Proper way to increase cue power

[var1234]

Hi all.

In certain shot, in particular stun shot would need larger power to get the cue ball in desire place.

For a shot need greater power, i would use longer back swing but everything cue else, cue speed, power stay the same.

Normally, I use only the upper arm muscle. I saw players even professionals can generate great power with very little backswing. I have tested in practice, the ball seems being hit harder if i use lower arm / shoulder, but the cue action all messed up.

Is there anything other than longer backswing can generate more power?

[Terry Davidson]

Using the larger shoulder muscle will increase power however it causes the cue to go off-line in most cases and requires PERFECT coordination to control the cue. Ronnie does this but I don't recommend it.

So the longer backswing is the correct way to go to maintain accuracy, however power is also related to how well you accelerate THROUGH the cueball. Always try and drive your grip hand through to the chest and accelerate the cue all the way to the chest and this will mean you will get the maximum power from the length of backswing you used.

Try and avoid using the shoulder muscle (which means dropping the elbow early) in generating more power. Also, having a cue which is a little less stiff can help a bit too

Terry

[nrage]

Hi all.

In certain shot, in particular stun shot would need larger power to get the cue ball in desire place.

For a shot need greater power, i would use longer back swing but everything cue else, cue speed, power stay the same.

Normally, I use only the upper arm muscle. I saw players even professionals can generate great power with very little backswing. I have tested in practice, the ball seems being hit harder if i use lower arm / shoulder, but the cue action all messed up.

Is there anything other than longer backswing can generate more power?

1. A heavier cue.
2. Greater cue acceleration/speed on impact.

[CoachGavin]

Imo I think if its an easy pot then just drop your elbow and that can increase the power gained. I wouldnt get a heavier cue as you may find you can't accelerate it as quickly and so the change in cue becomes pointless. Judd and robertson both have tremendous cue power and their elbows stay up. Keep the backswing long, keep it slow and then push the tip right through the cue ball trying to keep the tip in contact with the cue ball as long as possible. This is achieved by starting the delivery slowly and finishing quick.

[jim evans]

i assumed keeping cue in contact with cue ball is a push shot

[Terry Davidson]

jim:

Technically true, but we're talking micro-seconds here plus if they called a foul for accelerating through the cueball with the tip remaining in contact for that microsecond longer then Ronnie would foul every shot! (along with most of the other pros too!)

Terry

[Robo93]

Not necessarily true http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD659eZ054I&feature=plcp

[Terry Davidson]

The important aspects of cue power (screw power or spin if you like) are:

1. Acceleration through and BEYOND the cueball to ensure you are accelerating through the cue ball. (Timing and rhythm)
2. The shaft flex of the cue (the more whippy the cue the more spin imparted however too whippy would mean loss of accuracy).
3. Quality of the cue (in other words the 'hit' of the cue).
4. Quality of the tip on the cue (a spongy tip will not impart as much spit even though it is softer).

I agree with the posted youtube clip. The weight of the cue is not an important factor and the shaft flex is more important than weight.

Terry

[Particle Physics]

The important aspects of cue power (screw power or spin if you like) are:

1. Acceleration through and BEYOND the cueball to ensure you are accelerating through the cue ball. (Timing and rhythm)
2. The shaft flex of the cue (the more whippy the cue the more spin imparted however too whippy would mean loss of accuracy).
3. Quality of the cue (in other words the 'hit' of the cue).
4. Quality of the tip on the cue (a spongy tip will not impart as much spit even though it is softer).

I agree with the posted youtube clip. The weight of the cue is not an important factor and the shaft flex is more important than weight.

Terry

Spot on. Though I disagree with Terry about weight of cue. If you can accelerate a heavier cue at the same pace as a light cue, and go through the ball the same amount, you will achieve more spin with a heavier cue. The heavier cue has more mass, and F=MA. More force, more spin. But the difference between the 16oz and the 19.25oz I play with now has meant I can hit the ball harder and achieve more spin ceteris parabus. Some folk believe a soft tip grips the ball more and imparts more spin. I'm with Terry on this one. They offer more feel yes, more spin, no.

Terry's no.1 is the most important aspect to work on. The rest can be changed easily by purchase, but the cue action can't, it's something we each have to develop unfortunately. But that's the fun part too. ;-)

[jim evans]

i do understand that a chalk mark should appear 6-7 ins beyond the white with the follow through on the cloth but i seem to stop