In the classic pool stroke, the cue is tossed gently through the stroking motion. You can take this analogy too far, for reasons of subtle touch and control with the cuestick, you may ease up on the throw motion at times. There are a huge variety of stroke techniques, which differ from the classic stroke, requiring different arm and hand moves.
Take your stroke all the way through then beyond. Did your elbow touch the stick or your forearm or nearly so, as in this photo? If your forearm comes to touch the stick or close to it, you have a clear indicator your stroke was straight from beginning to end, progressing from an upper arm hanging straight from the elbow (or nearly so) at address.
What is the specific motion of the shooting hand through the stroke? Take a look at the next photo, shot from an intriguing angle.
