152. Rotating the Cue - Does it affect the shot?

[@CharlesJohn3DArtist]

Hope everything is ok Barry. How are you?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Charles, Thankyou, everything is fine, sometimes struggle to find a suitable venue for filming.

[@CharlesJohn3DArtist]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Great to hear that Barry. Lots of love from India.

[@TheSnookerShed]

Best advice on KZbin. Wealth of experience and knowledge. Thank you again

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

The Snooker Shed. Many thanks, you are doing okay yourself.

[@TheSnookerShed]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach watching and learning from the best Barry

[@addy5066]

Nice to see you back sir. Hope you are healthy and doing well.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Addy. Great to be back, I am fine thank you, may I wish the same for you.

[@barryclulow544]

Brilliantly explained, as always.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Barry. Thank you, I try to keep the videos of a difficult game simple yet relevant.

[@craigcarroll1790]

Good to see you back online and well

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Craig. Many thanks.

[@astraltraveler2725]

Your videos have really helped me to improve my game.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Brad. Great to hear that, well done.

[@aveepy3072]

You look well sir. Thanks for the video! Also great camera quality

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Aveepy. Many thanks, always a pleasure to make the videos. Phil is great when he gets behind a camera.

[@dhirajpallin2572]

Thanks Barry, I also found the close up of your grip at 2:25 very useful. It's a tricky business getting that opening and closing of the hand right. It was helpful for me to see the way your fingers were curling.

[@MisterItchy]

So nice to see you, Mr. Stark! I hope you are doing well!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Mister. I am doing fine, many thanks.

[@bobsnooker.3950]

Good to see you back Barry☘☘☘☘

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Bob. Many thanks.

[@bighilly0]

Barry great to see you again and another brilliant video 👏🏼 put this in place last night at the club and played great 👍🏼 brilliant tip. I love your videos top marks Barry 👍🏼 more videos please.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Absolutely

[@davidmcgowan8388]

Really great to see you back Mr Stark and hope is well, I know I am long in tooth at my age, but have noticed more and more players doing this, some more than others? Kyren playing an exhibition in Hull soon, can't wait to him in person, please keep your knowledge coming it's players at all level of the game ☺

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

David. You are right Kyren will be in Hull, distinct possibility that I may be with him on that evening.

[@davidmcgowan8388]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach i hope you are Mr Stark, did his bother ever record one of his maximums in practice yet? Stay safe and hope to see you in Hull

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

It's always a great day when you see a Barry Stark video show up

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Bee. Many thanks, comments like that make me want to do more and more.

[@nukiepoo]

Good to see you again, Barry. Paul from the other side of the pond.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

nukiepoo. Great to hear from that part of the world, just a shame snooker isn't more popular over there.

[@andyreeve3880]

I used to love the way Jimmy White almost spun his cue (never mind rotate) in his stance back in the day.

[@jason147h6]

Great to see you back Barry. The fact that you point out how much your nameplate on the your cue has moved in relation to the chevrons with wear is quite staggering. I had a parris cue for 26yrs and never noticed any movement. It makes me wonder with cues of today why they dont use titanium joints.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Jason. Good point, the movement is certainly not down to abuse on my part.

[@ciarancooling3014]

Hi Barry, congratulations to Kyren on his recent win, you must be a proud coach!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ciaran. Many thanks. You are right I am proud of him, he is a nice lad, works hard at his game. Just like any other player he has his ups and downs but either just motivate him to get better and keep going.

[@oneplus5562]

Welcome back sir!! 👍🏼 I find that my slight rotation reduced when I made a tiny adjustment to my grip.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Oneplus. Rotation of the cue generally comes from the wrist and grip, its more a question of whether the slight rotation interferes with the shot. Well done for reducing yours though, hopefully your game improved as a result. Well done.

[@matiasvf2520]

Hey Bart! So nice seeing you again :)

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Matias. Many thanks, nice to be able to record the videos.

[@gaugeonesteam]

Many years ago a reasonably good club player told me the following:- (I'm a left hander). when hitting the object ball to a left direction slightly rotate the cue anti-clockwise, when hitting the object ball to a right direction rotate the clue clockwise. Also to use more rotation for longer range shots and less for shorter range shots. Theory was that the rotation would make for straighter cueing a bit like the rifling in a gun barrel. I found this worked a treat. Hey, I'm more than happy when I get a break of 30+ but I still love the game!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Robin. I am afraid that I do not agree with rotating the cue deliberately, only if it happens as part of the natural cue delivery, having said that, if it works for you carry on.

[@gaugeonesteam]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Interesting! Hey, you're a much better player than me. I'll try and change my action to not rotate the cue so much. Just to say, thanks for your great lessons on here. Keep them coming. I think you're helping a whole legion of us snooker fans

[@jeffreyhampton9130]

Thanks. I’ve wondered about this.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Jeffrey. Yes, over the years lots have mentioned it.

[@jeffreyhampton9130]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach I live in the suburbs of New York City. Unfortunately, there are few public snooker tables in my area. I have a basic question: Why are snooker tables heated? I’ve been told heat improves friction between the balls and the playing surface. One fella told me it’s a weather issue. He said, England has a cooler and more wet climate and the heat keeps the surface dry. Without heat, the balls wouldn’t “run true.”

[@jason147h6]

@@jeffreyhampton9130 the tournament tables are heated. Specifically the slate gets heated its to keep the table playing at a consistent speed regardless of the weather outside. Damp, cold and humid conditions with allow the cloth to absorb moisture this in turn will slow the pace of the balls. By keeping the slate warm this in turn keeps the cloth warm and dry and allows the balls to roll a lot quicker over the bed of the table. Also they will retain a lot more spin that is applied to the cueball

[@pamshairexpo3892]

I love ur teachings on how to play pool. Has helped me tremendously👏🏾💯👏🏾

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Pam. Many thanks, great that the videos help.

[@Jomaanji]

the best is back

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Jomanji. I will do my best to live up to comments like that.

[@bachvu6547]

Hey Mr. Stark , guess what? Snooker was Invented in 1875 in India, so if you take the year 2022, minus the year 1875 , the total is 147 year, the number same as 147 century break, pretty nice to witness this . By the way, thanks for the lessons you taught for us, they really improved my game

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Bach. Very interesting fact. Great that the videos are helpful.

[@meeemalef5849]

Hi can you help me please? I switch my eyes to pocket as soon as i hit the object ball, sometimes i switch my eyes to pocket even before the tip has contacted the cueball and sometimes on time, i am not consistent. although when i look at the pocket i dont lift my head and theres no body movement. how to overcome this issue? need your help thank you very much in advance

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

@meee. Stephen Hendry used to do this, he was the only top player I know to do this. I believe it to be a bad habit ( Stephen did okay though) Try taking one of the senses away i.e. the eyes. By this I mean line up the shot, do your preparation but before you actually play the shot close your eyes. Do this in solo practise for awhile and it should break the habit.

[@meeemalef5849]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach tnx

[@MultiVicky123456]

Hi Barry. Nice to see you again. Barry I am right handed and has un-even shoulders with my left shoulder slightly higher than the right shoulder. I have got right-side spin on cue-ball. Can I assume this exra right spin is because of un-even shoulders ??

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Multi. Oh! no. There are many reasons for putting unintentional side on the cue ball but I cannot believe that uneven shoulders is one of them. You could be using the dominant eye incorrectly, you could be trying to cure a cueing problem by introducing this without realising it. It could simply be a bad habit acquired over a period of time, or of course a combination of all of these. Start by checking your cueing on the baulk line, make sure this is straight. Then put your cue tip to the very bottom of the cue ball, you will see the two arks of the cue ball either side of the cue tip, these should be equal. You can also use a loop bridge and look down on the cue ball resting the butt of the cue on the cushion rail. Have a look at my videos which help cover these problems. Persevere with these practises and the brain will adapt, but don't forget it starts with your cueing.

[@IMAS7512]

When i backswing my cue i lost my angle that i made for shot. Where to hold when backswing?

[@chantom1214]

welcome back

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

chan. Many thanks.

[@LiveBhangra]

Thanks Barry. Any thoughts on Jimmy’s rotations? I would love to know if it helps him.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Live. Lots of players have unusual habits without any logical reason for them. I feel Jimmy may rotate the cue initially, A/ to help him relax the grip and B/ to ensure the cue and therefore the tip is in the same position rotationally for each shot.

[@LiveBhangra]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thankyou. Jimmy’s rotation for me, was part of his appeal that got me into watching snooker and becoming his fan.

[@SamaraSantos-k6z]

Muitos brasileiros queria acompanhar . Coloca a legenda em português de todos seus vídeos . Obrigado

[@Andy-li9is]

Welcome back Mr Stark

[@thanksindia4761]

Nice work sir 😍

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

thanks India. Many thanks.

[@ThaoLuong-zj1zg]

How are you? My great online trainer?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Thao. Many thanks for asking, still having some problems with my replacement knee but getting there.

[@markwhite9560]

hi barry do you know or recommend anywhere in ireland to get a cue made as i can only find cheap ones which arent great around

[@krayzeepenis]

I ordered a 59" Ton Praram cue from Stu at Green Baize , delivered to Ireland 2 days after ordering. Would highly recommend checking them out.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Mark. I am afraid I do not know any of the cue makers in Ireland but krayzee seems well satisfied dealing with the cue he has got from Green Baize. I do know that several professionals have a cue from them.

[@ihsan708]

Sir my body weight is always going towards the left as i stand in stance its because i started to put the left leg a little forward and started a bit of bending it now m not stable anymore how should i fix it i have cane down from 50,60 break to 20,25 😣

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

lhsan. You are probably putting too much weight on the left leg because it is too far forward. Place your right foot on the shot, now place you left foot shoulder width from your right foot and slightly forward of your right foot, about half the length of your foot or no more than the full length of your foot. See my video which covers this.

[@damssnook6447]

Thank you🇨🇵

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

You're welcome 😊

[@grausher1190]

Evening Barry, yesterday I've played three frames with three different people, first went incredibly great, last two I played liked a noob which I'm usually not, today, just got home from playing 2 more frames, and it remained the same, should I take break? What should I do meanwhile? Because, after yesterday first frame, into the second frame, I started rethinking more on my cue grip, my stance, I'm losing focus, when I play my cue moves here and there, I never felt this way my whole life, I've been playing for a long time now, if my spare time I watch snooker matches or videos of coaches like you, I start to rethink my whole gameplay, and I'm messing up, I'm mentally calm and focused whenever I play, I don't understand why since yesterday, I feel like I'm losing touch with game, getting more anxious because I'm focusing way too much on technicality, what should I do? I beseech you, kindly give me a proper remedy

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Grausher. I assume that you are generally happy with your technique but struggle with consistency through the mental side of the game. Let me say that I believe that the physical part of the game cannot be separated from the mental side, they go hand in hand. To get the best of both you must establish a pre-shot routine, this must be done in practise, it must be comfortable for you as an individual, it must be effective and it must be repetitive to the point that it is almost automatic. Once you have achieved this in practise you stand a better chance of taking it to your matches. Good luck.

[@grausher1190]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Got it now, thank you Mr. Barry, highly appreciated, Love and guidance.

[@147academy6]

when i get down my eyes tells me the object ball is going in and its lined up correctly but if someone look at me while im down they say i lined up incorrectly, which in reality its true but eyes tricks me How to fix this i aim to the left of pocket but my eyes tell me its straight and without me noticing i apply rightside to pot that ball (these all happen in address position) Tnx

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

147. It appears that you have developed two flaws, one has happened to correct the other. It doesn't really matter which flaw came first but both need to be tackled and it will take time and patience. You are obviously cueing across the ball and the eyes and brain have been conditioned because rather than curing this you have found a way to help you pot the balls, i.e. applying side. To start with try cueing along the baulk line without a ball, even this will not look right to you initially, you may need to alter the position of the cue in relation to your dominant eye to make it look right. Then try to find the centre of the cue ball but don't aim to pot a ball yet, just knock the cue ball around the table with centre ball striking and also watching that you cue straight. Even this may be a little frustrating initially but then you can introduce an object ball, try simple easy shots to start with always examining your cue action and then progress from there. Good luck.

[@147academy6]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach tnx today i asked my friend to check me from front and behind while i am down on the shot, and guess what! i lined up a long blue and got down and the blue looked perfect to me, but then i froze didnt even do featuring... my friend looked from front and said i am aiming to the left of pocket, and watched me from behind, and said i am aiming to the left of pocket....... i did this 10 times all the same. plus we did it without balls, i aimed my cue tip to that pocket and i thought i m aiming right in the middle but when he looked from front and behind, i was aiming to the left of pocket now i know why my cue goes offline , its bcaz my mind tries to compensate what am i doing wrong ?

[@robertpuscas]

👏❤

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Robert. Many thanks.

[@animallover1164]

Why I cannot pot continuously, how to maintain constituency please 🙏 reply 'Sir'

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

animal. If you are inconsistent there is generally something wrong with your technique. You may be cueing across the ball slightly, applying side without realising it, hitting the ball too hard etc. If you are happy with your technique then it is time to work on the mental side of your game. Start with diaphragmatic breathing to help you relax, don't get ahead of yourself by thinking too many shots ahead, concentrate on the shot at hand taking the game one shot at a time. Most of all establish a pre-shot routine, one that works for you in practise and one that you can take to the match table. Watch Mark Selby or John Higgins, notice how they prepare for the shot in the same way, every shot, regardless of its difficulty. This will help you to remain calm and aid consistency. Good luck.

[@bighilly0]

Diaphragmatic breathing video coming next please Barry 🙏

[@animallover1164]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach I'll mark your word thanks for the tip Sir Barry, you take good care. love from North East India

[@ChrisGaynor12]

Hi Barry, I've had a problem with this rotation or even twisting of the wrist and have found the Pro Shot Training glove is a really good aid to help keep the twist or rotation down to a minimum. When I used to do it, it was very apparent I was doing it when from watching videos back after having a session with a coach, and now it's very minimal. I still do it, but I've built up the muscle memory to know when I feel like I'm doing it. Trying to keep the wrist locked with the thumb pointing down at the floor straight is very tough indeed (for me anyway as I have a habit of moving the thumb sideways if that makes sense), but it's building up a new habit and it has def improved my cue delivery. I would advise people to check out the Pro Shot Training Glove, it's mainly used for Pool Players but equally good for snooker! Great to see another video pop up of yours!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Chris. Changing any habit is difficult especially as you get older. There are lots of training aids on the market, some are just gimmicks, others are very helpful. I have never seen the training glove you mention but you are confident that it has helped your game and that has said it all really. Well done.

[@peterlomas]

Where did you get this from please? Seems difficult to find.

[@jayjayb89]

2:30 Plays the shot and poorly on the blue 😂😂

[@aveepy3072]

shush

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Jay. Cue rotation was the topic.

[@kairo2891]

p̾r̾o̾m̾o̾s̾m̾ 😭