Why do some good players rub their shaft with their fingers before taking a shot

[mchpddl1]

I notice many good players such as ronnie or Ding Junhui, and including myself (not too good though), when really playing well, they tend to rub their cues with thumb and index finger before taking a shot. Do you think it is a naturally pre-shot routine that they do it sub-consciously? I have this habbit occasionally but not always and i do not know why, but i can feel that i play well on that day when i see myself doing it naturally. If i do it deliberately, i do not feel natural at all. Strange but interesting.

[connorw]

Surely its sub-conscious. My "thing" is I do kind of a loop bridge when i bend to take my shot then lay it out... i dont notice i do it anymore nor do i think it gives me a better strike rate.

Just one of those things

[1blonde]

oooooo I say, knew there was a reason I like snooker.

[jrc750]

oooooo I say, knew there was a reason I like snooker.

Steady on girl

I have a habit of holding the cue parallel to the floor and running my finger around the badge whilst i am thinking about the next shot

[cally]

I got a habit of playing with my balls...

[jrc750]

I got a habit of playing with my balls...

That would be a foul then cally im afraid

[damienlch]

That would be a foul then cally im afraid

Not if he's playing pocket billiards...

[sealer]

i would say it is to accually grip the cue in the right way, and by doing it the palm opens and closes like during cuing, i also helps the cue to get ready for action that is about to happen :P