Cueing straight ammendments

[cazmac1]

Terry have you any plans to visit the UK any time soon?

[Terry Davidson]

cazmac:

As a matter of fact I do (and you didn't read my cue sale posting...shame on you! I know you need more cues).

I will be in residence (practicing mostly) at the SouthWest Snooker Academy in Gloucester from April 14th until April 24th (actually I arrive on the 12th but I have a full day with Nic Barrow on the 13th).

Stop by anytime if you can.

Terry

[checkSide]

cazmac:

As a matter of fact I do (and you didn't read my cue sale posting...shame on you! I know you need more cues).

I will be in residence (practicing mostly) at the SouthWest Snooker Academy in Gloucester from April 14th until April 24th (actually I arrive on the 12th but I have a full day with Nic Barrow on the 13th).

Stop by anytime if you can.

Terry

Hey Terry.

I may come and pay a visit myself.
Would be nice to meet you!

[cazmac1]

cazmac:

As a matter of fact I do (and you didn't read my cue sale posting...shame on you! I know you need more cues).

I will be in residence (practicing mostly) at the SouthWest Snooker Academy in Gloucester from April 14th until April 24th (actually I arrive on the 12th but I have a full day with Nic Barrow on the 13th).

Stop by anytime if you can.

Terry

All things being good I'll take a trip up to see you. I've wanted to go to the academy so I can kill two birds with one stone.
I've just finished watching the last pactice session I video and was shocked at how much upper body and head movement I had. I think I'll try some of your suggestion and video myself again. Cheers and see you soon.

[davidwu]

Joe_7:

nrage has given you some good tips and if you can afford it the 360 training cue is definitely the way to go.

However, to answer your question. It's not vital to have the elbow directly over the cue and a lot of professionals have it either hanging in towards their back (Hendry, Higgins) and others have it outside the cue (Williams, Cope and a host of others). Everyone's physique is different and some people can line the elbow up perfectly and some can't (like myself as my elbow hangs outside the cue about 1" or so).

The real problem is there are around 15 different requirements which have to be met before a player can deliver a cue consistently straight and elbow alignment is NOT one of them.

The most important points are:
1. No upper body movement from bridge hand on the table to end of delivery.
2. Loose grip (loose enough so the cue slides easily within the grip)
3. Slow backswing (slow enough so you can keep it absolutely straight and under control)
4. Left shoulder against left cheek
5. Right shoulder up and into the middle of the back as much as possible without introducing discomfort.
6. Front pause just before final backswing.
7. Rear pause at end of backswing
8. Smooth acceleration on delivery, starting slower and building speed
9. Drive grip hand into the chest on EVERY shot
10. Leave the cue extended at the end of the delivery and observe the object ball path WITHOUT MOVING THE HEAD (just use the eyes). This will give your brain the proper feedback food it requires.
11. Only feather two times, maximum 3.

Most common problem for a player not delivering a cue straight is head/shoulder movement. This can occur when feathering and the player will make unconcious micro-adjustments.

Second most common reason - grip too tight

Third most common reason - backswing crooked and too fast

Terry

hey terry, cn u explain pt 5 a little bit more please? what do u mean into the middle of the back? do you mean that the right shoulder lift up and push the cue into the chest (into the middle of the back)?

[Terry Davidson]

davidwu:

Well, the 'into the middle of the back' was for emphasis only unless you happen to be double-jointed and can do it!

The important point is the right shoulder socket, not the upper arm but JUST the SOCKET, should remain absolutely still in space so if a player does drop the elbow on a power shot the upper arm will drop exactly vertical instead of the 'flying elbow' syndrome I see so often (myself included).

Just as Joe Davis said a long time ago in his book, the right shoulder should be 'braced' up and in as far as it can COMFORTABLY go (OK, I added the comfort bit as Joe didn't mention it).

Terry