is the occasion he/she does it.

[@shadmonk]

i see many players including Ronnie, who at the moment of contacting the cue ball with their tip look momentarily at the cue ball, not object ball.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

shadmonk. I am afraid that we will have to disagree with this, yes players will have a final look at the cue ball but at the point of contact between cue tip and cue ball they are looking at the object ball.

[@juliusvf]

Going to try nr. 4 as I think that makes most sense. Never used that so hopefully it will help me :). Love these videos btw.

[@Abdullah-885]

Its been 2 years.. please share your experience of eye action. What you recommend

[@angemiller1010]

I grew up playing 8 ball and use a sight method where i kind of look at both balls at once..i look at the line i guess. I have recently switched to snooker and now i cant make a ball so I really need to employ this.

[@jimdebil6731]

Ange Miller I'm using the method you used to for 8 ball.Should I change it?

[@kingshearer2]

I line the shot up by making an imaginery line between the cue and object balls. Once I'm happy with alignment , I ensure the cue tip is aimed at the right part of the cue ball (bottom . right hand side etc..) I may check my alignment one final time and then focus on the cue ball and play the shot. I don't move my eyes during the stroke since there's no need too since your watching both the cue ball and the cue as you stroke the shot.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

kingshearer2. Sorry, but I cannot agree with looking at the cue ball whilst playing the shot, I believe you should be looking at the object ball when you actually play the shot. Comparisons have been made with a darts player by saying that you would not look at the dart when throwing it, you would look at the dart board (the target). In our case the target is the part of the object ball that will send it to the pocket.

[@kingshearer2]

In your darting analogy I see the dartboard as the cue ball since the target ball has already been lined up so there's no reason to look at it again while making your stroke. I was watching the players yesterday in the German Masters final and Hamilton does appear to look at the target ball while playing the stroke so he's in agreement with you. I suppose it's just a case of "whatever works for you".

[@cheukyinwong54]

Hi Barry, thanks a lot for your amazing videos. I have started playing snooker once a week since a few months ago. However, I still struggle on some easy shots. So, I decided to find some professional advice online. From my understanding, a professional player finds the plotting line while standing and before leaning down to the table. And assuming a player is applying a stun, as the bridge is already placed, he only needs to hit the cue ball in the centre. So, my question is why do we have to flip our eyes between the object ball and the cue ball instead of looking at the cue ball while using perhirsal vision for the object ball. I understand it can give our vision a more 3 dimenional feeling, but it seems you cannot do anything other than standing again if you find the plotting line wrong. So, why is this done at the final stroke, but not in the first rehersal stroke. (I think I was doing this before I read many snooker theories, but as I am now going for a more scientific and consistent approach to snooker, I get confused to what I did naturally before, LOL) Great thanks to Barry for my question!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

cheuk. True that most of your aiming process is done when you place the cue on the line of the shot but there is now the very minor but crucial adjustments to be made before you play the shot. There is a very good analogy which is often used, You don't look at the dart when you throw it, you look at the dart board. Its the same in snooker, at the moment you deliver the cue you look at the object ball, that is your target.

[@cheukyinwong54]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thanks a lot, Barry. You are really a great teacher. You always give us easy-to-understand and fun analogy. This not only benefits us when playing snooker but also being a person. I especially like your quote "practice makes permanent" haha. Now after I have watched your videos, I have started to stand in square and practice 100 strokes every day, and I find myself more consistent and confident when playing shots. Again, great thanks to you!

[@meeemalef5849]

dont know why but as soon as i get down the butt of the cue is always offline towards left side. i bridge down my body towards the cue and the grip , but some how when i get down my butt of the cue is always always offline how to hold the grip hand on line of aim while standing and until down?

[@ianwatkins6202]

I've always used number 4 also Barry! I think 4 is the best way in my humble opinion 😊😊best wishes to you Barry!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ian. Its not for everyone but it certainly seems our way.

[@ianwatkins6202]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach that's right Barry, as I'm bringing the cue back I always look at the end of my cue just to see that it's coming through straight 😊😊it's also a Psychological thing, helps me focus on the shot😃😃Best wishes Barry!

[@DDOSETV]

Not sure this question will get picked up on such an old video but I have 2 questions for you Barry.... 1.what’s your thoughts on the ‘sight right’ approach whereby your eyes start on the line of aim and stay there? I notice you are stood to the left of the line of aim but get on line as you get down onto the cue.? If you start at the left of the line, is there a danger you are not sighting it correctly? 2. There’s some top players (Higgins, O’Sullivan, Williams ) who look at the cue ball at time of strike? Since the alignment should be completed at approach, is there a need to look at the object bell when striking? Or could it be better to focus on the cue ball and hitting it exactly where intended? Just open questions - the aiming / alignment is an interesting but confusing subject....

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Gareth. I am right eye dominant and like to use my right eye in approach and when down on the shot. Some players like to use the sight right approach, stand centrally then move over to their sight line as they get down. As long as the player gets on the right sight line consistently either is okay. When a pot has been missed you have probably heard commentators say, " He took his eye off the pot" what they mean by that is that the player took his eye off the object ball and probably concentrated on where the cue ball was going. Yes a player will have a last quick glance at the cue ball but at the time of actually playing the shot the player will not be looking at the cue ball. he will be looking at the object ball. That includes top players (Higgins, O'Sullivan, Williams.)

[@sam29mill2]

Pretty sure Stephen Hendry says he looks at cue ball when he strikes it. He also says Ronnie does the same. It does look to be true if you look carefully at their eyes as they play the shot.

[@dhirajpallin2572]

Ok now I get it Barry. You're basically saying there are 2 parameters: 1) The amount of time from when you stop looking at your cue to when you take the shot. This one you are trying to minimise. 2) The amount of time you focus on the object ball before taking the shot. This one you are trying to maximise. So it's a tradeoff between these 2 parameters. That's pretty interesting.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

@dhira. Got it in one.

[@Sandysand701]

So, with method number 4 you are actually doing an extra thing with the eyes, you are looking at the cue tip as well. My problem is not aiming straight, but the cue wondering off target when the cue ball is struck, because of this, my method is to lastley look at the cue striking the cue ball in an attempt to keep it online! I'm going to try persevering with your number 4 method, will report back in a few months if it works out better for me.

[@Maz_Dev]

same

[@rolanddollansky3618]

I tried to bring the 4 versions into a short description, still not sure if I got it: #1 - lift eyes to obj b. -> go back w.cue #2 - lift eyes to obj b. AND go back w.cue simultaneously (for young w. quick focus) #3 - go back w. cue -> lift eyes to obj b. (you dont like and recommend this) #4 - go back w. cue, watch que while going back -> check -> lift eyes to obj b. (your favourite) Then, is the only difference between #3 and #4, that you watch the que come back in #4, and stay looking at the cue ball in #3? And isn't #1 and #4 completely different? BEFORE each variation: prep first, look at que ball , stop que at que ball AFTER each variation: play the shot I am not sure you ALWAYS stop after go back with the cue?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Roland. You have got the explanations right. No4 is my favourite because my ageing eyes need time to focus, No1 would give me that time but I like to play with a pause.on the back swing and that is better suited to No4. The length of my own personal pause does vary depending upon the depth of concentration needed on the shot.

[@mohammedahsaini1613]

What should we focus At on the Back swing ? Should we look always at the cue when we are at Back swing ? , is it necessary , please i Need an answer

[@keithguenzel6494]

Barry have you heard of using an aiming system such that you use the cue ball when addressing the cue you look at it as 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock. Example on a straight in shot, we first address the cue on it's vertical center then visualize your contact point on the object ball then when looking at the cue ball you look at top of the cue ball find 12 o'clock and shoot.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Keith. If I am understanding you correctly its just another method for determining the vertical centre of the cue ball.

[@keithguenzel6494]

Well when I address the cue ball I always address the vertical centre, but when sighting the cue to object ball I choose from 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock 9 o'clock position on the cue being a very thin cut to the left 3 o'clock position being the thinest cut to the right. Have you heard of this or know of this being used ? all positions I visualize on the cue ball are 9-10-11-12-1-2 and 3 o'clock positions the deliver once I chose a position on the cue ball I aim that position on the cue ball at the contact point on the object ball. Hope that makes sense

[@W.Khairi]

Informative, Thanks a lot

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

My pleasure

[@hamidali6505]

Nice job Berry! Could you tell me how to properly stand in the line of shot without using English onto the cue ball?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Hamid. Have a look at my answer to ARTgamer below, many players make the mistake of placing the cue on line but move it slightly when they adopt their stance. It is so important to take the body to the cue once it has been placed on the line, never take the cue to the body.

[@mrindecisive100]

I would have to disagree that there is only one answer as to which ball a player should be looking at when playing the shot. I used to always look at the cue ball when playing the shot and made century breaks that way. I later changed to looking at the object ball, hoping it would make a difference to my game. That way of playing has also worked for me. I heard that Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry both look at the cue ball when playing the shot. Not sure if that's true or not, but I can honestly say that both ways have worked for me.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

@mrind. Disagreeing should lead to experimenting and hence forth to further knowledge. To get success using both methods is wonderful, I would be interested to find whether or not the latter method lifts your game a notch.

[@mrindecisive100]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach ​ Thanks for replying. I would say that when I am playing well, I probably play equally as well as I did before. It's certainly an interesting topic and one that's unique to cue sports I guess. In that it also has two 'targets', I suppose there's some similarity with a footballer trying to score a goal (the 'on target ' area being much bigger of course). I may experiment with trying the old way at some point (especially given my current form!). If anything interesting comes of it, I'll let you know.

[@LearnEnglishwithHamidAli]

Awesome Job ,Sir! Should we play each shot using English or to aim the way it(the cue ball) requires?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

PARAGON. Not quite certain what you mean. If you can play a shot with plain ball striking please do, side will only complicate the issue in most (but not all ) circumstances.

[@siddarthnaidu4739]

Old man still kicking ass

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Siddarth. It gets harder the older I get.

[@Dan_Afriat]

Hey, I'm convinced that I have a question that may reveal the right answer here, which BTW i think should be suited for each player with his own individual advantages and disadvantages, so here it is: Which method will a machine that hits perfectly straight, like, 100% of the time, will be using?

[@BornElite337]

Hi Barry I've never really thought much about the pause before delivery until I saw this video. Then I tried pausing when taking the cue back, seeing if I'm still on a straight line etc before commiting to delivery. My pot accuracy and my cue action was immediately much better. I could also judge the tempo better and improved spin control. Amazing really that a small thing like that could make worlds of difference so quickly. Thanks. :)

[@rohamrasawiebrahimi3175]

Thanks so much Barry you can't imagine what means to us in iran because we do not have facilities and access to knowledge of big coaches. Just one quick question: what is the method of Ronnie O'sullivn and John higgins about object ball or cue ball ?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Roham. Some players will look at the cue ball, others will look at the object ball or so it is argued when they actually play the shot. It is my belief that some players have a last fleeting glance at the cue ball before they lift their eyes to the object ball.

[@23CoSo]

To be honest, I'd question which ball to look a when playing a snooker shot. In all ball games - cricket, tennis, football, baseball, golf - the list is endless and In none of these do you find the player in a ball game looking away to where he's trying to send the ball rather than looking at the ball he's about to strike. Have you ever seen a cricketer looking through the covers before he has contact with a cricket ball - or a golfer looking down the fairway before he's actually driven the ball from the tee - the same with baseball etc. etc..? I've been playing snooker for 30 years or more and I've never had a problem in watching the cue ball as I strike it - why look somewhere else than at the ball your attacking? This has never been a problem and I've found it to be far more accurate in both aim and timing, especially timing. But thanks for the video anyway, Barry.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Garth. You are entitled to your opinion but I have to say you are unique in doing this. We have two balls to look at not one as in the other games you mention, the target is the object ball and in my opinion that is what you should be looking at.

[@NothingSuitsMeLikeASuit]

Barry could you please give examples of some pros that use some of these methods?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Oma. Most youngsters use method two quite naturally and since most pros started as youngsters their game has developed using it.

[@NothingSuitsMeLikeASuit]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Makes sense, what about guys like Ronnie, Higgins, Williams, etc. Since theyre a bit older now and eyes changing have they stuck with the same method no. 2 or made changes as theyve aged?

[@markwerner6868]

Barry.Well,I've never thought about what should I look when I play a shot,before I saw this video.After that,I did a little practice session and I realized,that I've been using the 3rd method. I guess that is the natural way for me,I've never noticed that.So,should I try to get used to an other technique,or continue with the 3rd one? Thank you.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Mark. If something isn't broken, don't fix it! If you are happy with what you are doing then leave it well alone. However, if you are not getting the success you feel you should then it is an area in which you could take your game to the next level. Please proceed with caution here though, it is quite a big change that requires patience and time to adapt.

[@hamed-nk8ko]

Hi sir can you tell me how far the cue tip has to be when doing the preparation to hit the cue ball?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

hamed. I assume you mean the length of the back swing during the preparation. This is really a personal thing, what suits one player does not suit another, as a general rule though longer is preferable to shorter, but keeping it straight and establishing a rhythm are the important factors.

[@Foodandtravelamritsar]

Sir i have a serious question. Professional snooker coach roger leighton and terry Griffiths team were having a debate regarding pause on backswing. Roger said that one should never have a back pause. Just focus on slow and controlled backswing and cue will naturally stop for a nano second before it starts to accelerate forwards. Snooker coach steve barton also agreed on that. I want to know your view on this.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Judd. Its what suits the individual, I have a pause because I need time for my ageing eyes to focus. Young eyes don't really need that time, they focus instantly. This is just one reason why players need coaches, the text book does not meet every ones needs.

[@mrtopbreak333]

Hi Barry, what are your thoughts on bridge are placement, Old school was to have a straight bridge arm, Then it was though it was better to have a sight bend. To you have an opinion on whats best or do you think this is about what ever suits each individual?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Mr. My view on this is discussed in one of my videos. 1/ I believe the bent arm gives more stability by the simple fact that it is easier to rest the whole of the arm on the table. 2/ I don't like tension in any area of the body, thrusting the arm forward implies tension is being created. 3/ Without moving the bridge hand or the grip hand, bending or straightening the bridge arm can influence the follow through, simply by increasing or decreasing the distance between the body and the grip hand. From those comments you will obviously deduce that I am in favour of a slight bend in the bridge arm, having said that there are several good players and probably coaches who support the opposite.

[@mrtopbreak333]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach I've asked because I'm working on something right now that is hard to put in words, i might post a link to a video if I get round to to it. Thanks for the response.

[@Shoulder2Crayon]

HI Barry! Ive had the honour of meeting you at World Snooker Academy. You even changed tip for me and you are one of the most kind people I have met. I was a century break player in practice and now I am playing like a beginner. This backward transition is after I have figured out a major fundamental problem in my game and I have lost all the confidence since. I am a right handed player with left eye being my master eye. But, this changes when I am bending into the shot. Problem 1. I don't bend on the line of aim - my master eye sighting loses control while bending. 2. After I bend I'm not sure if I am cueing on the line of aim - I see 3 lines or 3 targets and I don't know which one is the correct one. Almost always the one my brain says is wrong is the right one and the one my brain says is right is 8/10 the wrong one. This changes based on different shots and angles I play. What should I do to save my snooker career?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Anarchist. You have obviously changed something that has been detrimental to your game and you need a little help. I am not going to lie but I don't think I can help you without seeing you play. Players sometimes have problems with two lines or targets but I have never heard of three before. I wonder if you will be at the academy again, perhaps Gary, Nigel or myself will be able to help.

[@Shoulder2Crayon]

Thank you very much for the reply, Barry. Ir eally appreciate it. I really wish I could come there soon. Technically there are two lines or alignments. I meant the third one as brain's perceived interoperation.combining the two. I don't know if it is the correct way to put it. I have no problems with the target - where to hit on the object ball. I can't tell if I see the dot, angle or line but I just know where to hit to pot the ball. I aim through the cue ball with my master eye (left eye). I see the target on the object ball correctly but I don't cue through the right alignment. My problem is with the alignment through the cueball where I don't bend into the fixed alignment while bending and cueing because my sighting alters. The correct alignment - the brain interprets is it as way too thick or think and the alignment I visually see as correct one while cueing (reckon it is from the right eye or brain's combination of the two) I hit it way off target. I am unable to reconcile the right alignment on line I aim while standing and the wrong one I visually see as correct while bending and cueing. All the while, I was never diagnosed of this fundamental issue by my coaches I trained with. I always thought it was my cue action although I believe my cueing is almost as good as Stephen Lee. I know I sound desperate but, Is there any quick way or exercise to diagnose and rectify it?

[@adamclark94]

Anarchist have you tryed playing one eye? Your line will actually shift some and your shots will be off some but you will get use to it and know where to aim on cue again quickly and will get rid of multi vision. A guy I play with sees 2 cue shafts and 2 cue balls when he plays so learned to close one eye to make one dominant over the other you can also cover an eye with a patch for a couple weeks and the eye will take over as dominant and may eliminate the problem

[@seandesir7272]

hey barry, your videos are great. i learn a lot from you. in the 4th method, when you say you are looking at the cue, am i suppose to keep looking at the entire shaft or just the front part of the cue on my back stroke.. let me know soon.. thanks

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Jean. Just the front part of the cue. Please remember this is only an option, try all four methods and decide yourself which method you prefer.

[@seandesir7272]

Barry! thanks for the reply... i tried all four methods.. i like the 4th one better. but i usually use one front pause on my last stroke. i think with the 4th method, i got to incorporate a second pause on my back stroke so i can have a little time to look at the object ball when shooting. Also, can u give me some advice on the breathing pattern that the pros use when shooting. u r by far have the best instructional videos on youtube. Thanks

[@sidhaughty]

Hey barry, hope your are fine... I may be wrong but selby and higgins look at the cue ball while delivering the cue.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

siddharth. I am fine thank you, I hope you are as well. I am afraid you are wrong on sighting though no top player does as you say. There is a well known analogy with darts which says, "You look at the dart board not the dart when throwing the dart" The saying is explaining that the target is the dart board, in snooker the object ball is the target. Prove me wrong and I will be the first to apologise.

[@sidhaughty]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach it was just a arrow in the dark that I wanted someone with an experience of you to confirm. I use the first method and quite happy with it, tried the 3rd for about six months. Cheers sir.

[@medallion39]

Thank you for doing these videos. Do you see any disadvantage using looped bridge with snooker stance? Also any tips on avoiding head tilt?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

rick. The loop bridge has gone out of favour somewhat in the game of snooker and to be honest is not really needed. It still has its uses in awkward situations but these are usually limited to shots along the cushion. Head tilt as opposed to head lift really depends upon what is causing it. Neil Robertson tends to tilt his head quite naturally to one side, it doesn't case him any problems.

[@medallion39]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach thanks for the reply. I should mention I'm a pool player hence the looped bridge

[@samirmengadi5317]

Hay barry you are a very good coach...my question is : it is correct to see the cue and his direction to aim to the point i want to hit ?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Samir. If I understand you correctly I believe you mean at which point do you raise the eyes to look at the object ball for the final time. As the video explains there are four methods, it is down to the individual to find which one suits his game and that he is comfortable with. If you have normal vision then the first or second method will probably be best. Due to age my eyes need time to focus on the object ball when I lift them for the final time so I use method four. It is not for everyone.

[@samirmengadi5317]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach i think method four.... it means that u see the line with direction of the cue....is that o correct way to play?...because i play well with this method i just want to improve my game

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Samir. I cannot in all honesty tell you which is the best way for you, I can only tell you what options are available. It is then up to you to find which way suits you the best. Most top players use method number two, simply because in the main they are young with young responsive eyes. I use method number four because my eyes are like the rest of me, getting ancient.

[@TheMangilley]

Hello Barry. I don’t see much difference between 3 and 4 . Can you explain please?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Martin. Three is where you are looking at the cue ball when you pull the cue back, pause, then lift the eyes to the object ball and play the shot. Four is where you look at the cue during the pull back, not the cue ball, pause, then lift the eyes to the object ball and play the shot. All about personal preference and how quick your eyes can focus when you lift the eyes from one object to another. This tends to get longer as you get older.

[@calebkirkpatrick5034]

I play snooker every Friday Night but still need help with cueing and stance, love your vids would love to work with you

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Caleb. The videos are the best I can offer at the moment I'm afraid.

[@calebkirkpatrick5034]

That is alright I always watch your videos and I am getting better thanks to you

[@sidhaughty]

Hey barry...a quick question. Here it was a straight shot, so your dominant eye(right in your case too ) is right on the line of aim passing through the centre of the cue ball. What if it is the thinnest of the cuts, then the line of aim does not pass through the centre of the cue ball, rather an edge of the cue ball. So the question is, would your dominant eye still be behind the centre of the cue ball or would it be on the actual line of aim which is passing through an edge of the cue ball. If I am behind the centre of the cue ball, I have to assume the cue ball is stuck to my tip and accordingly I aim, although my eye is off the line of aim. Not the quickest of the questions :D Thanks sir!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

siddharth. Your dominant eye will still be behind the centre of the cue ball, striking the edge of the object ball with the edge of the cue ball is a matter of judgement borne through practise. Please don't forget though that you cue should only be towards your dominant eye, very seldom is it directly under it.

[@sidhaughty]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach what if I am applying a side, does my eye then come off centre, inorder to be over the cue.

[@johnny5584]

Thank you Mr. Stark, your videos are extremely helpful. I wanted to clarify just so I understand. Is the fundamental difference between no. 3 and no.4 is that for 3 your eyes are on the cue BALL at the end of your backstroke and for no. 4 your eyes are on the cue TIP at the end of the backstroke? Please let me know if I have misunderstood. Thanks!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

skwan. Spot on, please be careful though, when you change it can be very tricky and does not suit everyone.

[@MattLloydTube]

Amazing video

[@MartinsvibaPizzaiolo]

Hello,can you please advise me how should I make the correct stand.Iam a right eye dominant but left handed player. when Iam aiming with my dominant eye where should be my left leg for cueing? sorry for my English it is my second language.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Martin. Please don't apologise for your English, I wish I had a second language. My advice is to place your left foot on the line of the shot, Your right foot should be placed about hip width from your left foot and slightly in front of it (between half and full length of you foot). Try to keep the left leg braced and bend the right leg allowing the body weight to lean very slightly forward.

[@MartinsvibaPizzaiolo]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach is that means that I need to first check my aiming line with my dominant eye and the move my left leg in to my line of shot. is that correct? because I can't have both on the line if my right eye is dominant and Iam left handed.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Martin. The best way to tackle this is to rest your cue on the baulk line, make sure it is covering the baulk line. Don't touch your cue yet. Now place your left foot directly underneath the butt of the cue and take up your stance from there. As you get down into a cueing position you right eye will generally automatically go into the right position. That pre shot routine should now be adopted for every shot. Good luck.

[@MartinsvibaPizzaiolo]

Thanks a lot for your time and explanation.Mmany thanks again

[@theznooker]

i have been using no 3 , and i can tell you sometimes i use no 2 without noticing it. however these days im trying no 1, but i miss lots of long pots. the reason you mentioned is absolutely correct, i cannot see my cue straight coming back and i sort of feel that i am not gonna hit the cueball where i aimed at start. or maybe bcaz i have been using no 3 for along time? tnx

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

ART. There is no doubt that the No. 2 method is the most common method used. However, if you have been using a different method for some time it is quite difficult to change.

[@lemontreeboy]

Hi Barry , when looking at the object ball (while switching sight between cue ball and object ball), do you try to focus on that point where u are aiming to? That is, if playing a thin cut for example, do you focus sight on the edge of the object ball where you are aiming to, or just look at the object ball as a whole, which would mean in the middle? Thanks.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Christopher. There are only three occasions when you can really focus on a point on the object ball. You have mentioned one and that is an extreme cut when you can focus on the edge of the object ball. Another is the full ball and lastly the half ball when you can aim the cue at the edge of the object ball providing you are striking the cue ball centrally. However, as I have said in some of my videos you learn to play the line of the shot rather than aiming at a point on the object ball

[@lemontreeboy]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach , thanks a lot for your reply! Thats clear now. One last question - as you said, eyes should switch continuously between cue ball and object ball - but which one should you be looking at WHILE going down on the shot? Thanks!

[@sidhaughty]

Thanks for the reply on my other comment sir. Coming back to the.point of having the dominant eye behind the centre of the cue ball while alighnment. What if I am putting a side? Does my eye still stay behind the centre of the cue ball, but in that case, the cue wont be under the eye. Thanks in advance sir. Thanks

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

siddharth. You seem to over complicating the issue here, you need to establish the correct position of the cue in relation to the dominant eye and then it stays in that position irrespective of the shot you are playing.

[@sidhaughty]

thanks sir

[@theznooker]

i have a problem! when its straight pots, i can easily aim centre of the cueball, however the more angles come to play, i start to put right hand side unintentionally, but when i practice i can tell by freezing my tip right there and checking it for few seconds, and i can tell the more angles come to play, i keep putting side. any good practice, so that i can fix this issue? at the moment i just dont touch the chest or chin, and lineup everyshot so that i can look the cueball properly from the top perspective. however its very very very hard, as soon as i start playing match i start to put side again and again. eg: when its straight pot, i can clearly divide the white ball into half ball and aim in the centre. but when theres angle that i try to make the white ball / or divide it into half so that i can in the centre, but i can see that i put my tip of the cue around 1 oclock and bring it down to centre . but if it was straight pot, then i would easily find the centre of cueball, but aiming at 12 ockick on cueball and then bring it down to centre i am expecting a very helpful tip from you, since you are one of the most talented couch we all snooker players know of thank you

[@JustBeHappy1544]

Hi Barry. Could you help me with something please. I've been playing snooker on and off all my life but have started to play more regular the last year or so. I only play twice a week for about 4 hours each time. My highest break is 76. I keep getting 30's all the time when I play and have had a few 50's. I've watched hundreds of videos on KZbin on how to stand and the cueing technique etc and I'm more than happy with everything because everyone that watches me says I have a good cue action and routine. But I'm coming stuck on one thing. WHAT BALL YOU LOOK AT LAST while striking the cue ball. ? 90 percent of the things I've read and watch say you should be looking at the object ball LAST. But I look at the cue ball last. Obviously I look at the object ball and send me eyes to and from the cue ball to the object ball. But last I definitely look at the cue ball. Anyway the problem I'm having is when ever I think about what ball to look at last when I'm down on the shot I always miss the pot. When ever I don't think about what ball to look at I pot the ball. It's easy to say well don't think about it then. But I'm getting so into snooker lately it's hard not to think about it as I wana be that much better. I just wana know if there's anything I could do on this subject of what ball to look at last because I'm adamant that someone could help my game improve massively if I can sort this problem out. I got my 76 break and had the 50's like I said so I must be doing something correct and I have days where I feel like I can pot everything on the table. But I'm missing pots that I really should be getting and just want some advice on this. I know practice is the best thing even Stephen Hendry told me just practice practice practice. I've never got breaks consistently but lately I'm getting 30's all the time so practice is definitely improving my game. Maybe I'm expecting to much to soon as I only play twice a week but there must be something I'm doing wrong when I'm missing the pots I should be potting. I'm not talking easy pots but long ish straight shots for example. And I don't miss em all the time but could you or anyone just give me some advice on this. ? If I look at the object ball last I normally miss the pot. Even Joe Davis said in his book there's no wrong and right way to do stuff if it suits you it's fine. I've spoke to a few players that do look at the cue ball LAST so it's not that rare. ???

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Lee. I have no hesitation in saying that when you actually strike the cue ball you should be looking at the object ball. The only debate as far as I am concerned is when you lift your eyes for the final time to look at that object ball. It can be when you pause at the cue ball, or as the cue is moving backwards on its final backswing, or when you pause at the end of the final backswing. Which method suits you is personal preference. There is a saying in darts which says, "You don't look at the dart when aiming for the bull, you look at the bull" This is just the same in snooker, " you don't look at the cue ball when aiming at the object ball, you look at the object ball" I have covered this aspect in one of my videos, please have a look.

[@JustBeHappy1544]

+Barry Stark Snooker Coach First of all Barry thanks for you're time. I chose to ask you because out of all the coaches and videos I've seen online I think you explain stuff the best. I was kind of expecting you to say that you must be looking at the object ball last. But when ever I look at the object ball last I miss the pot. It may sound silly but I'm not 100% sure on what my eyes are doing when I'm lining the shot up (obviously I'm going to and from the cue ball and the object ball with my eyes). For example I played today and had a 51 break and a 53 and I wasn't thinking about what balls to look at last I just played my natural game and my own routine. So do you think maybe I should just carry on doing what I'm doing because surly I must be doing something right. ? And also when me or anyone tries to change things in their game it's just complicates stuff (as you know). When I'm in my routine and playing well I'm really happy with my game so maybe I should just practice ???

[@gopalbudhathoki344]

Barry...how to find vision center???

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Goal. Place the cue tip to the cue ball and look down on the cue ball from above, you will soon see whether you are striking the centre or not.

[@truesportsfanopinion8006]

Hi barry can you please explain the advantages and disadvantages of short and long cueing e.g Mark allen compared to Shaun murphy. I personally prefer to play a bit like a mark allen apart from i might cue a little bit more, as it feels more accurate but I'd like to get your advice on this. I'm also thinking about buying professional snooker balls for my club table. Would you recommend this as they are lighter Thanks Matthew

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Matty. I personally like to see a player use the longer back swing because it it allows the cue to do the work rather than the players muscles, it is also very often easier to keep the action straight as you hit and get through the ball. Obviously the action can be too long, there is a balance to be found and even with a player who prefers a longer action it is not necessary on every shot, but as a general rule, longer rather than shorter is better. Turning to Mark Allen he needs to generate the necessary cue tip speed by applying quite a bit of wrist action, obviously he does this very well and the fact that he is reducing the amount of muscles at work he can be very accurate but not many players are able to do this. Some players and coaches feel that with a short back swing there is less to go wrong and there is some merit in this argument but I prefer the smoothness that the longer swing allows. If you compare it to golf, you will see good golfers with a three quarter back swing but all the great golfers have a full swing. To me snooker is a bit like that ( Mark is an exception rather than the rule) Selby, Murphy, O'Sullivan all tend to be longer rather than shorter. Its always advisable to have a decent set of balls and you can do no better than the Aramith balls, be warned though they are expensive and they do wear out especially the cue ball so look after them.

[@truesportsfanopinion8006]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thanks barry should the feathering of the cue ball be long as well or is it just the natural feel of the person.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Matty. Its a little of both, certainly the feathering should be on the long side but also not as long as the final back swing used to play the shot. Natural feel comes into the feathering preparation also.

[@truesportsfanopinion8006]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thanks Barry good luck to you Kyren and all of the players you coach for the rest of the season. Do you think John higgins can come back to his best? It's hard for us fans of him at the moment. :(

[@orthodoxwriter]

Dear Barry, I am 42 and wear glasses like you do. I have astigmatism .... which one would you prefer for me? I am currently doing number 2 and have a feeling that I don't have enough time to focus... I think number one or two is good. Now please do correct me if I am wrong here- With number 1 I have more time to focus so that is for me and I can do that with my normal back pause. However, if I do number two (my current one) and have an extended back pause do you think it will help me getting the time for focus that I need? please guide...

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Q. M. I prefer number two to number 1 and providing the extended pause you mention doesn't become too long and destroy your rhythm go for that would be my advice.

[@orthodoxwriter]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Brilliant coach. Now I have something to work on. So today I shall try to stick to number two and check how the back pause helps and try to find out the best one for me and practice to train memory... let us see !

[@limhanlong4143]

I seems to be more accurate on no. 3 and no. 4 however I am more accurate when I sort of track the cue ball down the shot. Do I need to change?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Lim. You seem to be implying that when you play the shot you are looking at the cue ball, if I have interpreted what you are saying correctly then you do need to change. Let me say again, when you finally deliver the cue to play the shot you should be looking at the object ball.

[@rickywong4054]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach I'm doing the same thing too, ill try to change now, thanks!

[@theznooker]

can you make another new and in depth of continuation of the same video, somehow i am having a huge problem with this aiming technique, please :) i commented previously asking please :)

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

ART. You have not mentioned which method you are trying to use. The video shows four distinct methods, what suits one player does not necessarily suit another player. Stephen Hendry used to look at the pocket even on some angled shots, no other top player (to my knowledge) does this.

[@theznooker]

ok let me explain alittle bit i used to watch the cueball as i pull the cue back and in the back pause i used to switch my eyes to object ball, and i would miss easy shots. however i visited pj nolan page and now in the front pause i switch my eys on object ball and i lock my eyes there and pull the cue back and hit the object ball. however my potting has increased. But, i think i dont cue straighter, and i cannot do back pauses comfortably. i tried to go back to my old method but now i realize if i go back to my old method, i dont have enough time to lock my eyes on object ball even if i put longer back pause, as i hit the object ball, i feel i am offline and i miss lots of balls. i also tried to look at the object ball when i pull the cue midway, however i cannot train my self to do this, i either go to my old habbit of pulling the cue all the way back and then switch my eyes or after front pause i switch my eyes to object ball i know this is something thats making things very hard for me tnx, i hope u can make a very detail video regarding these issues. thank you

[@ghayasnaseer]

HeY..! #Barry I'm a snooker player and I'm playing snooker from almost 3 years but sir I have one problem and that problem is whenever I try to play a fast shot I almost miss my aim line and mostly missed my shot .. so can you tell me that how I can play fast shot successfully. ?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

By fast shot I assume you mean hitting the ball with power. Power demands accuracy yet by its very nature it causes inaccuracy. Try to grove your technique so that you know exactly how you play. By that I mean where you hold the cue, how you hold the cue, how much follow through you get etc. Then progressively add the power. Be cautious though and remember power creates errors, use it sensibly.

[@ghayasnaseer]

+Barry Stark Snooker Coach thank you so muCh #Barry. I'll try to play sensibly.

[@hamidali6505]

Hy sir ,I hope you are fine. I am 6.5 and thats why I cant play with normal snooker stick that is equal to 57 inches or so . while playing slow shots I am good enough but I cant maintain the cue stick balance while playing a deep shot .Can you help me in this regard,please ?

[@vulkan1233]

Hi Barry. Can you explain the problem with no 3? What makes it so bad in your view?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Mark. Its important to look at the cue ball to determine where you are hitting it but when you have pulled the cue back and paused I cannot see the point of still looking at it. At some stage you are going to lift your eyes to the object ball so why not while the cue is moving back as most youngsters do. Myself, I watch the cue come back, pause and then lift my eyes to the object ball, this gives me the added advantage of ensuring that the cue comes back straight and also gives my ageing eyes time to focus on the object ball.

[@vulkan1233]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach thanks for the speedy reply. I switched to number 3 from number 4 a year ago and my game as significantly deteriorated. I originally switched because no other snooker coach I have seen as ever mentioned the number 4 technique so i assumed I was doing something abnormal. I'm nearly aged 50 so maybe number 4 is the best aiming technique for me after all Thanks again!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Mark. I used to have a little quirk in my cue action which let me down on some occasions. At that time I was using number two, switched to number three and even tried number one. I developed number four and found that when the quirk emerged I had time to spot it and do something about it, that is, get up and start again. At 74 years of age I don't think I will bother changing again.

[@vulkan1233]

Hi Barry. I happened upon number four by chance a few years ago when trying to correct a tendency to hit across the ball. I think this fault has crept beck into my game again. I also wear contact lenses which do not help rapid refocussing between the balls. There could be other faults with my game of course but I'm going to try number 4 again for a bit. Thanks for your help. Hope I can play as well as you when I'm 74 :-)

[@daniellim7503]

Barry, do I have to move my head to the line of aim of the foot like u mentioned that i should move our body to the cue?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Daniel. You should always try to establish a pre-shot routine that suits you. This usually starts with putting your right foot on the line of shot (right handed player) One you have taken up your stance the body is moved to the cue (taking the cue to the body takes the cue off line) The position of your head in relation to the cue is now dependent upon your dominant eye. Do the pencil test described in my other video on the subject and evreything will become clear. Good luck.

[@daniellim7503]

thank you sir :D

[@daniellim7503]

waited for your reply till now its 2am here in SG love the game so much

[@MunishKumar-ig2mz]

Hello mr. Barry I have a little problem with my aim. Where should I aim at the pocket. Centre or the edge of the packet

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

manish. Lets assume you are trying to pot the black off its spot into one of the corner pockets. If you catch the near jaw it is likely that you will not be successful with the shot. If however you hit the far jaw there is still a chance that the pot will be successful.

[@emiliospowerballer1441]

sir do you have any videos concerning the bridge?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

This subject has been covered, please check out the videos, Cueing Part3, and Making a bridge, Helping a beginner.

[@Vanosphere]

Thank you, I notice your elbow is not in line with the cue.. does this not matter?

[@barrystark2730]

+Gee Man. Thanks for your question, may I start by saying that the only thing that matters is cueing in a straight line, how that is achieved depends on so many factors, not least of which is the physical makeup of the individual. In my case I have restricted mobility in my shoulder due to an old injury but the wrist is well able to compensate for any discrepancy here. Ray Reardon had a flying right elbow but it did not stop him cueing straight and becoming six times world champion. I believe that a natural position is much better than a manufactured position simply because under pressure the manufactured position will always let you down. If however your elbow is in line and you achieve this position naturally take full advantage of it.

[@Vanosphere]

OK.. Thanks. I have a photo of my arm position and fortunately it's straight. Can I ask one more question. Have you heard of Harry Lancashire?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

+Gee Man Glad your arm is naturally in line the aesthetics at least will be very good and this can help mentally and physically. The only person I know called Lancashire was a useful club player called Brian who unfortunately is now deceased.

[@Vanosphere]

OK, Harry coached me in 1982 when I was 13. He was a friend of Frank Callan.

[@dnbmania]

I believe the 'perfect' elbow position will differ from player to player. Firstly try this experiment - take your cue, bridge on a sensible surface and try and get the cue moving forwards and backwards WITHOUT the cue touching your chest. If it's wobbling side to side as you're cueing try and move your elbow either inwards or outwards and try again. Once you find the position where you are cueing without sideways movement I would try to remember where that position is and the reincorporate the chest stability point. This will obviously help you a lot with cueing/following through in a straight line. My natural elbow position is, like Barry's, slightly tucked in from the line of the shot.

[@shahzaibishaque]

Hello. I'm a right hand and a right eye dominant but I didn't know it! I have been using my left eye and used to place the cue on left side. So now should I change my style or continue with it?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Shahzaib. This depends so much on the standard you have achieved and whether you cue across the ball and if so by how much. This would be a major change for you and you would probably curse me if you tried. Check your alignment on the baulk line, check your cueing also on the baulk line, then determine that you are consistently hitting the centre of the cue ball when you intend to. If these are okay leave well alone, if not make steady and progressive changes not drastic ones.

[@shahzaibishaque]

No one can think of cursing such a great teacher. Sir I hit the center of the cue ball when I intend to but I mostly miss the pot when I use the side spins. Is it due to the lack of experience in adjustments or not using the dominant eye? However I pot good with non-dominant eye(left) when not using spins! Please suggest me clearly, I should change my stance to right side or continue with cueing on left side of chin and thus using left eye?

[@shamamalik3748]

hy barry can you tell me what aiming style kyren wilson do please tell me because I copy kyren wilson cue action style

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

mr. Kyren tries to place the cue on the line of the shot he has selected, as a result of that his right foot is directly on that same line and therefore directly under the cue.

[@wiilow8701]

Barry do you know what version the top players use? ie trump uses this version and Shelby uses another.. and O'Sullivan another and so forth?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

willow. All top players play the line, experience teaches them. Half ball, quarter ball etc is used for beginners as a guide until they they learn the line to play.

[@wiilow8701]

Ok I understand that..but what method ie 1,2,3or4 do most top professional players use.. as that's what this video is about. Cheers for the reply

[@sky_traveluttarakhand]

Sir is this possible that with time you naturally start hitting the center cue ball so you don't have to see the cue ball at any point of the shot...? Because in my case I feel I just get down to the shot and all the time throughout the shot I m just looking at the object ball only and 8 out of 10 times I pot the balls. Am I going wrong ? Plzz guide sir

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Sky. I have never come across any player who only looks at the object ball both during the preparatory waggles and when delivering the cue to play the shot. During the waggles it is important to look at both so that any minor adjustments can be made and then when the final delivery is to be made the eyes should be on the object ball. If you have been playing for quite some time the habit you have will take some time to adjust and will feel a little strange at first but I do believe your game will benefit in the long run.

[@sky_traveluttarakhand]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thank you so much sir for giving a reply. Its bcz of people like you who don't mind giving lessons or tips to us without any fee that snooker is now growing world widely and is being recognized in even in small villages and remote areas of the world. Love and respect from India❤

[@AlrightThen15]

Can someone please point out the difference between three and four? I watched it several times. Thanks

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Aright. In number three the eyes are focused on the cue ball as the cue is pulled back. In number four the eyes watch the cue as it is pulled back.

[@eskertoo]

I have become involved in an argument with a KZbin subscriber.He states that Chris Henry has said that most of the top players ,including Ronnie,actually have eyes on the cue ball at point of strike.I have looked at many of Ronnie's videos and I just can't see it.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Tony. I cannot comment on what Chris Henry advocates. Certainly players will have a last look at the cue ball before delivery but when they actually strike the cue ball they will be looking at their target and that is the object ball.

[@hamedhussain1288]

hi sir can you tell me when your about to play a shot do you have to have your head slightly tilted to the left if your right handed or just keep it straight?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

hamed. Just do what comes naturally, this is something not to be messed around with, as long as you keep still, you are comfortable and you are on line, leave well alone.

[@meerzada932]

dear Barry Stark When I hit the Cue ball, my eyes closed, what should I do Please suggest me

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Meer. This is a new one on me, I can only think that there is a nervous reaction to what you are doing, try just hitting the cue ball up and down the table, don't aim for anything particular but concentrate on keeping you eyes open. Initially look at the cue ball all the time, then look at the cue ball and cushion, all the time concentrating on keeping the eyes open. From there you can progress to simple pots, you cannot make these shots too simple, remember you are trying to rectify a problem so don't be too ambitious and don't play against an opponent early on.

[@meerzada932]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach ur so nice thanks dear Barry..

[@tahaphansopkar5727]

sir when ever i play ball goes near pocket n comes out by heating the frame . for that i try slow shot . thn 2 no

[@memetv6022]

Sir... My problem is that i miss the contact point of the cue ball with the object ball and the cue ball hits the wrong anglr of the object ball which results in missing a good pot.. Any suggestion or video that will help me

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Meme. If you look at one of my videos I say that most well coordinated players aim correctly (on a straight shot) but when they play the shot they often miss. When they do, it is because they have not delivered the cue where they are aiming. I believe that this is your problem and the solution is to work on your cue action. Many players have a reasonable cue action until they are trying to do something with the cue ball in terms of position, this is when it all goes astray, so keep it simple until you can play fairly easy shots consistently then move on to more advanced shots, taking small steps in your progress.

[@atse7en799]

Hard to find Info on focus during a shot. Sweet.

[@gopalbudhathoki344]

I hv noticed that i m using no. 2 after watching this video i tried no. 4..i hv one question how long we should look at ob ball?? I mean how long pause should be???

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Gopal. This is an individual thing, what suits one will not suit another. Certainly too long a pause could possibly cause tension or movement, the pause should be long enough just to allow the transition between pulling the cue back and driving it forward to be smooth and unhurried, no more.

[@23CoSo]

Barry, I must apologise. I watched a recording tonight of O'Sullivan playing and noticed particularly (via his eyebrows) that he looked at the object ball when striking the cue ball. Similar sports when this happens are obviously basketball, curling and similar games. If O'Sullivan does it, it's got to be right - and therefore so are you, so apologies once again. I'll have a look at trying to do this tomorrow at the local golf club and see how I go on. Gimme a couple of years to get it right!! :-) Best Wishes

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Garth. No need to apologise, it demands respect when someone admits he is wrong, its a trait that very rarely happens these days.

[@dhirajpallin2572]

I don't understand why method 2 requires quick focus and method 4 doesn't. Like why can't you look at the cue ball, switch focus to the object ball as you're drawing back, stop, focus on object ball and then take the shot? It seems like that would give even more focus time than your method 4?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

@dhira. Possibly but players who focus on the object ball tend not to pause for very long and any effort to increase it destroys any rhythm they may have.

[@dhirajpallin2572]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach there is an interesting video on Stephen Hendry's channel where Neil Robertson talks about his feathering eye pattern. He has a very methodical feathering eye pattern, which is like feather 1 or more times while looking at cue ball, then feather 3 times while looking at object ball, then look at cue ball once without feathering, then look at object ball once without feathering, then play the shot. I'm having fun playing around with stuff like this in my game atm.

[@goto-sr1nx]

Don't 1 and 2 have the same disadvantage?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

goto. Not really, with two you are at least seeing the cue start its back swing.

[@dogstar167]

barry john higgins is looking at the cue ball just as he strikes

[@milnerman2707]

I usually stare at the cue ball the whole time

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

If you are looking at the cue ball all the time including when you are actually playing the shot, I'm afraid this is wrong. When you deliver the cue to play the shot you should be looking at the object ball

[@milnerman2707]

+Barry Stark Snooker Coach ok thanks for the advice also when I try to screw back the cue ball always bounces and when u try to do top spin I always miscue

[@milnerman2707]

+MILNERMAN12 when I try to do top spin I always miscue

[@kradfreezer23]

I just started playing snooker and I found this hard to apply lol

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

kradfreezer. As a beginner I am not surprised that you find it difficult, keep working on the rest of your game, practise and experience will help enormously.

[@VishwaNathGummaRaju]

BS, i noticed you had disabled comments recently. Earlier I had addressed several comments to you with no response. Anyways, thank you for reinstating comments. rgrds. VishG

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

ViswaNath. Not quite sure how comments were disabled but I apologise, hopefully the fault has been rectified and that it doesn't happen again. I like to think I know about snooker but when it comes to computers I am a novice and I rely on Phil, my cameraman, to guide me in the right direction, so I am blaming him. ( nicely of course)

[@VishwaNathGummaRaju]

BS, your expression and modesty are exemplary. Thank you. for the response. With high regards VishG

[@zelandakhniteblade5436]

A clear answer...until you realise that Stephen Hendry was very clear about looking at the cue ball last and supposedly the same is true for John Higgins, Mark Williams and Ronnie O'Sullivan, at least on a large proportion of their shots. The fact that object ball last is easier and more natural for the majority of players does not mean it is better.

[@дербенатор]

Наконец то есть перевод))

[@mcrispi2963]

#4👍

[@franciscopereira9144]

Traduzir para o português

[@ericsalles77]

It's an urban myth

[@Samsam-oq2ee]

Sir

[@Samsam-oq2ee]

I can't improve my game what I do

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Sam. If you are not improving then there is something wrong with your technique, please have a look at my videos covering where and how to place the bridge and how and where to hold the cue. These are the basic fundamentals and cannot be ignored if you want to improve. It will not come easy but too often beginners just pick up the cue and start hitting balls thinking it will be easy, it is not and it requires a lot of frustrating work, but if you do not pay attention to the basics it will become even more difficult. People do what they do because it is comfortable for them but adopting the correct position and grip can be uncomfortable for some people in the early stages.