We started with an overview and a basic, but very good practice routine to help develop your cue action. How is it going? I am positive if you are incorporating all the lessons and diligently putting in the practice you will be seeing some slight improvement. Regardless, never be deterred, it takes a few years to be able to do what the players on television do. They were once in your position. If you are young, you will also need to grow a little taller as well. I first started to play when I was 7 in my Great Grand Father’s billiard club in the town of Swansea, a little town at the mouth of the channel that feeds Lake Macquarie, just south of Newcastle in New South Wales. My father, his brother James and many from the local area learnt to play there. I started by standing on a wooden fruit box, so I could see over the cushion properly. I had a side-arm cue action then, but as I got taller it turned over to be the cue action I talk about today. Stick with your practice.

I have previously written about some of the different billiards games that are played around the world, most of which we can play here in Australia. So it begs the question, what cue to use?

The selection of a cue is personal, but I’ll give you some things to look for.

Better quality Snooker cues are made using either a Maple or Ash shaft with a hardwood butt. What is referred to as a machine splice cue the butt is joined to the bottom of the shaft. Whereas, in the case of a handmade cue, the butt is overlayed over the shaft up to four places. The Ash cue is preferred by the majority of Professional players. In general, quality cues sold through billiards outlets are manufactured 57 inches (145cm) in length and weigh 16 to 18 ounces (454 to 510g). Snooker cues should taper evenly from the butt end to the tip and have a slightly rigid shaft. Some manufacturers will make a cue to personal specifications, but unless you have intentions of pursuing the sport to a higher than club level, the cost may be prohibitive and to no avail. Some suppliers of cues will alter the cue to your measurements, but this could also alter the balance.
I am often asked about the length a cue should be for snooker.  Again, we enter into the ability a player has or wishes to attain to.  For 98% of the playing public the standard length cue you purchase will certainly suffice. For the 2% of players that go on to good