This statement may seem a little abstract to you, but if you are not comfortable with the other methods outlined in this article; pulling the cue stick, throwing it through the shot, or thrusting the forearm through the stroke, try my hand slap method instead.
Basically, the hand slap method is a commitment to moving the hand back and forth through the stroke knowing the cue stick will come along for the ride. The distinction is important, the cue stick is in no way squeezed or carried through the classic pool stroke. Rather, the classic stroke is achieved because the hand is worked through the motion and the cue stick makes incidental contact with it, picked up to go along for the ride--and what a smooth ride it can be!
This stroke is easier with a custom cue like those we recommend rather than a house cue, in part due to the cue's wrap and as the cue will generally be cleaner and better maintained to begin with.
One of the reasons the pros can maintain an extremely light grip on the cue is they understand the cuestick will come along if the motions of the hand and shooting arm are accurate. This last sentence is so important to your pool career, I suggest you take a few moments now to memorize it!
Keep chatting at our forums on these stroking subjects and drop me a line also at About. I'd love to hear about your pool shooting and your pool journey overall.
