Tips & tricks

Short, practical and table-tested. One idea per tip, a 30-second video, and how to try it tonight.

Tip of the week · Equipment

Chalk every shot

A dry tip is a common cause of miscues. Two light swipes before every shot — even the easy ones.

TOPIC

LEVEL

0:25
Stroke · All levels
Pause at the back
A short pause before you strike stops you rushing and keeps the cue on line.
Coming soon
0:30
Aiming · Beginner
Picture the ghost ball
On long cuts, imagine a ball touching the object ball opposite the pocket — and send the cue ball there.
Coming soon
0:20
Stroke · All levels
Stay down until it drops
Keep your head still until the object ball is in the pocket. Standing up early pulls the cue off line.
Coming soon
0:30
Position · Intermediate
Leave yourself an angle
A small angle on the next ball lets you move the cue ball. Dead straight often leaves you stuck.
Coming soon
0:30
Safety · Intermediate
When in doubt, play safe
A good safety usually wins more racks than a low-percentage pot.
Coming soon
0:30
Break · Advanced
Control the cue ball on the break
Hit the head ball full and slightly low so the cue ball stays near the centre of the table.
Coming soon