99. Using Side Effectively - Valuable black ball scenarios

[@EKDhilipKumarAstrologer]

What a fantastic teacher. His passion combines with the ability of a great teacher. You are the best!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

E K. Many thanks for those kind words.

[@Adam23200]

Thanks Barry I’ve finally managed to make my first century break and ended up getting 110. Out of hours and hours of practice using your drills techniques and tips. Thank you

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Adam. Great that you have become a century break player and that my videos have played a part. Well done.

[@lukasvanstaden3918]

Hi Mr. Stark, I live in South Africa and would just like to thank you for taking the time to do a little coaching on KZbin. Here in SA there aren't as much snooker influence as over there in the UK and I've learned a lot by just watching your videos + snooker matches and applying the things I've learned to my game. Your a great coach and being an amateur/rookie in Africa, I really do appreciate it when someone like yourself takes time to ensure more people learn to play the game. Kyren has also become one of my favourite snooker players and I wish you two all the best in training for the new season.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Lukas. Great that you like the videos and many thanks for your kind words and well wishes. Kyren is a smashing lad and one very good player, I will pass on the fact that he has support from South Africa.

[@charlesscottkelly]

I have been studying snooker books and videos for 20 plus years, Barry is the best at explaining the art of snooker by far.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Charles. Wow! that's quite a statement, thanks a lot.

[@Zain.Basi1]

OMG first I didn’t get but then I watched again and watched your other ‘side’ videos and now it all makes perfect sense to me!! Sir It’s amazing how you have the ability to take a subject so confusing to the beginner, and you dissect and explain it with many useful examples and in simple language ,,,,,,,,, you are what every teacher/trainer should aspire to be like You have my respect and appreciation

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

zain. Thanks for that, I do try.

[@srvafool]

Excellent video Mr. Stark! I've been experimenting with side and I think I've been anticipating too much push. This makes it simple. Short distances between balls means not much push and side compensates to almost even it out. I can't wait to try it out. Thanks again Barry.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Alan. Hit that ball sweetly and you will learn to use side to your advantage, don't rush it though, it takes time.

[@ariMuayad]

I love your videos Barry, you post all these amazing tutorials for free on KZbin for everyone to watch. Thank you, greetings from Kurdistan region/ Iraq.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Samuel. I wanted to do this to promote the game of snooker, glad you like them.

[@shawnsullivan2729]

Sir Barry...that was a very informative lesson when using side amongst the reds and the black. Thank You!! It's a privilege to us viewers and subscribers of your channel by getting all this information about this beautiful game. Thanks once again :)

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Shawn. My pleasure, glad you enjoy the channel.

[@theallseeingmaster]

I started using side last night; no more than half a tip. It worked better than I would have dreamed. Thanks, Barry.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

theallseeingmaster. As your name implies your are starting to see the value of less often produces more, well done.

[@theallseeingmaster]

:-)

[@georgedagosdagopoulos7587]

Another great video to tackle the very important issue of using side when playing this wonderful game. And only you Sir can explain it in such a way. Thanks for this and good luck to Kyren for the upcoming matches!!!!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

George. I have been away at the world championships with Kyren and have not had chance to answer many questions on the channel, thanks for the well wishes.

[@georgedagosdagopoulos7587]

I understand Sir, I was really so sad to see Kyren lose the semifinal against Higgins. I think he deserved to be at the final. Higgins had a huge slice of luck through all the sessions. Kyren now is at the top four players in the world. Congratulate him on behalf of me and my greetings to you Sir as well. Have a wonderful night!!!

[@LIVERNIL723]

Barry, I'm ultra glad you've raised this Topic. I'm more of a Pool player and guaranteed, I miss a ball that's right next to the centre pocket when applying side, plus force. I remember you outlining something about the cue ball deviating so automatically, that has impact. On some type of cutting shots, side and screw is beneficial to take the white from one end of the table to another or from one cussion to another. Most shots though in my view are better suited to plain ball because at least then, you are guaranteed pot success.

[@KarnageGaming]

While i do agree pros use side to get that little bit of a better position. And have enough practise they know all the factors so they are practically guaranteed the pot. Now compare the average player without all that table time and practise and coaching and its easier to stick to natural angles and pace.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

LIVERNIL. You and Lord Karnage have the right approach, I answer a lot of questions on the use of side and its complexities but it is probably better for them to generally stick to plain ball striking until they can regularly make 50 breaks. In other words don't run before you can walk.

[@wadepatton2433]

Barry, I won't say those things about not knowing. I learned the concept years ago, but have never practiced it enough to find good success. Next time I find a table, I'll have lots of things to practice. Snooker has quite revived my interest in poking balls around a table, and MOST of that started when I found your videos. Thank you Sir.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Wade. My pleasure.

[@AtulyaISMite]

A great video!! The concept of playing with side to screw faster was well explained and is surely going to help.

[@teleportingbiscuit8149]

This guy is like the Bob Ross of snooker. Also 147th comment ;)

[@ehsanzahoor607]

What an amazing video, Barry. Bravo!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

saad. Thanks for that, I hope it has helped your game.

[@W.Khairi]

Sweetness of contact

[@TidusfromZanarkand]

Congratulations to Kyren Wilson sir, for making it to the semifinals of the largest snooker event and put up an amazing fight against Higgins. Great work to you both!!!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Elorian. Many thanks for that, he did very well against some tough match players, Higgins is a class act and possibly a little too experienced at the moment but we are closing the gap.

[@martinrosler5432]

Congratualation Kyren & Barry ...what a great Tournament he Plays at the Word-Championship. Fantastic to watch Kyron playing. I am impressed from his so strong mental Power in his realative Young Age and the first Time to the OneTable-Setup, specially when Things run wrong... sure, you have many, many Fans more ... Kyron .. i`am one...;o) All the best .... Martin from Germany

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Martin. Many thanks the kind words, I will pass them on to Kyren together with the fact that he has gained another fan.

[@johndavies686]

MwieMartin R. Bennyhill

[@lukepjd]

Great videos Barry you are an excellent coach. Thanks

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Luke. Thanks, Nice to be appreciated.

[@DimebagDerekS]

Mr. Stark, a very nice snooker room has opened up here in Houston, Texas. Sadly snooker is not very popular over here. I have been watching your videos and want to tell you what a great job you do. I look forward to using some of your tips and strategies when we play next week. My friend is generally a better shooter than me at most billiard games, I am sure your tips will give me the edge I need to compete at his level.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Dimebag. Please don't forget though, it still needs practise, good luck.

[@ghayasuddinayoubi7520]

Best coach ever really helpful tip every time

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ghayasuddin. Thanks for the praise, I try.

[@aleksanderkowalski3272]

I hope Mr Wilson will win. I am so happy when he progres, because i know that he has the best teacher who deserves happiness from his achivments. Zdrowia i szczęścia Panie Stark

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Aleksander. Many thanks for the good wishes, I also am very happy when Kyren Wilson wins.

[@ewangeeez2929]

Very well explained baz thank you, keep up the well executed and informative videos! Well done

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ewan. Thanks. WE will try to keep them coming.

[@BBBBD147]

Thanks Barry, great video as always.

[@limhanlong4143]

Barry can you do a video on side effects on a blind pocket pot on the center pocket

[@mehdimohammadzade8139]

sorry for my interrupt. i sorted your videos from session 1 to last session (99) and i found there is two session with id of 35 and there isn't any session with id of 36. (35- Cue Ball Control - A popular practice routine And 35- Barry with Kyren Wilson - Technique observations). and i want to say thankyou for your brilliant videos. ♥

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Mahdi. Thanks for your observation.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

I've just discussed your observation with my friend who uploads the videos for me. He tells me that by the time the error was realised, it was too late to correct. It was decided to omit 36 so that future numbers reflected the correct amount of sessions.

[@mehdimohammadzade8139]

its not a big deal dear Barry.Numbers are just numbers :D i told it because i want you to feel that your fans are seeing any seconds of your great tutorials ♥♥

[@familyvnes9569]

Thanx for uploading video barry I was waiting for this upload

[@ThePrimeMinisterOfTheBlock]

Thank you Barry (and crew), another insightful video. :)

[@sahilshamim2609]

Barry can u make a video about how to judge the in-off using side as well as centre ball striking

[@fanofmrbean6294]

Nice video as always Barry where did you get that stick

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

fan. That stick (cue) was made by John Parris.

[@freethinkers6751]

Hiii barry sir...thanks for a wonderful session.. sir while using little sides left or right on screw shot like u showed in this vedio do the line of shot changes or remains tha same..

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Neeraj. The line of the shot changes to allow for the throw when using side, please have a look at my video which explains this.

[@makauleygrindrod6558]

hi barry. i was wondering if you can do a video on deciding when to screw into the pack off the black pkease? im struggling to work out when to do and i cant get the arc into the cueball when i do. i know about the flat pack situation about when to stun into them. its just deciding when to screw them in and in match play situations on when to play cannons into the pack instead of going into the pack when they are quite loose. Thanks.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

MacAuley. Some players like to pick off the loose reds before even considering when to go into the pack. The modern game is more about trying to loosen the pack while leaving yourself possible alternatives. Reading the pack is a skill in itself of which Ronnie is the master but you should always remember that the pros are playing with new balls and fine cloths that tend to assist with disturbing the pack a little easier. However, that is not to imply that it is easy, it is not and even the top boys get it wrong sometimes.

[@notold5087]

Hi Barry, what you have explained in the video is what I would call the outside. How will the inside affect the object ball? For example, in your first scenario, you are high on the cue ball and what happens when if you play the shot with left side? Do I need to aim it thicker or thinner? Lastly, will how thick or thin the cue ball come in contact with the object ball with side affect how much the object ball is squeezed?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

notold. ykrahs666 has explained it very well.

[@notold5087]

Thank you Barry and ykrahs666

[@woody816]

Nice1 as always Barry 👍

[@abhishekkhandelwal4141]

Sir one more request....Please make a video on hitting double and consequences of using side on double

[@satyam652]

using side in double just increases or decreases the angle of the object ball after it hits the cushion. it is very complex to describe in words, try using left/ right side for hitting a double , see which angle it moves in every situation. Remember, It is very helpful technique, it requires less practise but having this trick up your sleeves definitely gives you an edge over your opponent . Mark my words, With use of side you can pot any balls if you are playing double but again if you want position for next ball then only you play these shots. Double is always considered a fluke only if you are not John Higgins. :)

[@KarnageGaming]

Barry i got a question. Btw love your videos. So i understand that the pause is given so our eyes have time to adjust to changing what we are looking at. And this helps us be more accurate and deliver the cue straight. But i underdstand some pause before they deliver the cue and others add a pause at the end of the backswing. So my question is this the pattern of the eyes. Should my focus change the moment i pause then move cue back for backswing and deliver. And then for those that add a pause at the end of the backswing how hmdoes that work? Would they use the pause to check the cues position at the cue ball then look at tip during the backswing then pause and duribg pause look at spot there aiming at and then deliver? And if u could explain why this help us deliver the cue straighter that would be a help mentally also

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Lord. Some players pause at the cue ball to ensure they are hitting the cue ball where they intend, others pause at the end of the back swing as an aid to concentration. Still others use a pause at the front and at the rear (double pause). Please study the video I made on the subject, try them all and then make your decision which suits you and that you are comfortable with.

[@hasnainjamil386]

Hi Barry, Thank you for this informative clip. My question is in the first scenario, you was high on the black, if the cue ball was low on the black what side would you play? If you would play side ( i.e left hand side) would it be the opposite side ( ie right hand side) for the opposite side of the table if you was low on the black ? Thank you.

[@darylheasman1]

Hi Barry, just come across this video, for the beginner and low break maker ie 30-40 on a good day is it easier to get side using a softer tip rather than harder one.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

daryl. A softer tip does tend to grip the cue ball more and therefore generate any spin a little easier, the real skill is to control the amount.

[@malcolmwatson3917]

so Barry when putting left hand side on cue ball it pushes the object ball to the right and when using right hand side it pushes it to the left. cheers malc

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Malcolm. Correct but be careful with that statement, the push or kick to the left or right tends only to happen when you play with a nice gentle pace. If you strike the ball hard the power tends to overcome the sideways push.

[@nirmal209]

Coach barry plz explain me and make video om cue delivery what is start slow and finish fast ...smooth acceleration how to achieve that. ..thank.you in advance sir

[@krishnambetala3643]

When i play the shot my cue tip is in the centre of the ball but when i play the shot it appears to be left hand side and i am right eye dynamic player

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Snooker. This sounds as if you are cueing across the ball either through bad alignment or bad cueing. Check it out on the baulk line.

[@ashwinanand405]

@Barry stark, Hi sir, That was a wonderful video, but at the end u were saying "the better you hit the cue, the sweeter contact, there will be good reaction on the cue ball".. How to develop it sir? Is there any method of handling cue to get that effect?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ashwin. There is a way to develop it but players are generally nervous about going backwards to hopefully and ultimately to go forwards. I believe you have to let the cue do the work, once your muscles do too much work to deliver the cue you will never be consistent. The best way to achieve this is by developing a long, smooth cue action. Before you contradict me it is worth saying that there will always be exceptions to that statement but as a general rule it is the best. Just look at Ronnie or Mark Selby, look how long their final back swing is, they have spent hours developing this and they play on very fast tables where you would thing it is not necessary yet they still do it. If they do it on those tables just think how important it might be on club tables. To move a limb the prime mover muscle and the antagonist muscle must contract and extend accordingly, when this is done smoothly there is greater control and generally a longer cue action facilitates this better.

[@ashwinanand405]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Wow sir, you are a genius.. You give us every minute detail to become a better player.. Thanks a lot sir.. May God give u all health and happiness to u and ur family sir. Take care. Regards, Ashwin

[@4pdel545]

hi mr. barry firstly i want to thank u for all the efforts u put in ur videos because we don't have any coachs in my country and we had to learn snooker the hard way hhhh anyway. u mention at the last shot of the black and get position on the red that applying left hand side allow us to hit the black thiker .. but the correction that we apply at the aiming process for the left hand side won't allow that thikness in the contact between the white and the black ... is that right or i just didn't get it !! or there is some sort of kick that drives the black towords the pocket !!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

kaddouri. I am sorry but I am a little confused by the way you have worded your question. There are many points to consider when using side. 1/Right hand side will push the cue ball to the left, how far depends on so many things:- Power used- distance between balls- nap of cloth- your cue- how well you hit the ball etc. When the two balls collide at a gentle pace the object ball will get kicked slightly to the left. Obviously the reverse is true when left hand side is used. All these points must be accounted for in your aim and allowance must be made. I hope that answers your question.

[@MrHamza729]

How to ensure that I am cutting right? I mean how much angle I need to pot it in?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

MrHamza. Euclid breaks down when you try to include his theories into snooker. Angle shots can only be learned through repetition, repetition is only effective when you cue the same all the time. Develop your cue action through sound practise routines, the angle shots will then start to become easier. If you are still having trouble after this then use the ghost ball method, this is a very good guide and will help you a lot.

[@MrHamza729]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Thank you sir. I'll practice more.

[@samt6125]

HI Barry awesome video. Also good luck to kyran for the world championship. I just have a question for you I've been told that I've been cueing with my shoulder and to lock it so it doesn't move during the stroke I'm just wondering what Is the recommended method to do this. As when I lock it every thing is in line but if I over do it it creates too much tention. Would appreciate some help with this by any chance. Thank you. Theo

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Theo. Tension in any area of the body is in my opinion a killer, of course it is important to stay still on the shot but this should be done without the tension some people advocate.

[@samt6125]

Thank you for your response Barry is there any way I can send u a video of my technique. You probably have a lot of people asking this I was just wondering if there is a way. Thank you

[@krvyinit]

just one question about side. if i play the shot with right hand side or "helping side" would i need to aim slightly thicker to allow for the throw of the black when it makes contact?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Krvy. Side is one of the fascinations about the game, if you play the shot described gently then generally the answer to your question would be yes. However, the amount will vary depending upon so many factors, cloth, cue, power of shot etc.

[@krvyinit]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach thank you for your response barry cause i was aiming thinner to anticipate the throw of the cue ball.

[@drift879]

HI Barry i am a 13 year old (14 in a month) player who currently plays the game of pool at home as, well i can't afford or fit a snooker table in my home but i have played on a rubbish snooker table in the isle of white and i loved it just the feel of it is awesome and i live in Coventry and would like to know if there is anywhere i could go to play snooker. :) Thanks

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Derpy. I am afraid I am not familiar with Coventry in terms of places to play snooker, but I have just typed in Google " snooker clubs in Coventry" and got quite a selection. I know that some places have restrictions on juniors because alcohol is sold on the premises so you would need to check on this but I am sure that with a little effort you will find somewhere local. Good luck.

[@drift879]

ok thanks Barry :)

[@finnypervaiz]

hi.there how are you you are doing a good job my game is getting worse else then getting improved and i make 20 30 but not reaching 50 any more?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

faisal. Players do what they do because it is comfortable for them and they are in their comfort zone. When you change something, no matter how small, you are forced out of your comfort zone for a while and inevitably you have to go backwards a little before moving on. That should only last for a brief period so if goes beyond that maybe the technique doesn't quite suit you or you have not got all the elements quite right. Please put yourself on video and have a good look at yourself with a critical eye, it just may be that you will spot something. If you used to make 50 breaks you obviously know most of the shots and are just searching for that panacea that allows more consistency, good luck.

[@MultiJ12345]

Hi mr Stark, I understand deflection and how to compensate it. However I am quite new to push. Like what you’ve explained, by applying right side, I will end up pushing the Black towards left more. And due to the distance between the Two balls being fairly close, I should be able to disregard deflection since I’m only applying a bit of right side. And hence make use of push to hit the black thicker to allow better control of my white ball. Is that correct?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Jackson, Hitting the black thicker means that there is more resistance and therefore generally speaking you have better control of the cue ball. However, you can never completely disregard deflection, experience and practise will teach you this.

[@brianolderfellow4072]

Hi Barry, Nice to see your "side" of practically using English. I also look at other comments and questions and it seems that the rules of the game come up quite a lot. When I play, we don't have a referee most of the time so it seems a lot of time is spent rehashing rules. Push shots, alternate ball, and snookering rules, spotting balls when there are no open spots, "missing" rule after a snooker, ball leaving the table, fouling on the black at the end of the game, ball hitting the rest, etc. Do any of the rules differ in different areas? I would really appreciate some info on this in the future. I know you're busy. Thanks again!

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

brian. The rules of snooker are the same all over the world. Sometimes the miss rule is modified to cater for juniors or beginners but as I have said they are the same wherever you play. A copy of the rules can be purchased from the WPBSA at minimal cost. Their address is:- The World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association, Suite 2.1. Albert House. 111-117 Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6AX. England.

[@ananths5905]

@Barry Stark, can you please comment on the wright of my cue? It's of the standard height but weighs lesser than all my friends' cues. I'm not too sure about the wood, but got it from a reputable cue shop and I quite like it. However, I want to know what you suggest about this. Should I try a slightly longer and heavier cue given that I am 6'0" and I feel these days that my cue is slightly shorter and lighter. I have recently started correcting my cueing and finally am able to understand and apply your lessons. Hence the question about the cue

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Wabi. The standard length of a cue is 58 inches and I see no reason why this should not be suitable for you. The weight is slightly different and more of an individual thing, standard weight varies between manufacturers and depends slightly on the characteristics of the wood. My own cue weighs just over 18 ounces, some players would say that is too heavy others would say it is too light, whatever suits you is right.

[@ananths5905]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach Thanks a lot Barry. Can you talk about the effect of the weight of the and how it affects the cue ball?

[@rayzorwalk]

Hi Barry, I'm wondering if you or any your students have experienced shoulder pain in the bridge arm when practicing for long periods of time? If so, how do you deal with this? Thanks

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

rayzorwalk. Difficult one this! it obviously could be that you have some sought of problem in the shoulder joint and this should first of all be examined and hopefully dismissed as the possible cause. If there is not any underlying problem and you are still getting pain it may suggest that you are creating tension in that area. Too much weight onto the bridge hand and arm can and will cause tension, this is quite easily remedied by a slight alteration with your stance, possibly moving a fraction closer to the shot. Alternatively, it may be that you need to include periodical rest periods into your lengthy practise times, I would also suggest that you warm up by stretching the shoulder girdle before you play.

[@kyotosal]

Barry, could please talk about plain ball and cutting angles. I am a beginner and I can't seem to be consistent on the amount of angle, cutting a ball into a pocket. I feel a vague sense and I am not sure where to have the cue ball strike the object ball. Even pointing at the object ball with the cue to see a point of where to have the cue ball strike it does not give me any confidence about where to strike the object ball. Thank you.....Sal : )

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

kyotosal. I can only suggest that you use the ghost ball method explained in one of my videos (29) this will get you on the right lines and you will soon start to recognise the various angles associated with potting balls. However, please remember that you still need to deliver the cue consistently in the same manner, i.e. a straight line, otherwise learning the angles becomes haphazard and to some extent guess work.

[@LdRfilmz]

great so hit the ball better is what I need to do, now I get it

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

about. You have got it in one. Get through that ball get through it sweetly and in a straight line, most of the rest will follow.

[@mustafahussain8432]

Sir plz tell me how the cue should be delievered...when I deliever the cue sometime it shakes and sometime it goes smoothly.... But I cannot find out why I am having that problem. Plz help me out.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Mustafa. When the cue strikes the cue ball there is bound to be a little vibration, this will increase generally the harder the ball is struck. It is also more pronounced when a whippy cue is used. Try to examine your cueing when it goes smoothly and see if you can spot any difference between the smooth delivery and the shaky one.

[@mustafahussain8432]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Thanksss

[@ahmedgouda7950]

Whats should i think during any shot.. and what is right to look to the object ball or the cue ball during the shot ?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Ahmed. When you actually play the shot you should be looking at the object ball. Your cue action and pre-shot routine should be so grooved that all you have to think about is relaxing and where the cue ball is going.

[@GTECHEE]

depends... i usually look at the pocket actually, especially on a long shot with slight angle

[@timhall9740]

Hi Barry. Three weeks since coaching session video (part 2), are we due another one?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Tim. This late reply to your question and any other video is due to my commitments at the world championships.

[@timhall9740]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach my apologies. The message wasn't meant to sound curt. Huge congratulations to Mr Wilson and yourself for your achievements at Sheffield.👏

[@vanderszpak]

Wonderful!

[@JakeTheDragon]

Hello sir Barry. I am sure that you answered this question many times before, but may I ask: is there any possible way of training the cue action (straight cueing) without snooker table or balls? This is my biggest problem during the "snooker time" as I call it. I know the angle of the pot, I know where the cue ball is going to finish and when I deliver, I miss by a mile. Have you got any solution to this, sir? Thank you in advance.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Jake. The margins of errors at this complicated and difficult game are very small, you have two round objects making contact with each other and the point of contact is very tiny indeed. To hit this point consistently your cue delivery must be as near perfect as you can make it. I used to practise ( still do ) on my wife's ironing board to check my cue delivery. My wife would put me on video and I would examine it in close detail, I hope you do the same, I am certain it will pay dividends.

[@JakeTheDragon]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach Thank you very much for the answer. I'll do whatever it takes to improve my cueing.

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

I've had some success playing side spin by using back hand english with the perfect speed. Line up the shot as you normally would then if the bridge distance is correct and you hit it with perfect speed, (I've had the most luck with a fairly slow speed shot) you can put any type of side on the cueball and pot the ball. But to be honest this method of judging how to hit side shots was just found out by me and I'm far from convinced that it's a viable way to judge and play side spin.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

john. Applying side is complicated because there are so many variables, even more so at snooker because of the distances involved, the lightness of the balls and the nap of the cloth.

[@LeNokiano]

Hi, Barry. I have a question about wearing glasses to play Snooker. I have myopia and astigmatism and I wear glasses. Do I have the same potential as someone who has perfect eyes? If not, can contact lens or going through surgery fix that?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Andrei. I am not an optician but I do know that contact lenses are better than glasses if you can wear them. Why not get in touch with Chris Cheshire of SnookerSpecs.com. He is an optician who plays snooker at a decent level, as such he understands the problems that snooker players have. Rest assured there are lots of professional snooker players who wear contact lenses, probably more than you realise, there are also plenty that wear glasses.

[@robertconnell5302]

Very true barry, your mind should be able to work the shots out if your going to be any good as a snooker player.

[@stevethomas8126]

Barry, Just wondering if the reason most top players use side when high on the black is for a bigger margin for error in landing straight and close enough on the next red to get back to the black? Cheers

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Steve. Certainly side helps with cue ball positioning in this situation and helps to reduce errors for some players because they can use less physical effort.

[@Letsensetalk]

Dear Coach, Is there any practice drill to avoid unintentional sides on the cue ball?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

LOVE. Just shooting the cue ball up and down over the spots will tell you an awful lot about where you are striking the cue ball.

[@Zain.Basi1]

I just have one question, if I apply side and I was aiming for an object ball ... and my cueball hit the object ball first then comes off of it and hits a cushion and comes off of it, will the side influence the bouncing of the cushion or will it be negated because of the initial contact with the object ball?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Zain. Certainly some of the side will be taken off but certainly not all of it and when the cue ball hits a cushion there will still be some effect from it.

[@Zain.Basi1]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach I get it. Thanks for the answer

[@syedsaqlain6856]

Sir i think my grip is not proper....wt should i have to do

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Syed. Please have a look at my video that covers the grip. I am confident that if you follow what it says your game will improve, but please don't expect it to work immediately, it takes time to alter something as major as altering the grip.

[@syedsaqlain6856]

@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach thanks....

[@rakshitwahi1410]

How can we judge a pace of your shot?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Rak. Some players who are more mechanical use the length of the swing to judge the pace of the shot, others just use practise, experience and feel.

[@kashifahmed7456]

Sir. Plz use a headcam for better understanding

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

kashif. We are saving up from the patreon donations to buy our own equipment, this includes lighting, cameras etc. At the moment a lot of the equipment is borrowed or hired.

[@kashifahmed7456]

Barry Stark Snooker Coach ohkay.! I understand.. and m glad you replyed so nice

[@abhishekkhandelwal4141]

Sir I have a question.....If there exists a situation like this when I am on a 5 point lead and I require only black ball to finish the frame.....Somehow I fouled on black with my white goes inside pocket......So technically now opponent have a 2 point lead.......What happens afterwards ...Do frame continue with the black or Opponent has already won the frame ?

[@robertconnell5302]

Abhishek Khandelwal opponent wins, if u was 7 points up & fouled on black it carries on, thats the only way it carries on with just black left.

[@satyam652]

correction Khandelwal , your opponent would win. There is no game afterwards because he will be in 2 lead afterwards. In case, if you were 7 points lead after potting pink and black ball is the only ball left, then even if you make a foul by any means ( miss, in off, miscue) , your opponent will get 7 points and scores will be level. In that case , black ball is re spotted and you need to toss to take the first shot and then whoever pots or fouls , the guy in lead will win the frame

[@hxduck]

I believe points are irrelevant when a foul is played on the final black... Automatic loss of frame.

[@AutoCats]

The rules are this. If you are on a black ball game, whoever pots it wins. However, if you foul on the black then it is frame is over as points have been scored on the black ball. If you foul on the black and the opponent is

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Abhishek. The first foul shot on the black ball ends the game, whoever is in the lead when the seven points are added wins the game. If as a result of the seven points being added the scores are now level, the black is re-spotted. In your example your opponent has won the frame.

[@daniellim7503]

So if I use left hand side from ur side means I need to hit it thinner?? Trying to improve my game Barry cheers

[@alataza100]

Daniel Lim No, is just the other way. You have to hit the black thinner when you're using right hand side from Barry position.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

Daniel. I am not trying to be evasive but if you get the balls about 12 inches apart, play fairly gently with varying degrees of right and left side and experiment, you will soon learn what can and cannot be done.

[@daniellim7503]

Evasive??

[@shailendralama9367]

Nice I love it 😊

[@hungreyleo3924]

Shailendra Lama frim

[@bowow0807]

Hey Barry, how excited are you seeing Kyren in the Quarter Finals in the Crucible?

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

bowow. As Kyren would tell you I played every shot he played, the difference was I played them in my mind, he played them on the table. It is remarkable that I played all my shots better than he did, it is so much easier when you are watching instead of playing. I was so excited for the lad especially when he made the semi-finals.

[@bowow0807]

Yeah it was such a shame that he lost, but no matter what, he did an incredible effort, 13-17 against Higgins? It's a incredible effort! I couldn't help but watch a few of his matches live even though they'd be showing at 2am where I'm from but I wanted to cheer him on! It won't be too long now until we see him in the Finals of the WSC. I can't wait to see him soar up the rankings.

[@นโมพรธนาพล]

ขอขอบคุณครับ

[@LIVERNIL723]

I heard whilst watching Ronnie play yesterday that practically every shot, he plays it with side. I really don't understand the need for him to be doing this, if it's genuinely the case.

[@hxduck]

LIVERNIL753 Judd Trump is the same. In Ronnie’s case with his skill it doesn’t really matter, it just allows him to have tighter and better control of the white I suppose...

[@fashionworld8962]

Very valid point then n while playing everyshot with side dos'nt even push cue ball or color offline?

[@KarnageGaming]

So he uses it to either get better position off the cushion for his next shot, or force angles ect... thats the obvious answer. However i recall ronnie answering this in an interview and i recall him saying something about dealing with table conditions. So what do i know lol

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

LIVERNIL. Ronnie does tend to use more side that most other pros, but rest assured he knows where the centre is as well. Ronnie hits the ball so sweetly the deviation on the cue ball is minimal. If you want to use side as effectively as him learn to hit the ball as sweet as him in the first place.

[@GTECHEE]

Applying side will give you greater control which allows you to overcome slight unpredictable table conditions

[@daniellim7503]

So regardless of what side we use it's always thicker??

[@etsique]

There is throw on object ball, throw is in *opposite* direction to your screw.

[@nilsdelmonico]

Pretty much :)

[@bobbyjojo]

2:08 IS NOT TRUE

[@easygoing2479]

No, he's correct. He's saying the cue ball will 'deflect' to the left (to one degree or another) off of the cue tip after having been given, or hit with, right spin. The cue ball is being stricken off center and will therefore be impelled ever so slightly off the intended centerline toward the opposite side. Most players will prefer to impart a slight outside 'throw' on the cue ball to an object ball on any angled shot; I do, if for nothing else, to give the object ball a satisfyingly relaxed roll to the pocket. But that degree of 'deflection' off of the cue must be considered when imparting 'throw' to a cue ball on a shot of any length.

[@expattaffy1954]

Hey Barry,another rule I disagree with. Now take a motoring of fence, if you are in a 30 mph zone and you travel at 32 mph then you have committed an of fence, no exceptions. Now the rule I want to bring up here is the touching ball. When it is your shot and the white is touching a red you are allowed to play directly away because you are deemed to have hit the red. Now what if is your shot and the white is resting on the black and you play to hit a red, why haven't you been deemed to have hit the black because it was touching. I think a better rule for a touching ball is you have to play to a fusion and then come back and hit the red.

[@BarryStarkSnookerCoach]

expat. The rule is that with a touching ball the player must play in such a way that that ball must not move, he will be deemed to have hit that ball or not to have hit that ball depending upon the circumstances. I am afraid that I cannot agree with your suggestion, there are many examples where the implementation of you idea would not work. e.g. the ball may come to rest touching two balls, the player may not have a path to any cushion and so on.