Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: Adopt a good posture
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

To play pool like a pro, you need: a good cue, a smooth shot and a good aim. Whether you play pool occasionally or want to get really good, this article will give you the basic tools to improve your billiards.

To step

Part 1 of 4: Adopt a good posture

1. Monitor the position of your hand.
   • Hold the thick end of your cue in your dominant hand with the palm up. Find the spot on the wrapper where the cue is balanced. Grab the cue about an inch behind that spot.
   • Make a circle of the thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand. Run the cue through the circle and rest it on the top of your middle finger, just behind the phalanx. Spread the tips of your little finger, ring finger, and middle finger to make a kind of tripod support.
   • Place the edge of your hand on the table. Lift the other side of your hand a little higher.
2. Make sure nothing is loose. Loose parts absorb energy from your punches and prevent you from hitting the ball properly.

Tips

• Don't play against yourself. Technique is important, but the most important thing is to stay calm and mentally focused.
• Find a teacher and work on your basic technique. Good advice at an early stage will help you avoid frustration and have more fun playing the game. You also avoid having to unlearn bad habits later.

Warnings

• Many choices in cafes and billiard halls are damaged and warped, because they are made of cheap material and are frequently abused.
• Don't make bets with strangers. You could be scammed by someone pretending to be a novice. If you place a bet in such a case, someone like that develops fantastic billiards skills out of the blue and you lose the bet.

Necessities

• Pool cue
• Pool table
• Pool balls
• Chalk