Technique - Line

Misconceptions on line have been a matter of major debate amongst players and coaches for many years.

Although the completed line starts at the end of the butt of the cue and finishes at your pre-selected point of contact on the object ball, I feel it will be of benefit if you break line down into three different sections.

1. The intended line:

You visualise the track the cue ball will take to make the correct contact on the object ball.

For every shot you should always start your approach a step behind this line, then walk in. This allows you to set your cue and your stance to the line.

Place your cue on the line first, then place your feet in position.

2. The line from the end of the butt of your cue to the tip:

This line can be problematical in that it is only partly visible once you have got down to the shot.

3. Line in Motion:

Delivery of the cue along line two.

Projecting cue ball along line one.

Players generally select line one correctly; have slight problems with line two, but most errors creep in during line three.

The advantages of breaking line into three sections helps you to pinpoint where any fault can occur. Never take line for granted. It is an essential part of every shot you play.