Length of Backswing

[daoc2006]

Hi,

I have been playing snooker for 13 years (started when i was 7), but i have played with quite a long backswing for all shots,

when i look at old vids on youtube of Hendry and Davis, there backswing is very short and compact on normal non power shots,

So, is this the way i should try to develop a bit?
Also, should i only hold the cue literally right at the end for power shots?

Does it help with control to have a short backswing on normal shots, or do you just do a shorter backswing becuase there just isnt any need for a longer follow through on normal shots,

Also, could it improve accuracy sometimes?

[MrRottweiler]

The backswing and pause is something I've been concentrating on a lot recently on the practice table and its been helping my game but also causing me a lot of problems. I think if I worked harder on these areas when I took up the game aged 8 I would be a much better player but I didn't! I think its an area that takes years of experience to use correctly and there are shots where I miss, and miss badly, because I brought the cue back to far (to the point where the cue almost comes off the bridge) and didn't deliver it properly because I moved.

The more backswing the more the cue has to travel forward and the more chance it will move and ruin the shot. A long backswing is important for cue ball control without adding extra pace though so its invaluable. Hendry, O'Sullivan, John Higgins and Stephen Lee all stand out at being able to pull the cue all the way back practically every shot thus gaining perfect cue ball position. Past players didn't adopt the style because they weren't good enough to play that way. They were still smooth cuists but compared to some of the cuing we see today they stabbed at the cue ball in comparison.

The pause is also crucial and don't be afraid to pause for several seconds to make sure you're hitting where you want to and you're going to deliver the cue straight. When pulling the cue all the way back your elbow needs to dip slightly to avoid the natural reaction of the butt end rising as you pull back.

I think John Higgins piston-style action is text book in this department.

[coach del]

Hi,

I have been playing snooker for 13 years (started when i was 7), but i have played with quite a long backswing for all shots,

when i look at old vids on youtube of Hendry and Davis, there backswing is very short and compact on normal non power shots,

So, is this the way i should try to develop a bit?
Also, should i only hold the cue literally right at the end for power shots?

Does it help with control to have a short backswing on normal shots, or do you just do a shorter backswing becuase there just isnt any need for a longer follow through on normal shots,

Also, could it improve accuracy sometimes?

when the tip of the cue is at the cueball theback of the cue hand and elbow should be verticle.this is your timing .if you go long you will hit the ball too early .if inside i.e. up the cue you will be late .