Finger Twitching

[bolty]

I've always been aware that the vast majority of pros and good snooker players seem to have at least one finger on their bridging hand that twitches or taps as they are feathering up to the shot. Some players, like Alex Higgins, often twitch a number of fingers.

My assumption is that this is some sort of tension release... Can anyone shed any light on this phenomenon? I can see that this twitching/tapping will stop upon delivery, but in order for the bridging hand to remain stable whilst the it's happening, I can only assume the other three non-twitching fingers are stabilising the hand? Should I been trying to stabilise my bridge hand with three fingers, rather than four, leaving one to spaz-out?

I feel like this is some industry secret and I want in on it

[screw]

Finger Twitching

It actualy makes you play better. Try it. Be as concious as you like about it too. Can also Exagerate the twitch as much as you like, as said it will only make you play better.

[Dave Walton]

My middle finger often taps, its not something i do deliberately though and have no idea why it happens, i only realised it did after someone pointed it out to me

[bolty]

Interesting, I have heard that a lot of people don't even realise they're doing it, but it's so common I feel there must be something in it.

Does anyone know of any pro's that DON'T finger tap?

[tomwalker147]

I wouldn't say doing it "will make you play better".

I've noticed myself doing it very rarely, usually when tired though? not sure what the cause is but I wouldn't make myself do it if it isn't natural, cue actions are complicated enough without adding further distractions.

[Haitch]

This is a very common question. The majority of Pro's do it as habit but originally started it nto help with timing. Club players see the pro's do it and subliminally copy and it has no impact on the game positive or negative.

[bolty]

How is it utilised for timing? As a beginner, would I benefit from from doing it to help my timing? Consistency is something of a letdown for me.

[DeanH]

if you don't do it naturally, I would not think bringing it into your bridge hand consciously will help your game, probably make it worse

[alabadi]

i do it but don't realise i am, i am not sure it makes me play better or worse its just something that i do subconsciously.

[Master Blaster]

Interesting one, maybe it improves rhythm and destresses before the shot saving a snatch? Can't see incorporating it ruining anyone's game.

Gentle tappers include Jimmy, few have timed the ball better.

[tetricky]

I don't know about rhythm, can't think of any reason it would help that. It certainly takes a bit of tension out of a static firm bridge.

[bolty]

I'm guessing, due to the mixed responses to this question, there's no general accepted standard answer. Do professional/amateur coaches not actively teach this then? From the videos I see on youtube and the likes, they all seem to do it!

[Terry Davidson]

I have not heard of any coach actually teaching this and I don't myself. However, my middle finger does twitch and I was told by my coach, Nic Barrow, that I should try and stop it but it's totally unconscious and I don't want yet another thing on my mind so I haven't really tried to stop it.

I don't think it has any effect on a player at all unless he concentrates on either doing it or not doing it but that's just because he would be splitting his concentration.

[mikeyd100]

Anyone remember Tony Meo ?
The guy had an extreme finger twitch, middle finger if I recall... oh well, may have helped him in other ways :P

[bolty]

I've noticed Nic does it too. ROS seems particularly prone to doing it, and he's not done too bad. Still haven't managed to find a pro that doesn't.