Stroke Rhythm
Aim, back, pause, through and hold
Goal
Have a pre-shot routine that's exactly the same every time.
Draw back, pause, stroke through the cue ball, then freeze.
Key points
Stand behind the shot line and pick your shot before you get down.
Take 2–4 practice strokes with an even rhythm.
Pause briefly at the end of your backswing, then go forward.
Follow through 10–15 cm past the cue ball and stay down until the object ball drops.
Common mistakes
Jabbing or poking at the ball with no follow-through
Lifting your head right at contact
Letting your shoulders and body come up with the stroke
Drill
Hit 20 straight cue ball shots. On each one, silently count "back… pause… through" and hold your finish for 2 seconds after contact.