Striking with authority.

[jdgsunclose]

Is there any thruth in saying the cue action is working correctly if the cue-ball is pushed rather than hit?
This is the way i've been playing recently even though i've been very inconsistent. I feel like pushing the cue-ball is the right thing to do as the sound is better and responsiveness on the cue-ball is improved. However, i'm finding it difficult not to tighten my grip as i push the cue-ball even though i'm lead to believe this is wrong. The VAST majority of instructional articles i've read profess the grip should remain relaxed to completion of the shot. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help and everyone that tries, haha.

[MrRottweiler]

I think the grip should be quite loose while cuing the shot but you do need to apply some pressure around the butt as you follow through. You need to strike through the cue ball and not jab at it. These techniques aid in getting a great response from the cueball and although easy enough to learn they take a lifetime to master. Its only recently I've been concentrating on the way I hold the butt. Its improved my game and I just wish I had addressed it a lot sooner.

I should point out that I have had to modify the way I hold the butt because I broke my wrist a few years ago. It gets very painful sometimes while I'm playing. Recently I almost broke my index finger on my left hand while unbuttoning my pants. It got caught in my boxer shorts somehow! The joint is bruised. Could only happen to me! Now I get pain in that when I spread my bridging fingers. The very vague point I'm mking is to a certain extent your technique has to be based around your own limitations but there are some key aspects which must be noted like the ones your mentioning. The golden answer is to practice and experiment

[jdgsunclose]

So just to elaborate on the point, would you say the follow-through feels in any way like a pushing of the cue-ball? like you're pushing the cue through the cue-ball quite forcefully?
Also, i must apologise for having a little giggle as i read that odd incident involving your index finger. lol.

[snookerdad]

Pushing smoothly through the cue-ball is vital.

But this is something that should be discussed around a table with a coach or experienced player otherwise it will lose something in translation.

Tim Dunkley

[MrRottweiler]

Something worth remembering to encourage a good follow through is to imagine the cue ball is a few inches further away from you than it actually is. This tricks them mind in to a smooth follow through. Look at your cue arm to make sure you are pushing the cue through as mush as you can (thats comfortable)

[The Statman]

Remember that if the cue-ball is pushed that is a foul – a push shot – the cue-ball must be hit.

A push shot is defined in the Rules (not word for word) as when the cue remains in contact with the cue-ball after it has commenced its forward motion (or where the cue and cue-ball are in contact when the cue-ball strikes the next ball – this bit would come into play when cue-ball and next ball are near).

To me, the situation you are diescribing in post no.1 is almost definitely a push shot and would be foul.

[Semih_Sayginer]

Remember that if the cue-ball is pushed that is a foul – a push shot – the cue-ball must be hit.

A push shot is defined in the Rules (not word for word) as when the cue remains in contact with the cue-ball after it has commenced its forward motion (or where the cue and cue-ball are in contact when the cue-ball strikes the next ball – this bit would come into play when cue-ball and next ball are near).

To me, the situation you are diescribing in post no.1 is almost definitely a push shot and would be foul.

just a quick question(s), and related to the first post...

does the cuetip remain in contact once its struck the cueball on a "normal" shot, and if so, what determines a push then, if every shot does this?

[MrRottweiler]

I think technically every shot is a push shot but in a minute way. The difference is the distinctive grinding sound of the tip against the cue ball during its forward motion and the visual reaction of both the balls. A clean contact and this sound and cue ball reaction is minimal although I suspect the rsame reaction occurs. Using one of those fancy slo-mo cameras might confirm this.

[Semih_Sayginer]

I think technically every shot is a push shot but in a minute way. The difference is the distinctive grinding sound of the tip against the cue ball during its forward motion and the visual reaction of both the balls. A clean contact and this sound and cue ball reaction is minimal although I suspect the rsame reaction occurs. Using one of those fancy slo-mo cameras might confirm this.

i know what you mean Rotty, and i am well aware in theory and practice the definitions and sounds/looks of a push, but when "you" explain it to someone in type, or in person, "you" quite often get from those who dont know, then why isnt every shot a push......

its a wierd one

[MrRottweiler]

Anyone fancy a pint?

[Robert602]

does the cuetip remain in contact once its struck the cueball on a "normal" shot, and if so, what determines a push then, if every shot does this?

I was thinking the same thing. If the rules state this and are meant to be applied strictly and literally then they obviously weren't written by a physicist. 'visibly remain in contact' is the intended meaning IMO.

I think the original poster said 'push' just to imply a fractionally longer contact - as in the difference between a smooth, well timed shot and a punchy jab. As I read it, the shot jdgsunclose is asking about wouldn't be called a foul. And in that case I'd agree with others; the longer the tip stays in contact with the cueball (and we are talking about milliseconds) the better.

[Semih_Sayginer]

I was thinking the same thing. If the rules state this and are meant to be applied strictly and literally then they obviously weren't written by a physicist. 'visibly remain in contact' is the intended meaning IMO.

I think the original poster said 'push' just to imply a fractionally longer contact - as in the difference between a smooth, well timed shot and a punchy jab. As I read it, the shot jdgsunclose is asking about wouldn't be called a foul. And in that case I'd agree with others; the longer the tip stays in contact with the cueball (and we are talking about milliseconds) the better.

yip. good post robert

technically IMHO almost every shot is a push by the definition, but not if you apply what you say...visibly....

looking at high speed cueing you can see the cuetip, absorbing and remaining in contact after the ball starts moving, as is natural, but we all know every shot isnt a "foul push"

as said, its a wierd one.....pint of red bull for me Rotty

[Semih_Sayginer]

what a blatant push - http://www.engr.colostate.edu/~dga/p...ew/HSVA-77.htm

[MrRottweiler]

A good example of this is if you imagine the cue is a pub landlord and the cue ball is a troublesome drunk. If the landlord simply asks the drunk to leave and points towards the door the drunk may well bang in to the door frame and bounce back in to the pub possibly vomiting on bystanders and therefore the landlord has failed in his objective. If however the landlord points to the door but also follows the drunk to it giving him a swift kick up the 'arris the drunk should be compelled to exit through the door cleanly on to his next haunt or alcohol-permitted bus shelter.

This is my example of an effective follow through motion.

[Semih_Sayginer]

A good example of this is if you imagine the cue is a pub landlord and the cue ball is a troublesome drunk. If the landlord simply asks the drunk to leave and points towards the door the drunk may well bang in to the door frame and bounce back in to the pub possibly vomiting on bystanders and therefore the landlord has failed in his objective. If however the landlord points to the door but also follows the drunk to it giving him a swift kick up the 'arris the drunk should be compelled to exit through the door cleanly on to his next haunt or alcohol-permitted bus shelter.

This is my example of an effective follow through motion.

yes, ever so helpful