64. Cue Action - The hand that delivers it

Barry revisits the most important aspects of good cueing, where and how to hold the cue. The hand that delivers the cue is the most important part of the cue action, therefore the correct grip is vital. Get it right and your cueing will improve.

[@catanhle6848]

I don’t play snooker. I’m an amatuer pool player. But I do love billiards and want to go to the essence. After working in more than one year, finally I found my hand grip because of this video. Wonderful feeling. 15/15 stop shot, 15/15 draw shot and 14/15 follow shot. both sides. No spin. Smooth. I got it. Thank so much master. I love your all videos

[@AgassiUKR]

Barry, i'm from Ukraine and I enjoy your British English pronouciation. It's a joy for me and my snooker friend to listen to your speech.

[@SagarDahalChaosifier]

Barry, I can't tell you how much I've learnt from your videos. Thanks a lot! Regards from Nepal..

[@dllee5930]

I watched this video today and couldn't believe how quickly that little tip improved my pocketing. Thanks so much I am excited to watch all your videos.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

DL. I have always said that there is only one thing that has got hold of that cue and there is only one thing that delivers that cue, the hand that holds it, a lot o players could improve if they examine their grip.

[@edyoung3664]

Finally, an in-depth analysis of stroke mechanics. People love to say that it's "in the wrist" but the wrist won't factor in until you have a thorough understanding of critical hand movement is in the pool stroke. Well done, sir.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ed. Glad you like the video. Many thanks.

[@rauldavila8632]

OMG this was my problem the whole time. Not opening my hand. Now I can draw the whole table and hit straight shots consistently. Thanks so much from this American pool player. Coming back after a 22 year break. Much appreciated 👍👍👍

[@Superutubeking]

Barry your coaching is amazing , I have been watching many of your videos and over the last 2 months my game has really improved, the break off with right hand side works a treat, thank you so much for all your help. Keep making these great videos they are very professional and enjoyable, my cue action is getting better - I am hitting much more straight now

[@shashwatsinha3150]

thank u barry,your videos have been of great help.i have noticed myself improving significantly following your tips.

[@tourinojacks5844]

Changed my game in watching this short video. Makes so much sense. I will NOW have to watch ALL of your videos. THANK YOU SO MUCH for sharing your knowledge and obvious Love for "the game." Also I have subscribed and liked your video as well. Thanks again!!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Tourino. Great that you liked and learned from the video, I hope you like the others just as much, many thanks.

[@sonicplayroompiano4302]

Fantastic videos Barry, can't wait to try your cueing tips! 👍

[@mccuff]

Thanks for this, Barry. Great stuff!

[@benbrigman4091]

I love all of your videos man, your great for sharing all your knowledge so freely. Alot of players wont sharw all three secrets ect. I dont play snooker, but most your teaching help for any billiard game. God Bless U Barry

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ben. My pleasure, many thanks.

[@charlesmertes3109]

Thank you for this,its just what my clenching and twisting grip hand needs and i cant wait to try it,subscribed!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Thanks for the sub!

[@mattb231]

Just what I needed - thanks Barry!

[@vincentmontgomery7189]

Videoing yourself!!! What an incredibly simple but great piece of advice. Thank you ✊

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Vincent. What you do and what you think you do are often two different things. Videoing yourself can tell you an awful lot, good and bad.

[@prodirectselect]

These video's are brilliant Barry, so helpfull. Keep up the great work.

[@paulkehoe3425]

your boy kyren hit a 147 in the welsh open 2020. he,s got a lovely cue action on him, you taught him well, big bit of cuedos to the 1 and only, the guru of the baize, barry stark!!!

[@tomalex4806]

Absolutely amazing how you explain in your videos. Love your vids

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Tom. Glad you like them, I hope they improve your game.

[@kenmartin953]

Hi Barry Stark, Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge like this. I have watched many of your videos but this one specifically has changed my game so drastically it's hard to convey my appreciation! After many years as an accomplished player, using these new found "grip" skills has taken my game up a ball which is Amazing!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ken. I have always felt that not enough importance is paid to the way a player holds the cue, that does not mean that every one should hold it the same way but if a player is not fulfilling his potential, the grip is one area I will look at. Well done and good luck.

[@chishikiendeavourer8663]

Finally after hard work and dedication I am finally able to find my perfect cue action for me, with this I can make 50 plus break 😅❤

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Nice work!

[@jamiestanton2704]

Just starting to practice again after a fair few years out. These videos are fantastic and are helping me to fall back in love with the game. Thanks

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Jamie. Glad to be of help.

[@BornElite337]

Another great video Barry. Next best thing to one-on-one coaching. :)

[@caiby48]

Thanks Barry, to enjoy this game, proper technique are important essential the grip and momentarily smooth delivery of cueing.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Caiby. Couldn't agree more.

[@jamesroboyle]

Hey Barry I’m a new fan of yours . You brought to light the fact that you only stroke as far as your elbow will allow without dropping the elbow. I’m gonna do some distance and feel control drills with this tip . Thank you very much .

[@DevoutDarwinist]

Excellent instruction! His detailed analysis of the grip has solved the mystery of why I was not stroking straight!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Harvey. I believe most players who have problems with their game would benefit from examining their grip.

[@monkeybreeksjov9574]

4.50 to 5.10 = one of Life's greatest lessons. My grip was too tight i.e. clenched fist with no unfurling but your video reminded me what i was doing wrong. I had forgotten to un(furl) like i used to do 25 years ago. What a difference your video made. Thanks Barry.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

monkeybreeks. My pleasure, I hope you continue to make progress.

[@monkeybreeksjov9574]

Hi Barry, i had 3 month break cos of injury. Keeping grip light and closing / unclosing through the shot. What a difference. I also looked at your timing video many times and i am holding on to the cue ball more now and getting tremendous screw. Cheers mate.

[@kyotosal]

Thank you Barry. Great advice...Sal : )

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

kyotosal. Glad you like the videos and hopefully learning from them.

[@matthewtrain5674]

I want to be a snooker player. You have helped me improve very quickly. Thank you

[@rorydoherty4125]

How good you now?

[@rauldavila8632]

Absolutely game changing for me. Now I can run 9 ball racks or get close to running them. In one practice session I feel I progressed a year. Thanks so much again 🎉

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Great to hear!

[@balasubrahmanyamkovvali]

Very useful video Mr.Barry Stark..Thanks.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

bala. My pleasure, glad you like the video.

[@fuaadkhan4289]

I would like to call you sir because u are a great teacher and I am 100 % agree with you that grip is 99% of the game because I practice 3 months and at last I find my grip was having problem. Now that I fixed my grip even long potting is not a problem for me because now my cue is straight enough now. thanks all your efforts.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

fawad. Thanks for the knighthood, I can't imagine myself as Sir Barry. Seriously though I am glad you have benefited from the videos and I wish you all that you wish yourself regarding the game of snooker.

[@rashidhmohseni6636]

tnx tnx tnx barry

[@achilleasvidos4025]

You are the best sir Barry

[@alangrynich2037]

Great videos Barry big thanks to you I messaged you a few days ago And you told me to go back and look at all the basics like the bridge and grip well I did this today and managed 104 on the line up I think my thumb was dropping before on my bridge hand having not played for years its amazing what you forget BUZZING AGAIN keep the videos coming thanks again

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Alan. I think it is always worth noting that what a player does and what he thinks he does is often two different things. Put yourself on video and you can often notice little things t5hat can make a big difference. Well done.

[@PradeepSharma-zg2gr]

Thank you so much Because of you my stance and gameplay is good now God bless you :)

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Pradeep. Goo. I hope you keep improving.

[@nukiepoo]

Barry, you’re the best. You’ve helped me tons with American pool

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

nukiepoo. Many thanks, glad to be of help.

[@samxmaybe3316]

4:55 fabulous technique ... I used it to get a better understanding about developing my wrist along the delivery .

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

samx. Yes. A little wrist can be helpful.

[@rezakamjoofar5770]

Fantastic. Thank you millions

[@aaronsherritt9316]

Hi Barry Found snooker and your videos about a month ago. Had my first practice on a snooker table in a club yesterday. Your videos really help mate keep up the good work. Gday from Australia

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Aaron. Pleased to hear you find them useful.

[@syedkashif2858]

Awesome explanation MR STARK thanks 👍👍

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Syed. My pleasure, hope it works for you.

[@jackding944]

Thank you Professor!

[@swordslayer9d589]

Hi thanks Barry for the grip hand

[@shilomalul8749]

Barry thank you very much you are a very good coach!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Shilo. Many thanks, glad you like the videos.

[@marccoetzer24]

Hi, Ive just stumbled upon your video. I just thought to let you how wonderful I think your teaching method is. I look forward to learning and seeing more of you. Thank you

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Marc. Glad you like the videos, I hope you continue to watch and learn from them. Many thanks.

[@marccoetzer24]

I am hooked now, a good friend of mine also impressed commented that back in our day there were no video's or information like this. again thank you so much!

[@rotce07]

Really great explanation. Thank you and of course I am now subscribed to your channel

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ector. Glad you like the information on the channel and are now a subscriber. Good luck with your game.

[@stephenlawrence4821]

Thank you Barry and a merry Christmas to you and your family too. I've been practicing and trying to improve at snooker for a couple of years. Not right now, waiting for the social club to reopen. Anyhow I am working on straight cueing and straight pots etc. Still so important is if the line I imagine is the right line, actually is the right line. That's still such a hard part of the game.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Stephen. Merry Christmas to you and your family also, pointing the cue in the right direction is obviously important but the hardest thing is delivering that cue consistently where you are aiming, particularly when you are trying to position the cue ball with all the various stuns and screws etc.

[@vasishtvasan75]

Definitely going to try changing my grip, I can pot some really tough balls in but with poor consistency. I just realised I don't unfurl any finger, I hold the cue like how I'd hold a tennis racquet. I will definitely let you know the results, thanks Barry, never stop this channel!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Vasisht. If you have a full grip it can cause two big problems, tension and major muscles of the arm playing too big a part in cue delivery. Both tend to cause the inconsistency you mention. Relax and let the cue do the work more. Good luck.

[@vasishtvasan75]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Thanks Barry for your dedicated quick replies to abject amateurs , can't wait to get to the table today and try all that you've taught. I am already shadow practicing and can feel a huge difference! Hope I can stop jabbing and start cueing haha

[@vasishtvasan75]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Barry, i tried the unfurling - furling cue grip and it was difficult to transition. I have a question, when I hold the cue, I find that fingers wrap around the flat part of the butt - it just feels so comfortable to that way, but I see almost every video including yours where the flat part of the butt is held by the thumb and index. Do I have to change this for better cue action, I wasn't comfortable with the latter.

[@danilojones7193]

Solid fundamentals great information, It works

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Great to hear!

[@durgakhatri2920]

Love you barry ... Thanks alot from nepal

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Durga. Many thanks, glad you like the videos.

[@barryclulow544]

After a recent 2 hour coaching session with Barry I can only emphasise what a knowledgeable coach he is, easy to understand and he immediately recognised faults with my grip and bridge hand. Now working hard to put into practice what he has taught me. Wish I'd discovered him years ago. Keep up the good work Barry you are the best.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Barry. Many thanks for the compliments, glad you enjoyed and learnt from it. Working on the right things will soon show progress. Good luck.

[@shannon-the-cannon-Briggs]

​@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach do you have a way of contacting you about getting some lessons please

[@matend8125]

great video sir.thank you.i think the best cue action belongs to ronnie .so smooth so beautiful

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

mate. How can anyone argue with that.

[@yousufbandeali6798]

your videods is help me a lot and my game is improving thank you very much sir

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Yousuf. Glad to be of help.

[@orthodoxwriter]

I cannot underestimate the importance of this video. Thanks a lot for putting it up. This tells of the basic flaw of many players including myself. I am a pretty tall person and since my young age I started to play with a cue that was short and hence that made me get in to the habit of dropping the elbow and introducing the shoulder in to the shot. As I matured over time and started learning I now use a 59 inch cue but still drop the elbow :( this needs hours of practice to build in to one's game. Similarly I have had problems with the grip and I have been trying to avoid that to an extent that now I cant get rid of the grip thoughts even at the match table and that ruins my game. But I will go for practice today and apply what you have said in terms with the grip and see how that works. Thanks for the reminder on the distance from bridge V to the CB as after seeing that I realised that perhaps I have too much of a distance there causing the elbow drop. Will adjust it today and see how I play. thanks a million Barry !!!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Q.M. I don't want to confuse you but dropping the elbow is not the big problem but bringing the shoulder into the shot is.

[@orthodoxwriter]

Yes I truly understand that. A bit of the elbow say an inch or so naturally drops to maintain the cue in a level plane. But in my case its a severe drop and hence I have a reason to believe I bring the shoulder in to the shot. I have started using a 59 inch cue and hold it from the very end and try to keep it nearest to the CB in order to avoid the drop. I am still practising but sometimes I do well and on other occasions I am all bonkers at the table missing those sitters too.

[@dougcarson5202]

Great advice on fundamentals. One thing that struck me, however, was that he was using a shorter than average cue stick. As such, his shooting hand was closer to the butt of the cue compared to when using a cue of average length. Important to keep in mind that the angle of your forearm should be relatively perpendicular to the floor before your stroke, regardless of where you are gripping the cue. I've seen many relative beginners with their grip near the butt of the cue with a longer stick, and the angle of their forearm is not perpendicular to the floor. Something to watch out for.

[@josephfreda4724]

Very precise..Amazing..

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@herrlip72]

Barry, what do you think of the 'up to down' delivery of the the cue technique? I've seen a coach showing this, about dropping your delivery arm down at execution

[@lafaelerobertson2573]

Great video

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@samuelj8592]

Well put.

[@letsdothat]

Appreciate you effort sir.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Reza. My pleasure, glad you enjoy the videos.

[@jonespeter6338]

nice tips coach

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Glad you like them!

[@jasonnieuwenhuis335]

Thanks again sir!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Boss. My pleasure, pleased that you find the videos useful.

[@bobsnooker.3950]

Great Barry . The most important part of the game that brings you from potting to actually playing with touch. Why do the BBC when covering the snooker almost always change the camera view just as the player is about to deliver the cue so you cannot see the players action. It is so annoying because otherwise i love their coverage. Maybe you could do a guest appearance and wise them up . Give them a call you would be fabulous on TV.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Bob. I suggested this very point to the TV company that covered the Dubai classic many years ago when Alan McManus won it. They agreed with my views but never put it into action. Like you I find it frustrating that they do it on every shot. I wouldn't mind occasionally but it is all the time. Seeing a full view of the player from various angles, rather than just the ball going into the pocket would also give the commentators something new and interesting to talk about. As for appearing on TV I'm afraid that is a closed shop, Mr Hearn doesn't like my criticism of various aspects of the coaching scheme.

[@bobsnooker.3950]

Delighted i am not the only one frustrated by the coverage. With regard to Mr Hearn it is his loss i am afraid.Any hope they will change for the World Championship this year?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Bob. I doubt it very much.

[@MrOmer123]

Hello Barry, So i was asked you about cueing stright and you said to look at your videos. I was practice on my cueing every time and cant complete a colour clearing. Now after all the things i tried to change i was found that my grip was tight when i backswing and very very tight on the delivery and that why i was cant complete a follow through it was stoping before i was getting to my chest. So thank for your videos so loving your channel that help for all the ppl around the world. I just did a 31 break yesterday, its my highest break for now and keep going and improve it because all the work you doing with the videos you create. Again big thanks !!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Omer. Glad to be of help, a tight grip creates tension and tension creates errors, keep working t it and good luck.

[@MrOmer123]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Thank, but i have a question. I got so many misses ot only at hard shot easy shot too, its happen me alot i cant understand what the reason for that. my stance its good and solid i feel im not moving, i fixed my grip. so i dont know what its the problem. im looking on the point the cue ball need to hit the object ball and aiming for there. but something happen and i miss alot, any suggestion?

[@8ballking8ballking65]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach can you teach me in real life please

[@batlin]

Omer: Record yourself playing different shots for about 15 minutes and watch the video back. I did it and saw that my back arm's elbow was hanging outwards from my body, but during the shot I was pulling it inwards to my body and throwing the cue off line, proportional to the shot power. A few things that helped were relaxing my grip (a LOT), starting the shot with gentle acceleration to minimise jabbing, and just trying to keep my shoulder high to avoid dropping/pulling the elbow inward. Also, Barry has a good exercise in lining up the shot, then closing your eyes as you push the cue forward. I tried this a few weeks ago and actually potted more reliably with my eyes closed, so perhaps I'm moving my head to watch the white ball/object ball and "steering" the cue during the shot.

[@airtontexeiratexeira1415]

Muito bom esse treinamento

[@miladshojaei3678]

thanks barry, i am watching your videos from iran and they are great. i just have a question about timing. is it better to stop on backswing and then delievry or is it better to be natural like ronnie? thanks again

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

milad. The transition of sending the cue forward after the back swing is an area where a lot of errors occur. Joe Davis explained as a slowing down rather than a stop and there is some merit in that explanation. I personally stop on the backswing simply because it gives me time to focus on the object ball with my ageing eyes. Youngsters whose eyes adapt and focus instantly the moment they lift them to the object ball tend to slow down, rather than stop in that transition movement.

[@khizerbaig9796]

BEST COACH EVER

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

khizer. Glad you like the videos.

[@sahalvhora1464]

Hi Barry, Thank you for your amazing videos. I have a question regarding my hand tilt. Once I get the position perfectly and correct aim, I just move out my sight at the time of hit the cue ball and the ball goes out of the pot. My hand too not getting straight way when I hit it. Could you please tell me the exact way?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Sahal. I don't fully understand the question but it is obvious that you are having problems with your grip. Please have a look at my video on the grip and hopefully this will solve your problems.

[@panagiotisveranoudis3025]

hey Mr Barry, i watch your videos the last couple of months since ive been starting practising more, and they are amazing and really helpful, although when I first try to implement you suggestion it feels unconformable, i stick by it and improved massively. thanks a lot. one question: my aim, cuing, 'visualising' the line of the shot have improved and i never really struggled more with long shots like some players, what i find difficult is when i try to increase the power of the shot, the shot is getting messy and i often miss, any suggestions? to deliver those shots? cheers from a Greek fan :)

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Panagiotis. Power creates errors for most players, power means that you generally have to be more accurate but it generally means that the player is less accurate. The muscles come into play more and more and once they do your cue action is examined more, so really the best advice is to try not to use power. Obviously I am aware that that is not always possible but you do need to keep examining your cue action. Try these two things. 1/ Cue along the baulk line, play an imaginary shot quite firmly, stay still and check if your cue has wandered off line. 2/ Bang the cue ball into a corner pocket while aiming for one of the stitches on the leather, stay still and ask yourself if the cue is still pointing to the same stitch or do you have to make some adjustment.

[@wesleybeins5410]

Hi Mr Barry, thank you for the very insightful video. Just need some advice on an issue. I have been playing the game for close to 20 years. I naturally have a far bridge and sometimes I play well this way but consistency is an issue for me. Is it necessary to change my stance to achieve greater heights in my game?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Wesley. Having the bridge too far away fro the cue ball will cause inconsistency, it makes it difficult to hit the cue ball exactly where you intend to hit it and can cause the cue to vibrate a little unnecessarily as it hits and gets through the cue ball. Modern professional players are tending to get closer to the cue ball with their bridge hand adding a greater degree of control. If your stance conforms to the basics and is stable, the only thing you will need to possibly change is to move your feet marginally closer to the shot simply because you have altered the position of your bridge hand.

[@rasikhkhan7981]

Hi Barry. Thank you for your help and rushabh too.I want to know that is it compulsory to accelerate the cue with the help of wrist as you and other professionals are doing.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

rasikh. The short answer is no. If you are cueing straight and can play all the necessary shots I don't really care how you do it. But the fact that you are asking this question suggests that you are not entirely happy with your game, so perhaps it is time to introduce a little wrist into your action which in turn should minimise the amount of major muscles used to deliver the cue.

[@YogeshKumar-py6ru]

Hello Barry, I practiced what is shown in this video and I tell you Sir, it really helped me in delivering the cue in a straight line with a sweet timing. Really thank you for this as i have been potting 8/10 dead straight long pots which tells me that there is nothing wrong with my straight cuing but i have a question about the angle judgement without any reference to half ball or quarter ball because its not always that you are faced with an exact half ball or an exact quarter or three quarter ball? how can I improve on that? My eyes tell my mind that I am aiming correctly but when i deliver the shot, the cue ball hits the object ball on the thicker side, most of the time. Is there any practice or trick for this? Please help. Regards

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Yogesh. Place the cue ball on the brown spot and an object ball on the pink spot. Try to pot the ball in the right hand corner pocket a few times, note whether you tend to miss thick or thin. Now play the shot in the opposite corner pocket a few times and note whether you tend to miss thick or thin. It is unusual for a player to miss thick from both sides of the table or indeed thin from both sides of the table. If you miss thick from both sides the ghost ball practice will help you to sort this out. If you are missing thick from one side but thin from the other then this is more complicated and there could be several reasons. 1/ You may not be using your dominant eye correctly. 2/ You may be using unwanted side. 3/ Your cueing may not be as accurate as you think, please examine it on the baulk line. Good luck.

[@AnilChavan-fj4xm]

Sir, thanks for your wonderful inputs. I find my elbow moving towards my body when I am delivering the shot and most often I tend to miss the Pot. How do I address this issue.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Anil. This is a natural phenomena with a lot of players and really not one that should stop you delivering the cue in a straight line. Please don't try to force it into an unnatural position just have a look at my videos that cover the grip, work on that and concentrating on the 'V' at the front of the hand it should still be possible to deliver that cue in a straight line. Good luck.

[@andy4ward.slavaukraini.364]

Great stuff, as normal.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Andy. Many thanks, glad you appreciate what we are trying to get over.

[@MetallicDannyR]

I just wanted to thank you barry since ive been watching these videos i can see improvements in my game i still have the really bad days of course but i go with my friend once a week and the other day i beat him 6-0 it was awesome haha and i was doing some pritty amazing shots i just started off with no spin or screw and now im adding them in slowly although i still cant seem to get the back spin correct im not sure if im doing it wrong or because its a pub table i tried it on a brand new pool table and could do it amazingly but on the old pub snooker tables i couldnt any tips?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Drunk. You say you could screw back on the pool table but not on a snooker table. This is more than likely because on an English pool table the cue ball is smaller than the object ball. On the snooker table the balls are the same size so your technique has to be better. Keep working at it, get through the ball and it will come.

[@MetallicDannyR]

Thanks barry yeah makes sence ill keep trying haha :) thanks again and keep up the great videos!

[@discodewana]

Dear Barry Sir, I just had a look at your videos and your words are totally true, I have been having real issue with a back swing and I have found out that i held onto the cue very tightly with my wrist. The bigger backswing i tried the more wayward my cueing was. I am very thankful to your videos. However, I am 6'3' tall I have a very difficult time bending and my back strains a lot due to my side on stance. My long shots view starts to get blurred due to the strain. What can I do to keep that normal? I have good right side eye, so I am not sure the boxer stance is advisable. Regards.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Balal. A lot of tall people have similar problems, ( perhaps they should raise the tables ) Don't worry about the boxer stance, I have seen many good right eye dominant players use this stance and cope very well. However, If you are using the square on stance, adopt the normal position and then bend both legs to get your body and the butt of the cue lower. There are several professional players who play with both legs bend, I know it goes against the text book but as long as you keep still it solves a lot of problems for tall players. I hope that works for you.

[@discodewana]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach thank you sir. I will definitely try it and update the results. Thanks again.

[@oscarlycissy]

hello Barry, thank you for yet another great video! You mentioned "that's what produced the timing" a couple of times. Could you explain timing a bit more? Is this how one achieves better contact by the cue tip with the cue ball?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

oscarlycissy. Timing is achieved by relaxing the grip, allowing the cue to do the work, getting through the ball, hanging on to the cue ball. That is how you achieve timing. All these points then produce timing which is the length of time the cue tip is in contact with the cue ball. We are talking about micro-seconds but the nearer the player can get to a push shot without it actually being a push shot, the better the timing will be.

[@oscarlycissy]

Many thanks, Barry. That's perfectly explained! It's what I've always suspected to be happening when good "purchase" of the cue ball is achieved, but to have it verified by an authoritative source is giving me much confidence to continue to pursue it. Thank you again for doing a great service to the snooker-loving community.

[@mindaugasmiskinis3985]

Hi Mr. Barry, I have question about fore finger and thumb after the shot. they tend to separate, because otherwise my cue tip goes up. May be I follow through too much? Another question. When I make the shot, my cue wiggles at the and of the shot? When I watch professionals (especially Ding Junhui) there is no wiggles after the shots, cue just stops. I tried to relax grip, don't touch chest with grip after the shot, but it wiggles. Thank You.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Mindgaugas. Finger and thumb separating at the completion of the shot is not that important as long as you cue straight. Lots of players relax the front of the grip on the follow through, I tend to favour keeping movement or changes within the grip to a minimum as this reduces complications. As the hand comes to the chest or indeed past the chest the ball has gone, so the wiggle, as you put it, will not affect the shot. What is important though is when the cue settles it should be pointing to where you were aiming.

[@luisviana4074]

Thanks!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

No problem!

[@BBBBD147]

Hi Barry, once again thank you for another great video. I have a question that is off topic slightly. I played on star tables yesterday for the 4th time. Before then, I've been playing on club tables. How important in your opinion, would it be to practice on a star table prior to entering competitions? (Baring in mind, there are no facilities with star tables in my general area, Exeter. The closest I believe are SWSA in Gloucester).

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

billyrm. When you change from club tables to professional tables it is a different game. Its not so much the table itself but the cut and size of the pockets and the very fine cloth that professionals play on. Professionals spend a lot of time and money trying to replicate the tournament conditions with which they practise on. I don't care how good a player you are on club tables, you would not show your true ability without some practise on a tournament table.

[@BBBBD147]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach thank you Barry, I think for the next event we'll definitely go up and get some practice time the day before. It's just a shame there's nowhere closer to home that has star tables. Are you going to be doing the 2nd instalment of the mind side of the game Barry?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

billyrm. Going to be busy at the world championships qualifiers and hopefully the Crucible, but will try to get round to it in due course.

[@BBBBD147]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach not a problem at all Barry, best of luck for the Qualifiers and the crucible. I'll certainly be rooting for Kyren, one of my favourite players. All the best, Billy.

[@hubinsc]

Hi Barry, you said the body is a fixed point, does that mean the cue is sliding along/touching the ribs, during the stroke? Difficult to see with your dark cue and black vest. Thanks Barry.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

hubinsc. That's exactly what I mean.

[@andrewhickman4412]

On the last pause, when you naturally release cue with the fingers and no extra tension. Do you push hand into chest?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Andrew. All players have to find their own way of doing this, the gap between your grip hand and the chest should be sufficient to allow adequate follow through before the hand reaches the chest. At that point some players stop at the chest, others modify their grip slightly which allows more follow through.

[@juulianmiranda]

Nic, qual é o tamanho do seu taco e a sua altura? E qual tamanho de taco você indica para jogadores com 1,65m?

[@nbxhd7353]

Hi Barry will teach us how to do the stand for snooker

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

NBX. This is covered in detail on one of my videos, please have a look.

[@juhosallinen1627]

Hi Barry and thank you for the time you take to make these wonderful tutorials. I have a question for you, would be much appreciated if you gave just a quick reply. So I've been trying to work on my stance, grip, and cueing. Quite often I notice that my grip hand is touching the side of my hip as I'm delivering the shot. The thumb of the grip hand sort of brushes the side of the hip, right where the pocket of my trousers is at. Is that a sign of me doing something wrong, and if so then is the problem likely to be in the stance or in the way I'm indeed delivering the cue? Thank you again, I believe you're a world-class coach, one of the best coaches I've seen working in any sport. Regards from Finland.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Juho. This reminds me of a top professional player (no names) who when he was a young lad had the same problem and he was always getting his hand caught in his trouser pocket. His mother came up with a novel solution and sewed velcro on the inside of the pocket. He later found a more realistic and professional solution because he didn't fancy velcro on most of his trousers. Please don't make whole sale changes to alleviate this, it really is a simple matter of modifying the stance slightly. Obviously the hips need to move to the left if you are right handed, to facilitate this you can either move your left foot forward a little or turn your right foot outward a little, or both. This should allow you to take a fraction more weight onto the left foot (seldom a bad thing) and move your hip marginally to the left and out of the way. Good luck.

[@juhosallinen1627]

Thank you Sir for the detailed reply! Comforting to hear that a top player has had the same issue, I'll try and alter my stance/hips area a fraction to the left. It's an important advice that one should not introduce too drastic changes, I'm guilty of it sometimes. The margin of error in snooker is one of the tiniest in any sport, and thus even minuscule changes can have a big impact. Keep up the good work, I for one was stuck with my game for two years and has started to make rapid progress just by watching and re-watching your videos. All the best.

[@JIMMYSAFC1]

superb

[@theznooker]

how tight that ring shap ( thumb +forefinger ) should be ? my other 3 fingers are quite good and loose, but i sometimes think that my ring shaped thumb + forfinger is abit loose, how do i know if that ring shaped area is loose or not ???? tnx, please do reply , as this is very important for me, tnx coach

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

ART.I have answered this below.

[@shashankshekhar1215]

sir I have tried inferlin and outferlin but I have a question during this process grip hand may have same preassure on cue or during inferlin i have to increase and in outferlin to decrease and in this process i noticed that my cue is not stooped by chest and whenever i try I accidentally drop my elbow

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Shashank. Some players drop their elbow, others don't keeping their elbows high. Whatever suits you and works for you as a player is correct.

[@arthurvin2937]

The theory made my cue action worse! I noticed that I'm more consistent when I'm not thinking about doing it right, my cue action is better when I'm doing it whatever feels comfortable at the moment. I'm a bit worried now, because I've been watching your channel for weeks but my progress is literally backwards. Do you think it's just some kind of temporary break-in period I'm going through and I should force myself to do it correctly by practicing it more? Or just keep doing it the way I feel comfortable which I'm pretty sure is wrong way of doing it - pure intuition. This is not about just the cue action, it's about other stuff as well.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Arthur. I will always try to give what I believe to be the best advice that I can give. If you are consistently making big breaks doing what comes naturally then leave well alone but still try to learn how you do what you do. Through years of being with good players I know that the method I teach works but when you have been doing something one way and someone like me comes along and says,"Don't do it like that, do it like this" it always takes time to change and unfortunately it will feel uncomfortable because it is different, you will also have to take a backward step as well. I am afraid I cannot make that decision for you, only you know how you feel, but good luck with it.

[@arthurvin2937]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Thank you Barry! It's been only two months since I got my Snooker table installed. My breaks are still below 30 with highest ever around 40. Your channel is a lifesaver since I'm in US and I will be very lucky if I ever meet someone in 1000 mile radius who at least heard about this game, not to mention coaching. However, I can find American Pool coach, do you think it's a good idea?

[@johncummings9446]

Good morning Barry. I have a question concerning the grip. On the forward stroke does the grip hand close at the cue ball or does the grip hand close at the finish of the forward stroke. Thanks

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

John. This varies from player to player, but as a general rule the grip is progressively starting to close as soon as the forward stroke begins and will be completed at the end of the forward stroke. Please don't force this though it should be a natural process and as I have said will vary between players.

[@johncummings9446]

Thank you Barry. It's an issue I have been dealing with for a long time. Thanks for all you do and all you share.

[@MegaAndreyy]

Barry, I noticed when I play, I do it with my elbow sticking out (so called chicken wing), like Jamie Cope or Mark Williams maybe, but I'm still able to cue straight, is that a problem? I don't feel comfortable pushing my elbow against my body.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Andrey. The purist will say the arm must be vertical, and its a matter of opinion as to what advantage is gained from it. To me the only thing that matters is cueing straight and if you can do that and play all the shots I don't care where your elbow is.

[@SmijithViolin]

Hi Barry, any tip for not twisting the wrist while deliver the cue ? Will stance or bridge position contribue to that..

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Smijith. Can't really see how the stance can contribute to a twisting of the wrist during cue delivery. It could be that you don't have enough room between the cueing hand and the chest and in an effort to obtain more cue power with minimal room in this area perhaps your bridge hand is too far away from the cue ball at address. However, it is more likely to be a flaw in the grip and you need to really examine this, my video on the grip may help.

[@SmijithViolin]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach hi barry .. thank you so much for the reply.. you are right . .. i see very less space between my chest and cue arm.. do you think if i adjust my bridge arm position i can obtain more room btween my chest and cue arm..or anything else... once again thank you so much

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Smijith. Yes that's exactly what I mean. What happens at the front can have a direct bearing on what is happening at the back and vice versa. By that I mean if your bridge hand is too far away from the cue ball it can have a direct influence on the amount of follow through you can achieve. Then in an effort to get the required amount of follow through the cue is often pulled off line.

[@SmijithViolin]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach . Thank you so much barry. I will work on that part. Waiting for your next videos.

[@bigboytv7210]

Hi Barry. Thanks for your videos. I just wanted to ask that I am 6 ft 5 so will an average length cue be sufficient for me

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ranjit. At 6ft 5" I very much doubt that an average length of cue will suffice. Be careful here though adding length to a cue can make it very whippy.

[@bigboytv7210]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach ok I think I will just get used to an average length cue as my arms are not exactly the longest but thanks for ur advice

[@madeeladi]

Barry i buyed a cue from a tall guy... And its seem very long in lenght to me. I grab it from some distance away from the grip corner. Is it okey? Or i have to change it or modify it?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

M. Oh! dear no. Please have a look at my videos (1-2-3-4-5 ) which cover where to place the bridge hand and where to hold the cue, it will probably mean that you will be holding the cue well down the butt of the cue but don't worry about this aspect yet. The most important thing is to know is where you must place the two hands, the bridge and the grip. When you have established these positions you will have a good idea of whether the cue needs shortening and its balance point. Please don't attempt to shorten the cue yourself, but take it to a recognised cue maker who will need specific measurements from you, you will have to determine these measurements yourself but my videos should help. The standard length of a cue is 58 inches and this suits most people of average height and build.

[@anmax]

Wow my Cueing is VERY GOOD after watching this video, I'm potting most straight or near straight balls, but when cutting like between 3/4 ball and half ball I miss because I didnt practice much, so I dont relly know where to hit, even thou I know some aiming theories, so, is there a good routine to practice these kind of shots?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Chibi. Very few shots are perfectly straight and require some sort of assessment of the angle. If any particular angle shot gives you problems please study the video and try the ghost ball theory, it should help. Just keep practising routines like the line up and you will start to assess these shots more accurately. There is no magic wand I can wave, only ask to to persevere with your practise and try to learn from your mistakes. Remember, good players play the line, the one from cue ball to object ball and the other, object ball to the pocket.

[@anmax]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach thank you, I will start practicing the line up

[@johncummings9446]

Thank you very much for unselfishly producing these videos. I do have a question concerning the grip.I do follow your method of holding the cue with the index finger and the thumb as you teach. Are the fingers used to close the grip on the forward motion of the cue to provide the speed of the cue? Thanks John - USA

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

John. There is no doubt that some players do this but can pull the cue off line. For me the closing of the hand only serves to add timing to the shot by encouraging the cue tip to remain in contact with the cue ball momentarily longer.

[@johncummings9446]

Ah! Okay, yes that has been my experience also. So the movement/speed of the cue forward is with the use of the wrist and how the cue is held as you teach to allow the wrist to break forwrd. Am I on the right track? Thanks for the reply Barry.

[@johncummings9446]

Ah! okay. That has been my experience also. The intentional closing of the hand, for me, pulls the cue off line. So, holding the cue, as you teach, allows for the wrist to break forward into the cue ball. I would imagine that the wrist breaking forward and the length of the back swing provides the speed of the shot. Am I on the right track Barry? Thanks for your reply and thanks for sharing.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

John. You are on the right track, I believe it is generally easier to keep a longish back swing straight than it is a short one. It allows the cue to do the work rather than the players muscles. Obviously, that does mean that the swing cannot be too long, of course it can and a player will find what works for him and that which doesn't. Its the same with the wrist, I like to see a little wrist in a players action but that does mean that there cannot be too much wrist, of course there can. Again a player will find what works and what doesn't. Good luck.

[@keithguenzel6494]

You mention closing the grip helps timing, does the grip close after going through the cue ball or right at impact

[@dnbmania]

Keith Guenzel Just before/during the delivery. You shouldn't be consciously squeezing though - just allow your fingers to refurl around the cue and your grip strength will naturally increase. Squeezing will potentially bring the cue off line.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Keith. Physics comes into this question. Sir Isaac Newton said in slightly different words," for every force in one direction, there is an equal and opposite force in the other direction" Applying that statement to snooker, we have a force hitting the cue ball, therefore there is an equal force coming off the cue ball. Closing the hand tends to help to resist this second force producing the timing on the shot and should be done at impact. But it should also be done without tension.

[@keithguenzel6494]

Thank you Barry, fantastic explanation.

[@LeviDuudeHD]

Hi Barry, great videos, i have been playing snooker for over a month now with self taught practice and mostly your videos. My highest break is currently 42. One question, what sort of cue would you recommend and what retailers would you recommend. Also, to add to that, would you be able to describe how to find that perfect cue.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Rawkuss. The perfect cue is one that you as a player like and you have got used to. Frank Callan who coached Stephen Hendry for a while once said, " Stephen is the best player in the world with the worst cue in the world" Stephen had got used to that cue and it suited his game. As a beginner don't spend a fortune on a cue, there is no need. Just make sure it is straight and not too whippy it fits nicely into your hand and no varnish on the shaft. There are many good manufacturers making very good products these days, just get someone with a little more experience to help you choose.

[@LeviDuudeHD]

Thankyou for the great advice barry, you are an excellent coach and i'd love to meet you personally one day.

[@dnbmania]

Rawkus On the snooker forum the member ADR147 has generated a good reputation for selling quality snooker cues at a reasonable price. If you search on eBay for 'ADR cue' you'll find some of his listings.

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

Hey Barry, what do you think about Earl Strickland being named to the 2021 Mosconi Cup team for the USA? 🇺🇸 I think it was a brilliant pick by Double J for this particular year and JJ & Earl will lead our men to victory over your boys!! Hope you r doing well and hope your health is improved!! Cheers 🍻🥂

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ronnie. I am not really a pool player but I do follow it a little. Earl is obviously a fantastic player and he can certainly motivate, an audience and the players. However he is also capable of upsetting a few people and that can work for or against, good luck to all. Thanks for the good wishes.

[@omairalhamlei8038]

👍🏻ur the best

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Afra. Glad that you like the videos, many thanks.

[@lewisbenson2177]

Hi Barry, any tips for taller players? I am 6'6 and feel like maybe the cue is too short in comparison with more average height guys, so feel it interferes with the cueing and I have to go past my chest to get through the cue ball, thanks

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Lewis. Just like standard table height, standard cue lengths can give tall players a problem. Be careful here, a longer cue can become very whippy. The longest cue I have seen used by a very good and tall player was 59 inches. Please don't forget that small adjustments to where you hold the cue, where you place the bridge hand and whether you bend your bridge arm or not can make enormous differences. A good tip is to attach a six inch extension on your cue and determine the length of cue best suited for you.

[@lewisbenson2177]

thank you barry!