Question:

How can I tell if I’m keeping my wrist and arm straight?
–Bennie S.

Answer:

Dear Bennie,

Great question! A lot of players think they are not aiming correctly, when in fact the problem is delivery of the stroke. My favorite drill is to place the cueball on the spot. Then aim with center ball for the center diamond on the far cushion. After shooting the shot; freeze. After contact with the cushion, the cueball should come straight back and hit the tip of your cue, if executed perfectly. Start out with a softer hit, and then increase speed.

In addition, if you place two pieces of chalk on each side of the cue, near the cueball, you’ll be able to tell if the cue is delivered in a straight line. If it touches either chalk during the stroke, you’ll have your answer.

Things to double check are the grip and the release of the stroke. Normally, if you hold the cue too tightly, or if you grip it last second, as you follow through, it results in a twist of the wrist.

Check out the video below regarding stroke.

Good Luck!!!

Ewa

–Ewa Mataya Laurance is one of the most visible superstars in the history of pocket billiards. Known as The Striking Viking, she took the billiard world by storm since she moved to the US from her native Sweden.

Following her childhood dream of becoming the best in the world, she continues to be a dominant presence on the international billiard scene.  Ewa is the current International and World Cup Trick Shot Champion, the holder of multiple World and US Open 9-ball titles, and has also won the Swedish, European and US National Championships in her incredible career. A former # 1 ranked player in the world, Ewa has received Player of the Year honors, been named WPBA Sportsperson of the Year, and in 2004, was inducted into the prestigious Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame.

Ask Ewa your own question here!