Pool Strikes: Getting a Grip with the Classic

Most of the shots made by pool players aren't the tricky ones. It's the classic ones that count most, the basics. Some say the flowing stroke is considered as the universal stroke of billiard gaming. Which is quite true. Because it is the stroke that you see at the beginning most likely at the end of every game.



A flow through shot is a gentle swing from the tip of the cue forming a smooth straight shot to the object ball. Again, its supposed to be gentle. No muscle strains. No rigidity. Some books reiterated that a flow through strike should maintain the 90 degree angle. On the contrary, not everyone agrees on that.



To perform a single nice flow through shot, the player must advance himself on the side of the table. Hold the handle with a fine grip. Not rigid, not soft, just fine. Maintain a close distance but not that close to point where you can't see your shot.



Do not execute unless confirmed. You do not want to mess up a single shot because you got too excited. Measure your aim. Make a backswing toss with your cue through and fro but do not touch the cue ball. Once you perform a backswing, you'll notice that your hand is on an acute angle. Definitely not what the book says.



As you notice, this is what they call as near address wherein the cue is just inches away from the white ball but not forming a correct 90 degree angle. You must have a light feel of the handle. You would try to swing you cue by rubbing your finger through the shaft. Performing this lets you control the sharpness or softness of the shot.



Once you have a clear idea on how much energy you need in making a particular shot, make one last backswing by holding your cue away from the ball. Make sure that upon performing the backswing only your striking arm will make it move. No further unnecessary movement from your trunk or your feet. Your shoulders will be kept upright.



Now, gently throw your arm through your angle and hit the ball, you'll get to notice that all the angles are gone and the only thing that's left is the tip of your cue following the path of the ball, this includes your shooting arm. Slowly stand up from your position and observe the flow of your cue. This ends when the cue ball has touched the object ball and your muscles relax.