Problems and fixes

7 common problems, and how to fix each

• Back hand moving inYour back hand moves in toward your body as you stroke through. The cue turns on your bridge, so the tip goes the other way and the cue ball leaves the line.
• Back hand moving outYour back hand moves out away from your body as you stroke through. The cue turns on your bridge, so the tip goes the other way and the cue ball leaves the line.
• Twisting the wristYour wrist turns during the stroke, which steers the cue tip off line.
• Slowing down at contactYour hand is already slowing down when the tip hits the cue ball. The cue ball rolls short and the stroke feels unsure.
• No pause at the backYou go straight from the backswing into the forward stroke, so any wobble in the backswing carries into the shot.
• Pulling back after contactThe moment the tip hits the ball, you pull the cue back. A short stroke doesn't need a long follow-through, but the tip should carry on a little before it stops.
• Moving at the finishYour hand and body move right after the shot, which usually means you started moving before contact too.