Difference between revisions of "Hold a Pool Cue"
m (importing article from wikihow) |
m (Text replacement - "== Video ==" to "") |
||
| (6 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Getting the Basics Down === | === Getting the Basics Down === | ||
| − | #Hold the pool cue at your hip with your dominant hand. Place one hand at the point on the stick close to the rear where it is balanced. There will usually be tape there. Place your hand approximately {{convert|4|to|5|in|cm|1}} back. Ideally, your back hand should be at a 90-degree angle with your cue.<ref>http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/10/11/billiards-basics-play-pool-like-minnesota-fats/</ref> | + | #Hold the pool cue at your hip with your dominant hand. Place one hand at the point on the stick close to the rear where it is balanced. There will usually be tape there. Place your hand approximately {{convert|4|to|5|in|cm|1}} back. Ideally, your back hand should be at a 90-degree angle with your cue.<ref name="rf1">http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/10/11/billiards-basics-play-pool-like-minnesota-fats/</ref> |
#*Most beginners start off by gripping the cue too tightly. Your grip should be relaxed and yet controlled. | #*Most beginners start off by gripping the cue too tightly. Your grip should be relaxed and yet controlled. | ||
#*Your body should be in line with the cue ball. This will help you aim your shot correctly. | #*Your body should be in line with the cue ball. This will help you aim your shot correctly. | ||
#*Hold the stick using your thumb and index finger and add your middle finger if you'd like a bit more power. | #*Hold the stick using your thumb and index finger and add your middle finger if you'd like a bit more power. | ||
| − | #Lower yourself to the table. Once you grip the cue with your dominant hand and find your shot, you should lower your body toward the table, so you're staring down the line of the cue ball. You won't be able to make your shot if you're stiff and upright.<ref | + | #Lower yourself to the table. Once you grip the cue with your dominant hand and find your shot, you should lower your body toward the table, so you're staring down the line of the cue ball. You won't be able to make your shot if you're stiff and upright.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#*Keep your legs relaxed, slightly bent and at least a few inches apart. | #*Keep your legs relaxed, slightly bent and at least a few inches apart. | ||
| − | #Make an open bridge with your other hand. Place your other hand about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) away from the cue ball down on the table. The closer you are to the ball, the more precision you'll have with your shot. Once your hand is down, you will make a bridge, or a cradle with your hand that will allow you to balance the cue on your hand and hit your shots. Though certain bridges work better in certain situations, it's best to be familiar with the most common bridge, the open bridge, first:<ref>http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/quickguides/games/how-to-hold-a-pool-cue.html</ref> | + | #Make an open bridge with your other hand. Place your other hand about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) away from the cue ball down on the table. The closer you are to the ball, the more precision you'll have with your shot. Once your hand is down, you will make a bridge, or a cradle with your hand that will allow you to balance the cue on your hand and hit your shots. Though certain bridges work better in certain situations, it's best to be familiar with the most common bridge, the open bridge, first:<ref name="rf2">http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/quickguides/games/how-to-hold-a-pool-cue.html</ref> |
#* For the open bridge, a bridge is formed by placing your hand on the table and spreading your fingers apart. | #* For the open bridge, a bridge is formed by placing your hand on the table and spreading your fingers apart. | ||
#*Slide the cue between your index and middle finger knuckles or in the "V" that is formed between your thumb and index finger. | #*Slide the cue between your index and middle finger knuckles or in the "V" that is formed between your thumb and index finger. | ||
| Line 19: | Line 19: | ||
#Hold the cue steadily as you "eye" up the target ball. Lean forward and mentally place the cue on the spot on the cue ball that you want to hit. Techniques for hitting the cue ball in the right spot for specific shots can be perfected later. Ideally, you should hit that cue ball in its center, or on the "sweet spot" of the ball, so it goes where it needs to go. | #Hold the cue steadily as you "eye" up the target ball. Lean forward and mentally place the cue on the spot on the cue ball that you want to hit. Techniques for hitting the cue ball in the right spot for specific shots can be perfected later. Ideally, you should hit that cue ball in its center, or on the "sweet spot" of the ball, so it goes where it needs to go. | ||
#*Make sure you can see a direct line between the cue ball and the object ball (the ball you're aiming for). | #*Make sure you can see a direct line between the cue ball and the object ball (the ball you're aiming for). | ||
| − | #Hold the pool cue at the balance point and take your shot. Slide the cue forward while aiming steadily. If you feel uncertain about the shot, then you can gently move the cue back and forth on your bridge to feel more steady and balanced before you take your shot instead of trying to take your shot right away. Remember that you want to stroke the ball, not poke it. Follow through with your shot by continuing your motion slightly after taking the shot.<ref | + | #Hold the pool cue at the balance point and take your shot. Slide the cue forward while aiming steadily. If you feel uncertain about the shot, then you can gently move the cue back and forth on your bridge to feel more steady and balanced before you take your shot instead of trying to take your shot right away. Remember that you want to stroke the ball, not poke it. Follow through with your shot by continuing your motion slightly after taking the shot.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#*Keep your body low to the table until you've finished taking the shot. | #*Keep your body low to the table until you've finished taking the shot. | ||
#*Grip the pool cue in a loose and relaxed manner. Don't tighten up during the shot. If the grip is too tight, the cue may jerk and change the direction of your shot. | #*Grip the pool cue in a loose and relaxed manner. Don't tighten up during the shot. If the grip is too tight, the cue may jerk and change the direction of your shot. | ||
| Line 52: | Line 52: | ||
#*Place your head down into the line of the shot and take your shot. | #*Place your head down into the line of the shot and take your shot. | ||
| − | + | ||
| − | + | ||
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
