How To Aim With Side Correctly

Stephen teaches you how to master the art of aiming with side spin in snooker. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this will take your game to the next level. You'll learn check side and running side and how to apply them to your shots, as well as how to play the swerve shot!
This tutorial is full of tips, tricks, and techniques that will help you improve your aim, increase your accuracy, and win more games. Watch this video and start mastering side spin today!
If you enjoy the video, check out the rest of our cue tips and interviews and subscribe to be notified of new videos.
Follow Stephen:
Twitter: / shendry775
Instagram: / s_hendry775
#stephenhendry #cuetips #sidespin

[@helmargropp5583]

Never in my life I believed that the great Steven Hendry might give pointers to people like me. Thank you so much, love the series!

[@fractal_mind562]

Its pretty insane isn't it !

[@Nebula_Ultra]

Simp

[@EvelcyclopS]

same mate, He always seemed so aloof in the 90s. In fact he seems like an awesome guy.

[@sophiaschwanborg5329]

My thought exactly. I'm blown away.

[@samuelgarrod8327]

He's a proper legend and a nice bloke. Can't sing tho... 😁

[@davesomers7354]

been watching snooker since the early 80's , this 7 minute tutorial taught me more about side spin than any commentator has ever done. Class act

[@_pjd]

We're so lucky to have the great Stephen Hendry coaching us. My snooker idol!

[@wandyy8078]

You've definitely got a future in the sport mate, keep practising I'll look out for you

[@johnmc3862]

He needs to practice more 😂

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips.. SCAMMER

[@najwankhbees2122]

I believe in him, he could be the best in the world if he tries good enough

[@MrzaheerAhmad]

Tell me it’s a joke , man he got world titles and different championships in his pocket 😂

[@najwankhbees2122]

@@MrzaheerAhmad Isn't it obvious sarcasm mate? Lol, I even replied back with sarcasm

[@craigdavidmack]

Hendry single handily saving UK snooker, great channel, wish this was about when I was younger

[@rolandlewis2356]

Being a Canadian resident, I wasn't exposed to the culture and missed a lot of historic matches of snooker. I have seen Cliff Thorburn's 147 , the first at the crucible theater. I'll be proud of that for many years. I started watching snooker when TSN (the sporst nerwork) had their pub night. My neighbor had TSN and enjoyed watching. He soon found out that I also enjoyed snooker, so Wade would record it ( pub night was a middle of the night program) . He would watch it, then bring the tape over so I could watch. Stephen, you were on top of the world. I enjoy the show. Thanks for the memories. Roland

[@PicsnLicks]

Loving these lessons by Stephen.... To have someone of his calibre explaining these techniques in such a down-to-earth way is amazing. So many other channels and presenters seem to either have something to prove, or be trying to make a name for themselves.... but Stephen has nothing to prove.... its like standing round a table with one of your mates... Congrats!

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips_ SCAMMING, DONT REPLY

[@bonesdoes6142]

As a casual player for fun at the clubs,this is fantastic content and easy to follow advice. Thank you!

[@danjeory3659]

I liked the check side shot on the blue at 80% power and barely reacting off the second cushion. Brilliant demo.

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips_ SCAMMER ALERT, WATCH IT

[@felipemaldonado8028]

And the follow-up shot with running side leaving a perfect position for the pink was magnificent.

[@robbieparis07]

Been playing for 30 years, and I am so grateful that your career was in my lifetime. Thanks for doing these. As odd as it might sound, it feels like just hanging out with an old friend.

[@DoYouFeelLucky]

Ah, superb, been waiting for this one. I've been slowly getting the hang of using side more and more, but still a long way off being good with it. Not enough good, clear videos that get into the nitty gritty of aiming with side. This is gold dust for anyone learning snooker or other cue sports.

[@castleanthrax1833]

Yes, playing with side is one of those things that you just have to "do", to get used to. Unless you're a consistent Potter, it's part of the game that remains out of reach for many.

[@trappenweisseguy27]

As he alluded to, different cues will throw the ball different amounts. Even the type of ferrule makes a noticeable difference. The old school brass ferrules throw the ball the most. The same cue with a fibre ferrule will throw the ball less with perhaps less spin potential. I have experimented with both.

[@guftaracademy]

You are a Master Player. I am learning a lot from you. I salute you dear Stephen.

[@murdock6450]

i think the actual strike of the ball with the cue mainly the actual cue action is most important then the side shots will come

[@PepeBartoni-ij3gq]

Yeah playing with side is no joke, probably the hardest thing to do in snooker. Timing and power obviously change the measure of cue ball deflection, and then different again depending on distance between cue ball and object ball. Only way to get better at it is by putting time in on the table, alot of time. Brass ferrules make it harder but there's alot of people are starting to use titanium ferrules because there's much less deflection, but either way it takes months, years to get comfortable with side on a cue ball.

[@edwardlazell3157]

Thanks Stephen, I like your plain, direct style of instruction (and commentary).

[@berndeikers8924]

good to see someone with so much passion, knowledge and desire for snooker after all this years

[@nootsack]

I feel like this is one part of aiming in cue sports that is heavily overlooked and not explained as much as it should. Top man Stephen!

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips.. SCAMMER, WATCH OUT!

[@mattegold4452]

This is the ultimate 'giving back to the fans'. It would be easy to disappear into the ether but he's here taking time to educate his longtime supporters - so good mate. By the way - anyone reading this who has played against me on league night and commented on the sound of my cue....I just want to say - 'my cue sounds just like Hendry's, I'm not changing my tip...' ;)

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips_ DONT REPLY, SCAMMER

[@knudsandbknielsen1612]

This is absolutely great. Having played just a little Danish billiard, and havingg wondered about the exact dynamics, finally to see some nuances! Thanks!

[@jmarsh5485]

I've learnt more about snooker in seven minutes than I have in years of playing (nonchalantly mind you!). I only even learned to reposition my strike vertically to a noticeable effect. I realise now when I have tried playing side I was playing it extremely! Its also important to realise the difference between left/right side -I thought it widened the natural angle left or right, rather than check side killing the spin. Be great to see how stun shots and screw differ, I seem to do it by accident each way.

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips.. SCAMMER, BE CAREFUL

[@Dzeroed]

Stephen was my favourite player growing up in the 80's-90's, he always explained the sport to the point and concisely. Loved watching him play as a kid

[@PulseCrusade]

I’ve watched quite a few videos on playing with side and thought it gave me a good understanding however with unsuccessful results. Now after having it explained to me in this way it makes so much more sense. Thanks Stephen for helping me to elevate my cue game.

[@sharkmoss]

Great video and makes it much easier to understand than when other channels have tried to explain it. Thank you!

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips.. SCAMMER

[@PinkNinjaKick]

American pool player here, side has helped my game tremendously. Like Judd says, it’s rare in snooker to play a shot plain ball, and I think that transitions over to pool for the most part. Rail shots become way easier using side, and getting position is way easier. Stephen’s videos really helpful.

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips. SCAMMER ALERT

[@martinmcguire9974]

Oh American pool? Why don't you make those pockets a little bigger too Homie? Plastic buckets are much cheaper than professionally crafted steel block cushions 😂

[@DrumsTheWord]

Thank you for doing this channel, Stephen. Putting yourself out there on social media takes guts. This is great content. You're doing a superb job!

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips.. SCAM

[@susanpritchard6164]

Brilliant demonstration from Stephen with the head cam

[@lenniethelooper]

Thanks a lot Steve. It's just a pity that someone didn't come up with this sooner, but how amazing to get tips from one of the legends of the game

[@calvinlevie943]

Look at old footage of you ,your stance behind the cue ball has never changed before you go down to shoot the cue ball ,an amazing Champion you have been ,thankyou

[@LIVERNIL723]

A Big Thank you Stephen. This particular Tutorial is simple to understand and follow the mechanics. It's how you have present and explain 🙂

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips.. SCAMMER, BEWARE

[@hanelwilliam8428]

Thank you sir for sharing. You were the first ever player I watched on TV when I started following snooker. I loved you then and I love you now. You are the GOAT for me. 🙏

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips.. SCAMMER

[@derekwilkinson3069]

Love these tips. Had a table set up recently and these tips have already helped my game. Thanks Stephen

[@1981RichB]

Always appreciate your time for tips Stephen, so great of you to share your experience & skill with us! 😊👏🙏

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips_ SCAM

[@craigwatts9692]

So awesome! I needed this about 30 years ago!

[@Gbonejohn1974]

i only took up snooker a few weeks ago (watched it since the 80s but never played) and this advice is gold ....i just thought left or right spin sent the ball opposite ways AND HAD NO IDEA TO AIM SLIGHTLY THE OPPOSITE WAY TO COMPENSATE ,these little hacks are fantastic and superbly presented by the GOAT

[@uzairayaz3639]

Best tips ever , things that a player learn in year’s are here to be learned in minutes, thanx man ❤

[@ErikTheCueist]

These Cue tip videos have definitely helped improve my pool game. Just wanted to say thank you for making them, Stephen "The King of the Crucible" Hendry. You god damn legend!!

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips.. SCAM

[@kyotosal]

Thank you. It's nice to get that cleared up!

[@davidbassett2965]

Great explanation, clear and concise! Please keep them coming Stephen as I learn a lot from your videos. Thnx

[@philip771]

Truly amazing how effortless those shots are for him. Literally thousands of hours of practice right there.

[@bosondas5374]

Love Your videos Stephen. Thank You 😊

[@onisiforosonisiforou]

always and for ever my favorite player ,the man who change the snooker style that we watch today , attacking game and if possible win the frame in one visit !!!

[@craigmcalister7700]

Brilliant video. Point of View camera really helps. Thanks Stephen. GOAT!

[@monkey555500]

thats brill...really clearly shown and explained...well it doesn't get any better than getting tips from stephen..snooker legend

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips.. SCAMMER AT LARGE!

[@bossz4320]

THIS IS PURE GOLD!!

[@phploverbe]

Being able to learn from one of the best players ever is an honor thank you mr Hendry .

[@kirktrussell5502]

Great teacher. I have been playing pool for over 50 years. I learned something here!

[@dheerajsah]

Hendry is my favourite snooker player of all time, it's amazing to directly learn from him, I have always struggled with check and running sides, will put this into use now 😀 many thanks

[@craigherriot4026]

Always wondered about that. Now I know. Thanks Stephen.

[@tooeric5]

Very nice good lessons,have learned new techniques which I don't know. I am happy

[@andromedazoowitski5903]

Love this series

[@rogerdion]

Thank you Stephen I really needed that piece of advice. Now I'm going to go to practice!

[@GaryPorter-ir6vm]

This channel as reignited my interest in snooker! Brilliant.

[@ccaz1001]

Best explanation I’ve ever seen on how to play with side! Thanks, your videos are awesome

[@michaelcampbell4503]

What a pleasure to watch a master at work.

[@steveincork3669]

Fair play to you Stephen giving back very valuable tips and tricks. Top man👍👍👍

[@d.s.6268]

This is the lesson I needed since I started playing this game. Thank you Stephen.

[@danshewell8746]

These videos are brilliant. This is certainly the next step in my game to making 30-40 breaks into 50-60 breaks. Also great to see Steven with is personality on show. His interviews with the other players are really enjoyable and honest.

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips_ SCAMMER ALERT

[@bankonitbilliards300]

Good job 👍 👏 so many people make explaining side spin so confusing and you explained it in a simple way.

[@ntgamingesports1480]

Lovely Hendry all helpful and nice videos keep it up

[@chrishayes8012]

What a great teacher, thank you.

[@Gadawi]

Thank you so much stephen you are so kind

[@thelittlesignpost]

Brilliant, that is just the thing I have been asking for in other videos of yours, learning how to manipulate the cue ball! I will be practicing this when I can! Thank you, Stephen!

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips_ SCAMMER ALERT

[@silviunikita]

Great teaching session. Thank you.

[@MacsSelfHelp]

Been waiting for this. Thanks

[@tenzindawa3305]

I was waiting for right coach and I got Steven hendry thank you so much ❤

[@Guybadicle]

Lovely stuff Stephen. Keep up the good work 👍🏼

[@gamesthat6470]

great help these vids thanks champ . keep them coming

[@Gwalion]

Stephen Hendry - I haven't seen you ( not IRL ! ) since I left the UK thirty odd years ago! I haven't had a frame of snooker since then either. I used to love it back then and you were one of the young, rising stars. Great that you are using the medium of the internet (which probably didn't exist in 'the late eighties, or was at best, in its infancy) to teach others . Well done Stephen - great ambassadorship and great tips - wish I'd had them back then - I would have been a much better player! Cheers.

[@jeffcurtis5980]

Superb show Stephen. You’re doing a terrific job. Love the chats with your fellow pros too. Looking forward to getting in some practice now I know more about the physics of what’s going on. 🙏

[@stephensinclair3683]

Massively helped thanks Steven.

[@peterwoodward1382]

This is great Stephen thankyou.

[@brrrrr_1]

Appreciate the top class lessons

[@TomboHH37]

This is an amazing demonstration of how to play these shots.

[@sycoprince4228]

Thank you for tips ❤

[@gregjfitzpatrick]

Such a brilliant channel: thanks!

[@davidkrumins5278]

Very informative and helpful.Thank you Stephen

[@alexalston3001]

This is the one I’ve been waiting for 👍

[@Grumszy]

If only we had KZbin in mid-late 60s to gain snooker knowledge. Great vid from Stephen Henry.

[@brokenglass2069]

Having a long break from snooker *pun intended* these videos helping me a lot regaining my old technique which worked for me and is stilkl the same now thanks!

[@rayyansatti1207]

a really good video by the absolute best of every era i really liked the video really taught me a lot about the side of cue ball

[@pauls6059]

I always wondered how to aim when you put side on, now I know! Thank you.

[@andyd2986]

Class that your doing this!!

[@andrewawrinka9572]

Great thanks Stephen!

[@Johnnygogone]

Great channel love it. My childhood snooker hero

[@eddy_creative]

I've been watching you since i was.... 7 i think, 34 now, and these videos bring back somewhat a bit of nostalgia! Great content :D

[@andyisyoda]

Excellent as always

[@raymondbishop5359]

Brilliant advice. I only starting playing last week and after watching this video I have already had my first 147

[@saadyaqoob4254]

I love the way you Simply snooker techniques.

[@nicholasleow4749]

Very well explained and demonstrated. Excellent.

[@FretFriendLaGR]

I hardly play snooker any more but this is one of my favourite channels :) Victor...

[@davidc3808]

Very helpful, thanks Stephen.

[@phillipvisnaw2355]

After watching Reyes & others pull off full table swerves I had to try it with only a slight raise of the butt I amazed myself with making the shot! Now I really look forward to getting blocked. I don't always make it but it's a blast attempting it.. kick shots are fun too but it's nice having another option! Great video!

[@LogrusUK]

Absolutely brilliant tutorial.

[@MrMalbaghdady]

Good video for many players , thx a lot the Hero

[@TheUrbanflyman]

Really helpful thanks, enjoyed a lot 👍

[@phillurkin8245]

Dear Sir Hendry, I was a huge Jimmy White fan in the 90s so it"s fair to say you caused me a lot of grief back then. But thanks to this brilliant channel I can finally forgive you! Thank you.

[@camielphillips9129]

Thank you for an excellent explanation on side spin

[@5dmkiii60]

Excellent. Using side has always been the bane of my playing. Not knowing where to aim or when to use left or right in a particular shot. This was beautifully done and VERY helpful. Becoming a master of using side is what separates the punters from the ones who can run tables. Thanks so much for this.

[@D.Appeltofft]

You must check out Steve Bartons chanell. This was excellent, but ther's a lot more to side. You need to practise different speed and distance, and different amount of side for hours and hours to get your aiming right. More power equals more deflection to allow for...

[@5dmkiii60]

@@D.Appeltofft thank you so much. I'll check out that channel. Appreciate it.

[@ho-ux8rm]

Very helpful 👌 thank you Hendry

[@bryarh5430]

Subscribed, You and this channel will benefit generations. Thank you

[@khushal346]

This is brilliant, I am so lucky to know all this directly from a legend. Thank you so much.

[@Sabre_Wulf1]

@StephenHendrysCueTips.. SCAMMER ALERT

[@yovip16]

You are doing a great Job Legend!!!

[@d1want34]

Thank you Stephen!