Should the cue touch the chest?

[oselifer]

Most coaches suggest that the cue should have contact with the chest but it can cause many problems...And it tends to cause across cueing...

In the other hand there is a theory not very polpular that the cue should not touch the chest and that will make a player more aware of his cue action...

So what do you think?

[calebk]

Personally I don't. I find that it's better off the chest cause I don't like the extra weight and friction. At any rate my cue action is relatively good so I don't feel the need to change it right now.

[The Statman]

Should the cue touch the chest?

No. You should definitely be wearing a shirt.

[bongo]

No. You should definitely be wearing a shirt.

Very funny Statman! In other words, the question is 'Should the cue touch the chest or any item of clothing over the chest'!

[bongo]

There are many different ideas on if the cue should touch the chest.

For:

People who think the cue should touch the chest think that it is a guide to cueing and think that it will make sure you have a consistent approach to every shot.

Against:

People who are against the cue touching the chest think that if you can learn to cue without an aid. You will have a very good cue action, with good control of the cue during the cueing actions and also if you can cue straight without an aid when playing a shot without the rest, you can also cue straight and smoothly with the rest, when there is no 'chest' to guide you.

With the cue touching the chest, it is possible for this to cause a jabby or snatchy action, with it away from the chest, you can have a smooth follow through and also you will have the flexibility of being able to cue with the cue touching the chest, or not. It is a bit like being able to drive a manual car and because of that being able to drive an automatic. Also, it is similar to wearing armbands in swimming, if you can swim without them, you will have a wider game. It is also the same with cycling, do you use stabilisiers? Without them you will be able to go further and to new places in cycling!

I try not to have the cue touching my chest, maybe you should try it, I think you should. It may not be easy first but have a go and see what you think. What thoughts do you have after it?

[oselifer]

I used to play touching the chest cause i thought that every single snooker professional plays by that way...
But i tried with the cue in the air and it felt great.I think i can play better without touching...
So i will practice it and see the results..

[archalf1471]

are we talking snooker or 8 ball or 9 ball? I would imagine certain disciplines are taught differently therefore the textbook may say different things. Snooker yes it should be in contact with the chest or at least i was taught it should

[bongo]

I was talking about Snooker, both approaches are correct but if you look at it in the way that it not touching the chest allowes a smoother follow through.

[archalf1471]

it depends what you mean by not touching the chest? Presumably not to the extent of a 9 ball player? That would not work on a snooker table or we would all be doing it.

[CoachGavin]

I think it is recommended that your cue brushes your chest as a contact point. Like it says above it gives you an aid when cueing. If you cue always brushes your chest when you cue then it will be the same everytime you play whereas without you may play slightly differently each time. However although most pros brush their chest i think i am right in saying steve davis didnt brush his chest so if you can keep the cue straight then thats the main thing. By not brushing the chest i think what is meant is having a couple of inch gap - not the stand up type stance of pool players. As a coach though i always say to people try to brush your chest with the cue. It does depend a lot on each individual.

[archalf1471]

would agree with you totally there Gavin

[Jlaix]

... i think i am right in saying steve davis didnt brush his chest..

Steve Davis keeps a gap between his chest.

But even he's changed style down the years..

It really doesn't matter as long as you're cueing straight.


One thing to try..

.. when you've lined up, put you're cue down on the line of your shot and then put your body to your cue,
instead of getting down and bringing your cue to your body (like most folks do).

Done right, you'll find yer cueing alooot better.

[oselifer]

It seems that Steve Davis used to play without touching his chest in the past but started to touching his chest later in his career...