119. Hiding A Flaw - Unintentionally

Barry talks about an unintentional flaw in a player’s game. A player quite often introduces another flaw to counter the first flaw. So is it a cause for concern? He discusses this issue by highlighting some examples, suggesting that if a player is unhappy, and it is holding back their progression, then corrective action is needed.

[@sunnyshaaz6202]

The world is becoming void of people like sir barry. Selfless and dedicated. Its not at all easy to shoot and record 100 plus videos at his age, just for the welfare of unknown strangers, although closely knitted in relationship of snooker. Hats off.........tributes from far away....South East Asia.

[@traveladdict4884]

I'm sure he makes money from this

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Sunny. Many thanks for the kind words, I started doing it because I was asked to and it just grew from that request.

[@the_alchemy_method]

@@traveladdict4884 lol

[@charlesscottkelly]

Barry should get a knighthood

[@traveladdict4884]

JGEdits 100pound an hour ain't bad

[@homegrowntomatoes6067]

You have taught us more than the basics and that has inspired me to continue to improve. Thank you!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

homegrown. My pleasure.

[@SMPfilmfan]

Barry, thank you for this video. I’ve always focused on the cue ball when playing the shot and only recently learned I should be looking at the object ball. I then tried to convince myself I could get away with it. I’ve grooved this error very deep and found that I have a lot of work to do to fix it.

[@nishantgosai8183]

Hello Sir, Big fan here. I just love the way you respect the individuality of players. I've never heard anyone else say that "If you've got an unorthodox way of doing something, there's no need to change it as long as it works for you." Thank you again for the wonderful video.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Nishant. There is a very wise saying, " If it isn't broken, don't fix it."

[@sebdelaney7045]

Barry, you have helped me become a better and more experienced snooker player. Your videos are very helpful and informational. Thanks.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

sebastian. My pleasure, glad to be of help.

[@ccdrones974]

PS It’s crazy you don’t have 1 million subscribers. Your lessons are done at such a pace , that it is easy to follow . Not to quick. Well done sir.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Troy. Thanks for the compliment, glad you enjoy them.

[@nickstone1587]

Barry Stark: Snooker Coach videos are my go-to when I come home after 12 pints and need to wind down a bit. He's like that one teacher for whom even the naughty kids behaved.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Nick. Don't necessarily agree with it but I was told that there are no naughty kids, only bad teachers.

[@nickstone1587]

There's something in that, although obviously there may be more factors at play. Keep it up, your videos are great.

[@grumpytortoise3868]

I'm not sure about the Darts analogy Barry. My take on it is this: Think of all these actions - a penalty taker in soccer, a kicker in rugby, a golfer playing any shot , a server in tennis. ...they all have in common two things. Firstly, the proponents all look at the ball at impact and secondly (and the reason why they look at it), they are not touching the object. A darts player doesn't need to look at his darts because he's holding them, so of course he looks at the board. A free throw shooter in basketball can also afford to look at the hoop because he is already touching the ball. Snooker is complex because we are hitting one ball onto another so whichever one we look at, there is an element of cueing blind, so surely we might as well look at the white...? One more thought....if someone put down a long straight pot and said you have to make this or you die, which would you choose? Anyway, it's an interesting debate. Thanks for the videos Barry. They are great.

[@glad6774]

Barry, never die, never leave us please, you are inspirational and would love to meet you some day, you are amazing!

[@geerteree6336]

Finally some more knowledge

[@chengong748]

Thanks Barry. You are great.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Cheng. Thank you very much.

[@fielding68]

Fascinating tutorial. Thank you.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

David. Glad you like the video.

[@one-armvlogs259]

Thanks Barry.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

The one-armed Snnoker Player. My pleasure.

[@Enpassantful]

Can you give any good reason why looking at the object ball when you deliver the cue is the best method? I don't think it can make a lot of difference if you sight the shot as normal, go through the pre shot routine, check the line of the shot, eyes back and forth between cue ball and object ball, the you hit the cue ball. If anything I find that making sure I hit the cue ball where I am aiming makes cue ball control easier.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Joss. Certainly once a player has lined the shot up he can close the eyes and pot the ball with some success, he can look at the cue ball and play the shot and get success but in the final delivery the best player will look at the object ball. Yes there will possibly be a last fleeting glance t the cue ball but when that cue is being finally delivered look at the object ball and it will aid concentration, you will learn to see the line of the shot in peripheral vision again aiding consistency.

[@Super5152]

Hi Barry, I have a question here. If my opponent is leading me by 18 points, and the table only has pink and black, which is 13 points. I set my opponent a snooker, he missed. Can I ask him to pot again even I am in a "snooker required" situation?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Super. You can ask him to play again from where the balls land but you cannot be awarded a miss and have the balls replaced before he plays again.

[@Super5152]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach thank you so much for you replied!!

[@creatinggames3973]

Great work Barry. One thing I'd love to see you cover - because it is my major problem, not least because I'm so short - is cueing while hampered by another ball. I really hate this, and often foul, especially over when the object ball is some way down the table. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Creating. I sympathise with you on this matter, I have covered this in one of the videos, it really is just a matter of getting the cue as high as you can and forming a stable bridge. When the balls are further down the table and you are struggling to reach I am afraid use of the spider will be necessary.

[@liambowler5945]

You the man Barry

[@silviubercu3400]

Sir for more than a year i am try to follow your instructions which I found them priceless but i am not sure that I succeed to deliver the cue as you teach .It is possible to send you recorded video concerning the way I hold and deliver the cue in order to improve my technique ? In my opinion most of time I don't succeed to finish the strike with the cue touching my chest even though I am holding the bridge at fix point 10.5 inch from the tip and 6 inch for the follow through as you recommended.Thank in advance for your valuable answer

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Silviu. The channel email address is [e-mail]. I would be happy to look at and comment on your video as time allows.

[@Gbonejohn1974]

my son along with Ronnie and stephen hendry 😂😂 is a cue ball player lol ....i can't fathom how anyone looks at the cue ball last before the shot it just seems impossible ,its just so intuitive to me to flick between both then eyes dead on the object ball as i strike ,its so natural i dont think i could ever be trained differently even if it was wrong

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

@G. I always look at the object ball as well, I am aware that some players look at the cue ball as they strike it, however, it is only a very brief look before their eyes switch to the object ball.

[@tonyp1089]

What you are saying Barry is that Stephen Henry would look at the cueball at the moment of delivery, the exception to the rule!

[@algarvemike]

Mark Williams is also an Object ball viewer upon striking. I believe Chris Henry has done some serious study around where professional’s eyes are looking when they strike the ball. He uses the following categories: OB, CB and mixed. I was surprised to learn that Shaun Murphy is a a mixed player.

[@tonyp1089]

@@algarvemike Murphy looks at the cueball as he starts his final backswing to get a more consistent pause, then switches his eyes back to the object ball after completing the pause, before delivery!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Tony. Players have the own routine during preparation to play the shot but as far as I know on the final delivery they are all looking at the object ball.

[@poolmaster18]

MikeBristol Williams is a cue ball player watch his eyebrows as he hits the ball.

[@sai2996]

Barry.. in my case I still look at the cue ball and after delivering the cue my eyes switch to the object ball and it works perfect for me. I will explain you in detail. I can see the line of aim straight away when I stand few inches away from the table, so wen I get to the shot I just concentrate on the cue ball because I know my line is 100% spot on. I am doing this for last two years and I am making consistent 50+ breaks and my recent break was 90. So looking at the cue ball until it hits the object ball works for me.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Sai. All I can say is well done.

[@owensherrington91]

Great video barry huge respect to you

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Owen. Many thanks glad you like the videos.

[@noble1noble1]

the darts analogy is ok but the thrower isn't trying to hit the dart with anything, what i mean is take a golfer for instance, the club is the cue, he lines up the shot, gets into position, then when he hits the golf ball he is looking at the ball, not the target area where he wants the ball to go. i can get 80+ breaks fairly regular with only 2 to 3 hours practice a week, i look at the cue ball, i do my aiming stood up and get on the line and then trust my action...

[@phanikumar7682]

80+ u shouldn't be lookingat these videos

[@noble1noble1]

@@phanikumar7682 you should always be looking at others ideas for yourself to see if it might help your own game. Ronnie being with sight-right this season for instance. John Higgins who constantly tinkers with his own technique gets ideas from what others do.

[@mekenken5292]

What happens when u try looking at the object ball when u deliver the cue are, are you consistent

[@noble1noble1]

@@mekenken5292 i do both ways but i do tend to look at the object ball when its closer to the pocket.. long shots i tend to look at the cue ball... i've tried to just look at the object ball in the past but unfortunately it hasn't worked for me... over time and practice i've experimented and worked out what works for me...

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

noble. I believe that a player should look at the object ball when he finally delivers the cue, I also believe that if something isn't broken don't fix it, so if it suits you please carry on.

[@ebojfmdboojoh4023]

I believe Stephen Hendry had the flaw you mentioned wherby he moved his eyes off the object ball.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

EBO. Stephen only moved his eyes during the preparatory waggles and just before he delivered the cue. At the moment he played the shot his eyes where firmly fixed upon the object ball.

[@ebojfmdboojoh4023]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach I stand corrected

[@stegee1]

hi Barry, any chance of doing a video on the mental attitude to the game, im finding in practice i make 50s & 60s on a regular basis, but in matches where you have pressure of winning,i get more negative and at times struggle to make 30s, i even hear pro players like jimmy white say "im potting everything in practice,but dont bring it to the match table" im sure lots out there must have the same issues, is there a way to combat this mentally?? any advice?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Steve. Once a certain level has been achieved there is no doubt that the game is not only physical but mental. I am a big believer in diaphragmatic breathing to relax the muscles, slow the heart rate down and get rid of the spent gases enables rejuvenating oxygen to be inhaled. Visualisation is another vital aspect of combating tension and I encourage players to use it both prior to and during matches. Learning to meditate is another skill that is used a lot particularly by the Eastern players and it is one that is worthwhile learning to do correctly.

[@markmascollful]

I have a question, I'm far from an expert but I can play at a lower level, granted my top break is only in the 40s so this is a QUESTION I need your help with barry. I don't look at the object ball I focus on where I'm hitting the white. I know you said this is wrong but for me when I look at the object ball it isn't working for me. I don't understand why you would look at the object ball because if you've worked your line of shot correctly then walked into the shot correctly and hitting the que ball in the centre it should naturally go in. So my question to you is what benifit do you get from looking at the object ball if your shots already lined up from walking into the shot. Someone in the comments say you should focus on where you want to hit the object ball, but if you've lined your shot up correctly you will hit where you want to hit the object ball right?? Remember I'm asking for help here not questioning the video as I want to improve and I feel with the correct answer to my question will assist me to do that. Thanks

[@dnbmania]

I think the reason id look at the object ball is for the visual feedback that you get from the shot. You can see if your white is indeed travelling down the line that you intended, and also if you have an aiming issue

[@markmascollful]

@William White yeah I agree I've saw Mark Williams do this many times, I just don't want to change my game in this area. Yes my game needs improvements but I don't know if this is where I should be looking. Thanks for your help.

[@ryanang3771]

It’s pretty much common sense that anything that requires certain aiming process in life, we eventually focus on the target. I have another analogy in addition to the darts/archery example. You don’t look at the steering wheel or your own car when you drive - you look at the roads, the corner ahead. When you walk, you don’t look at your feet, or even look where you are positioning your feet. You are looking at the path you plan to take. Back in snooker terms, our eventual target is some point on the object ball (whatever sighting method is used). You check your alignment with the cue ball when you walk in and feather in preparation. Using the walking analogy, this is when you identify where you want to walk to, and making sure your feet is on the right floor. When you start walking, ie ready to deliver the cue after your drawback and short pause, you focus on the target.

[@linerforce]

mark mascoll If you practice what Barry is telling you you will find out more about yourself and your cue action, practice potting as he says but only in practice , if then you find the difference and only then bring it into your game . Regards Linerforce

[@mekenken5292]

My answer to that ? Is it helps. Your Quing u need to learn how to deliver the cue once everything's lined up whilst looking at the object ball if u can't do it there a problem in your cuing!

[@RY4NP]

When I hit the cue ball should I be looking at where my cue will hit the cue ball, or do I look at the ball I want to pot?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ryan During the preparation to play the shot you shot flit your eyes between the two, but when you deliver the cue to play the shot you should without doubt be looking at the ball you want to pot, the object ball.

[@shamamalik3748]

hy barry I have a question for you . I am a beginner player and I am comfused because I dont know will I practice solo or other practice please guide me what practice I will do

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

mr. Solo practise is very important, this is where you learn the technique of delivering the cue in a straight line and the variety of shots you will need to play. However, it is only half of the battle, you now have to learn the rest of the game by playing against opponents, you need to learn how to create openings and how to stop your opponent scoring etc, and this can only be done by playing someone and experience.

[@andrewwood954]

Barry, thanks a bunch for all of videos you do first of all. Secondly, with regard to eye dominance and how I should be aiming... I am ambiocular and so have no dominant eye that I can tell. With a finger in front of my nose and looking beyond it, I see two transparent fingers rather than one as most do, and the same effect when I try to test my dominance. Closing either eye makes my aiming easier, but I wonder if you have any advice or whether this is something you've ever come across? Thanks in advance

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Andrew. I have never come across anyone that is exactly even sighted, all have a dominance some more than others of course. If you get down to table height to see if one ball passes another you naturally close the least dominant eye, also if you were sighting with a rifle to shoot, you would sight with your dominant eye. This does not mean that the cue should be directly under that eye merely towards that eye, and most people find that position quite naturally.

[@georgedagosdagopoulos7587]

Really helpful video Sir, personally I always try to use the fourth way of aiming, the last of the four that you demonstrate on the #08 video, Aiming part 1. It really works well for me, as far as I can rely on my cue action. That baulk line is so helpful!!!! Thank you Sir for another wonderful video!!!!!!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

George. It can be a little tricky when you first try it but suits me and now obviously you.

[@georgedagosdagopoulos7587]

Yes it can be tricky, I've been working on this the last couple of months and I really think that it suits me. I decided that it should be my way of aiming. Thank you Sir for your reply, keep up the good work!!!!!!

[@junhaotan3570]

Thanks for the upload, I have been looking at the cueball when striking for many years , im now only 30+ break regularly. I tried looking at the object ball but didn't hit at the point I wanted half the time. Do I still need to change, because before I knew I was wrong when Steve Davis said to look at object ball, but also heard Ronnie said he “sometimes” look at cueball and Mark Williams looks at cueball, so I kept the way I usually play and thought it was ok. This video made me think again if I should change. But I'm so used to looking at cueball and afraid if I start to change my game will get worst. Is it a must to improve?

[@ahmedaslam5382]

Same is the case with me....whenever I try to play looking at the object ball I can't simply cue straight.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

junhao. There is a well known comparison between snooker players and dart players. Dart players do not look at the dart when they throw it, they look at the dart board. The snooker player does not look at the cue ball he looks at the object ball when he strikes. All players have their own routine where they switch from cue ball to object ball during the preparation to play the shot but in my opinion when they actually deliver the cue for the final time they should be lookin at the object ball.

[@junhaotan3570]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Dear Barry, I fully respect your knowledge and experiance, just a little mischievous debate here not trying to be disrespectful. I play a little dart as well, what you said is totally true, we need to look at the point you want to hit and not the dart. If we put it into snooker, in the exact same way, does it meant the dart is the cue and the board is the cue ball? Because both are different, dart is dart directly to board, which snooker is cue to cue ball, cue ball to object ball, object ball to pocket. Before I do my walk in routine, I already imagine what happens after I hit the point in the cueball, when I walk into the shot I just need to hit the correct point with my cue. The rest will handle itself. I'm not trying to prove myself right here, I'm trying to find a convincing reason for myself to change after doing it wrong for many years.

[@vinays70]

hi barry , i usually play pool ....can i use same pool stance in snooker, as pool stance is more comfrtable for me, also i want to ask weather we should look at the object ball or cue ball at the time of final shot?? i have asked other questions on your other videos also...please reply barry, i am your big fan after watching your videos

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Vikey. If you have asked questions I have tried to answer them, if I have failed in that I am sorry. Because you have played pool with a stance that is comfortable to you there is no reason why you cannot use the same stance for snooker. At the time of delivering the cue to actually play the shot you should be looking at the object ball, that applies in snooker and in pool.

[@vinays70]

no barry no need to say sorry,you are so humble, there are other people also who are aksing so many questions, but thanks a lot barry

[@mikelucas7699]

Barry any suggestions on exercises or practice routines for developing cue power as I seem to be cueing ok until I need to put a bit of power into the shot and it goes off line Thanks Mike

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Mike. Most people who lack cue power tend to underestimate the importance of the length of back swing. Increase the length of your back swing on power shots allowing the cue to do the work rather than your muscles. Look at top pros like Robertson, Murphy, they have the most cue power and even on their responsive tables they still have long back swings on power shots.

[@ccdrones974]

Hello mr Stark. I would like to ask you a question. I’m getting a nice 8 ft slate pool table. Can I use the snooker practice you teach , to get better at pool ?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Troy. Of course, pool and snooker are closely related and we can learn from each other.

[@tomogden716]

Hi Barry I am a 15 year old beginner learning to play and am finding your videos very helpful ! I am just wondering where abouts to mark your cue to keep the same distance between both hands if you need to move your bridge hand ?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Tom. Please don't mark your cue all the time, just mark the cue where you normally place the bridge the if you have to move the bridge because of where the cue ball is etc, just make a note of how far you have moved it and move your grip hand roughly the same amount. This movement is not set in tablets of stone, it is only a guide but it is a very good guide. Good luck with your game.

[@rag3plays509]

Hey Barry. I've just recently got myself a star snooker table and I've watched your video on cleaning and respecting the cloth but would it be possible for you do do an in depth video of caring for the table and how it can be cleaned in a different way, maybe with an example of a club or something and how they would clean a table. Thankyou

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

RaG3. Cleaning and looking after a table is really quite a simple process, you brush in the direction of the nap trying not to flick dust up into the air for it just to land back onto the cloth. From there you nap the cloth, again in the direction of the nap, this is done by wrapping a piece of cloth around the brush and its purpose is to ensure the fibres of the cloth are untangled and laid evenly on the bed of the table. From there the cloth is ironed once again in the same direction, this is the process that can wear the cloth out more than any of the other two, the iron should not be too hot as it can and will damage the cloth fibres, the iron should also be turned slightly at an angle to prevent tram lines appearing on the cloth, if the iron is kept at right angles to the cushion rails the tram lines can appear after the ironing process. Some clubs now vacuum their tables and this makes a lot of sense providing the suction is not too powerful, which can loosen the cloth, or that there is no 'plaster of paris' filler between the edges of the slates, the vacuuming process can loosen this filler so be careful. You will never see the table fitters on the television vacuum the tables mainly because the cloth is new and is not in place long enough for chalk dust etc. to accumulate.

[@thegateway3941]

Thank you very much Sir keep up please

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

The Gateway. I will try.

[@the_alchemy_method]

Heres the thing. I ve always had a quite a more compact action and quite quick. Still make centuries but not as often as i could perhaps. When i try to lengthen the backswing say for example drawing the cue back to the v of the bridge it causes me to hit vastly offline with pace. Why is that and how can it be corrected ?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Jeff. I believe that it is easier to keep a long cue action staright than it is a short cue action, that does not mean that it will suit everyone or indeed that it cannot be too long, of course it can and drawing the cue back to the V of the bridge is excessive. During the course of playing you will need to play a variety of shots, some requiring power over a distance, the more you can let the cue do the work instead of your muscles the more accurate you are likely to be. However when you make a change like this it will not happen overnight and you will need to go backwards before you will go forwards, it takes hard frustrating work but you have to ask yourself, "How bad do I want it ?"

[@the_alchemy_method]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach yeah agreed on the hard work front. I am at century break level in matches but only occasionally lol. So i wonder what is stopping me making more tons and i think it might be that old delivery... I see the top pros pull the cue back to the V and have no trouble with striking on line. I assume its cos they did this since being nippers.. But its a hard thing to build into a game thats 20 years old. So Just wondering if the backswing length really should be more based on feel that trying to use a conscious formula which just doesnt work for me

[@FizzerGamer]

Quick question. I've recently been watching old snooker videos of Alex Higgins and I've noticed that his cue action is very weird (he doesn't move the cue straight and moves his body around when taking shots). Would this be the result of him making several adjustments to cover errors in his technique and would it be more productive to do the same thing as him or to start from scratch using proper technique?

[@DavieCooper-zz4kh]

Alex Higgins was a very quick player, and moving the cue in different angles freely when taking a shot would help him with his flow (in other words, being in the "zone"). Whereas a player such as Steve Davis or Cliff Thorburn would be very strict on themselves on how they held the cue with a very straight line of sight, as they were aiming for precision rather than power and flow.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Fizzer. I am not taking anything away from Alex Higgins, he was a great player but he did not know how he did things he just did it (very well I might add) The modern player likes to know everthing about his technique, with some players this tends to make them a little too robotic but the top boys know how they do things but do not let it detract from their natural ability.

[@theznooker]

hi i recently purchased a box of x50 tip, however the box doesnt say if its medium or soft, but even before reshaping the tip its so spungy. is it soft tips? i can pull the tips and its like spring steel. almost all the tips are like that, not sure if its soft tips or they are expired tnx

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Artgamer. You don't say the name of these tips but I have experienced the same problem on occasions. It is however unusual for all the tips to be like that and normally there are only a percentage. Try clamping a couple of them to see if that makes any difference, it may help. Ding used to place his in the micro wave for about 10 seconds and he said that it tended to reduce any moisture that was present and therefore hardened the tip up a fraction. Never tried it myself but it may work. Where tips are stored for long periods can also affect there playing qualities but they don't really ever expire.

[@faiyazahmad1496]

Great video. Will you please explain what thought process or strategical approach is required for match winning breaks, if someone is technically fairly sound.

[@bowow0807]

Strategy in snooker is a fairly complicated topic, since there are countless scenarios that can occur in the game. But in general it really just boils down to experience. My piece of advice is to simply "Play the percentages". This means weighing the pros and cons of particular shot: Is it a shot you can confidently make? Can you get to a colour or red easily afterwards? Is it better to play the safety? Can I get the CB/OB safe? How many points ahead/behind am I? It's these types of questions you should consider when a difficult situation arises in a frame.

[@faiyazahmad1496]

@@bowow0807 Thank you very much

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Faiyaz. Not for the first time bowow0807 offers first class advise, he should become a coach.

[@bowow0807]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thanks for the compliment Barry. Though I think it's still a bit early for me since it's only been about 3 years since I first picked up a cue, I still lack experience. I have considered teaching others since I have a lot of technical knowledge, but I just wish my actual playing ability matched up with my knowledge haha

[@corey1845]

For a future Video, could you explain, what to look for when buying a cue? Wich lengh, weight and tip-size would you recommend for different types of players? I am 6.4 and quite a rookie. In an other video, i commented, that i have struggle with high friction between cue and bridge-hand. Are there different types of varnish? or even cues without any? Cheers from Germany and thank you for your content!

[@bowow0807]

Generally a cue is a personal thing and there's no exact standard for what to look for. But in general for players starting out having a tip on the larger side (anywhere from 9.5 to 10mm) as it can help reduce the amount of unwanted side imparted to the CB while you're improving your cue action. But again that's all down to personal preference. If you have some other questions the FAQ on Parriscues should be able to answer them. Since you mention varnish I can definitely say that you should never get a varnished cue. They may seem smooth at first, but the varnish is actually more sticky than a raw wood cue. All quality cues made by professional cue-maker will never have varnish on the shaft where the cue rests on your bridge. A new raw wood cue may seem a bit rough at first but after a couple of months your skin will callous and at the same time naturally smoothen the wood of the cue. I would also recommend that you burnish the cue with a piece of leather to speed up the process and never use water to clean your cue, use denatured alcohol, as water can cause the pores of the wood to open and may even cause the cue to warp.

[@corey1845]

@@bowow0807 what a great reply. Thank you very much. Ill look up the FAQs and the point on the varnish helpes me. A pal just got his first cue with lots of clear varnish. It takes 3-4 shots after it starts getting very sticky for me

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

J. No need to answer this as bowow0807 has answered it for me. On the subject of varnish I will echo what he has said, I hate the damn stuff on a cue.

[@corey1845]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach did some further research, tried out different cues and found the perfect one. Thank you guys!

[@jenchen5916]

Hi Barry, thanks for the video, the first 2.5 mins of this video summerized my current flaw in my cue action, the reason is that my cue on delivery has unintentional left hand side, and when I bend down on my shots I am feeling my cue is tending to go left. So the problem is over the years all the (wrong) angles are formed in memory, I can still make centuries with this flaw and won a few tournaments but I struggle to go up another gear because i miss too many easy shots because of this flaw. I tried to change over the years and found that all the angles will need to be changed and my game dropped to a level where it made me look like a beginner as I often misjudge the angle and missed very easy shots so I revert back to the flawed cue action and straight away I can start playing like a proper snooker player. What do u suggest I should do? Change or no change.

[@fudgepuppy9683]

Change. Proper technique is always best. You're a good player and you'll get used to it. Unless there's some underlying physiological issue then you should be able to adjust. Mindfulness in preshot will fix bad habits. Good luck.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Jen. A difficult one this, Judd Trump is a classic example of how to make a flaw into an asset. If the flaw is constant, by that I mean you always do the same thing, by the same amount then one wonders if it is the right thing to change. If you cahnge you will certainly have to readjust your aim and cueing, the problem I find is that players change one element of the flaw but don't tackle the other element AT THE SAME TIME. If you correct one flaw but the other is still there you will miss, both have to be tackled at the same time.

[@jenchen5916]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach thanks for the reply Barry. I am going to keep the way I played coz like you said if I need to change I have to change the porting angle and everything else which is going to be huge as I have tried changing it in the last 6 month, my game has dropped to a point where I am struggling to make 70 break, I have now changed back to the old cueing and just trying to make that flaw more consistent so I can still make consistent high breaks. I wish I had saw your coaching videos earlier to find this flaw. Also I have a few videos of my play, can I send to you for you to have a look at what other flaws in my cue action? I know this is a big ask, but I have been watching coaching videos on youtube for a long time and I can honestly say that no one else pinpoint players problem like you do, and your understanding of snooker is far beyond anyone else, you are the only one who can help me.

[@jenchen5916]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach hi Barry, I suddenly found a way to cure my flaws and it was so simple that I have been neglecting for many years. It was the bridge hand V. It has been tilted to the left all along, now I slightly change the angle and made it more towards centre and suddenly I have been able to cue 10 times straighter. Now as long as I put my hands on table then I can almost pot all the balls that I never been able to consistently do. I am now adjusting the bridge on cushion shots coz that needs some fine tuning. So happy to have found the real problem that’s troubling me for years, I am enjoying playing again.

[@passkat]

Hi Barry most interesting...do you do private one to one? If so what area of uk are you?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

passkat. At the moment I do not have time to do any more one to one coaching, hopefully that will change in due course.

[@mdrafae6033]

Hello Sir,I have a question for you.if I am potting a ball into the center pocket,which jaw should I aim, near or the far one.And also please tell me how can I improve my center pocket ball?Your Videos are very helpfull to me keep it up

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Md. Potting a ball into the centre pockets is a little tricky because you are often aiming from an angle which makes the pocket smaller, so treat the shot with respect and don't be too ambitious. Played gently a ball will tend to drift slightly in the direction of the nap, particularly on club tables. If you are aiming from the baulk end the ball will tend to drift away from the pocket so aim for the near jaw. If you are aiming from the top end of the table then aim for the far jaw and the ball will tend to drift into the pocket. Be careful here though this is only true if the table has been maintained correctly and the cloth has a nap on it.

[@mdrafae6033]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thank you for your answer sir.I have request for you to please make a video on how to get on the yellow from black through differents ways and position.Although I am very poor in this shot please help me.

[@jakelewis5381]

Barry, how important is a pause at the end of your backswing? It isn’t natural to me but is it worth grooving the habit?

[@bowow0807]

The pause in the backswing isn't strictly necessary, it's more of a way to help new players avoid "jerking" the cue when striking the CB rather than smoothly accelerating the cue through it. If you seem to jerk the cue then try to add a pause to solve that problem, but if you are able to deliver the cue straight and smoothly then there's no need to add the pause.

[@chafiqbantla1816]

the pause is important,it also improves your timing of the shot and control of screw shots for instance,it also helps to switch focus from cue to object ball,there is no pro on tour who has no pause;but some tend to have a longer one(Ding for instance) or a shorter(like Ronnie)

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

jake. If you don't incorporate a pause on the back swing the final delivery can become a little hurried and inaccurate. In my opinion the pause concentration not only with the pot but also with the positional element. It can seem a little strange trying to incorporate one into the action and certainly patience will be required especially if you are already a good player but I believe it will be worth the effort.

[@bullsnutsoz]

Wow another 12 k subs; well done Barry!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

bullsnutsoz. They do seem to like the channel so I will continue while the demand is there.

[@bullsnutsoz]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach with all the interest we see growing in China/Asia Barry; who could tell where this great game will end up..Thanks mate!

[@charlesscottkelly]

That's black issue at the start is the flaw I have. its a nightmare when I miss its always to the right of the pocket.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Charles. I would be surprised if you miss to the right from both sides of the table, take a good look at your technique not where you are aiming so much.

[@charlesscottkelly]

Sorry I explained that wrong iam right handed and right eye domaint from my view I miss now and again its to the left.

[@markr8690]

Who do you think is the first snooker player he's talking about ?

[@danieljones8842]

hi mr stark.been watching your for the best part of a year now and they have really helped me develop my game.however,i struggle with white ball positioning,i either get ’hold’ of it too much or not enough.im currently playing with a peradon pool cue which has a 7mm tip.(i will be buyong a new cue soon with a 9/9.5mm tip)i find myself much better on the long pots and manage to hold for position easier than the close encounter shots.what advice if would you be able to give me please,if any. many thanks Mr Stark

[@poolmaster18]

So Hendry, Higgins, Ronnie, williams, Kyren, Allen, Bingham etc are looking at the wrong ball?

[@bowow0807]

Not necessarily. Kyren's personal coach is Barry, so his technique and philosophy is whatever Barry teaches him.. As for the others I can't say for certain as it's difficult to tell what ball they're looking at in video unless you ask them personally. But they are professionals and if that works for them, then great! As Barry states in this video, it's his opinion that looking at the OB when playing the shot is the right way to do it.

[@poolmaster18]

bowow0807 You can see Kyren looking at the cue ball when he hits it, look out for it when you see him play. Its just what comes natural to you, I look at the OB but my mate, who is a really good player, looks at the CB and cannot play when he looks at the OB.

[@bowow0807]

@@poolmaster18 Well I can't say for certain, but if that's the case I can't argue. But I think Barry or Kyren himself should be able to give a definitive answer. But as Barry has stated before if it works don't fix it. If it works for your friend then more power to him.

[@poolmaster18]

bowow0807 That’s the thing in sport, there is no definite right or wrong.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

matthew. When Kyren delivers the cue for the final delivery he is looking at the obect ball, in my opinion that is the correct way to do it.

[@khawajayounas9852]

I got break of 30

[@patrykpierscinski1431]

Always struggle with lining up my shots when using side, coach always tells me to restart my pre-shot routine

[@bowow0807]

It could be that, but it could also mean that your sense/feel for using side isn't fully developed. Remember adding side, even with a level cue, will always cause the CB to deflect in the opposite direction of side you apply(adding left side makes the CB go to the right and vice versa) then swerve back in the direction of where you added side. Look up Dr. Dave Billiards here on youtube. He may be discussing pool, but many principles can also apply to snooker. He has several videos addressing the use of side as well as CB deflection and swerve and how to compensate for it in various shots. And I can say it's definitely improved my usage of side in my game. Observe how the CB reacts to adding side and make sure you're using your own cue because each individual cue deflects the CB by different amounts. Even for pros it takes months to learn the intricacies inherent to their cue if they had a new one made.

[@Bradk123]

Patryk Pierscinski bowow0807 his front hand back hand thing helped me a lot I’ll second having a look at dr Dave billiards yes it’s pool but your still hitting a ball with a stick the same principles apply

[@battlefieldclips7013]

Then do it.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Patryk. I like bowwow0807's answer to this, he talks sense.

[@patrykpierscinski1431]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Agreed. 😁👍🏼

[@dbsexclusive5665]

Sir plzzz make a video on how to stand properly

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

DBS. I covered this topic in several of my videos, please have a look.

[@dbsexclusive5665]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thank u so much sir Yr awesome

[@callumatkinspl]

Yeah I have quite a bad flaw. I have a serious addiction with hitting balls at 1000 miles an hour. Bit like judd trump

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Callum. Judd has learned over the years to reduce the amount of power he uses until it is necessary or he is playing an exhibition shot. There is no doubt that pace generally creates errors, the harder you hit the ball the more accurate you have to be but the truth is it is likely that you are going to be less accurate.

[@SarfrazAhmed007]

Thanks.. I suffered freeze my eye on cue ball while hitting... Thanks again.. To solve that

[@halimayadofficial]

Nice Mr Barry

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Halim. My pleasure.

[@Anu_Sol]

Nice video Baz, but at your age you should be taking it easy.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Wilson. Thanks but everyone has to have a reason to be alive, I enjoy playing and coaching snooker.

[@曾斯棋]

hello,sir, i am Siqi,enjoy your video as usual. i have always have difficulties on some safety scenarios. one is the case that the white is ,say,on the bulk line, and the only red left is tight against the black cushion. i always see pros play super -thin cut with side and it is very difficult to imitate for me. is it the best option to super-thin shot with side? and the other case is just like the second last shot Steve Davis faced in 1985 WSC final frame, see kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWnVmJmHjqmdrtE at 1:06:19. i always find these kind of shot nasty. can you make more video on safety?