How to Improve at Snooker & Pool

Many different rules exist for billiards games like pool and snooker, but the basic idea behind virtually every one of these various games revolves around knocking the balls into the pockets on a billiards table. In order to get better at billiards games, you have to be able to accurately shoot the cue ball as well as predict what will happen when the cue ball contacts the other balls. Above all, improving at snooker and pool requires a great deal of practice.

Things You'll Need

  • Pool cue
  • Access to billiards equipment (table, balls, chalk, etc)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a personal billiards cue. Every cue is slightly different, so the consistency of having your own cue can help you immensely while learning to play better snooker and pool.

    • 2

      Keep your head straight when aiming your shot. Inexperienced billiards players tend to lean their head slightly to their dominant side, thus giving them a sideways view of the shot.

    • 3

      Examine your shooting form. Grasp the pool cue firmly in your back hand but do not grip it too tightly. The less tension in your back arm, the better chance you have of shooting straight. Although there is no one correct finger position for your guide hand, the cue has to be able to move freely through your fingers without changing direction at any point during the shot. Experiment with different grips until you find one that allows you to shoot the ball perfectly straight.

    • 4

      Aim every shot carefully. A basic understanding of geometry is needed to have some idea what will happen once you shoot the cue ball. You need to locate the exact area on the object ball that needs to be hit in order to make it travel in the required direction, and then you need to be able to hit that spot with significant regularity. The best way to learn how to do this is to practice specific shots until you can make them the majority of the time.

    • 5

      Analyze any shots that you fail to make. The difference between a successful shot and a failed shot is often mere millimeters. The ability to make adjustments on the fly is very important for any billiards player.

    • 6

      Play games of pool and snooker against people better than you. Ask them any questions you have about playing billiards. The more perspectives you can get on your game the better.