Owning
and playing with your own cue is essential if you are hoping to
progress and develop your ability at snooker. The cue is the most
important element in your game and should be chosen carefully to
suit your own needs and requirements.
This
may seem like common sense, but it is surprising how many people
choose to play with a variety of cues and are then confused as to
why they fail to improve. I have known decent amateur players with
numerous cues, swopping and changing as the mood takes them, often
to the detriment of their overall game.
All
cues play differently and it takes a while to familiarise yourself
completely with your chosen cue. Only regular practice with the
same cue will provide the repetition necessary for you to become
completely at one with your snooker cue.
The
normal length of a cue is in the region of 58 inches, with the best
cues made from ash or maple. Ash cues tend to have a heavier grain,
which is more visible than maple. This grain can assist your sighting
when cueing down on the shot and enables you to hold the cue in
the same position for each shot. Maple cues have a more subdued
grain.
The
recommended weight is around 17 ounces and the cue should feel balanced,
particularly in the shaft. Weight is often inserted into the butt
of the cue approximately 12 to 18 inches from the base, which is
why the shaft often feels heavy.
Tip
sizes vary, but the standard size is 10mm. Some play with a 9millimetre
tip and others with an 11mm, but for players new to the game a larger
tip size is recommended. A ferrule should be attached to the end
of the cue, which the tip attaches to. The ferrule prevents the
end of the cue from splitting and protects the cue when replacing
a tip.
Caring
for your cue is vital because of its importance to your game. In
addition a cue may last for years if properly looked after.
Avoid
leaving your cue in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Keep
the cue clean with a damp cloth and wash your hands before you play.
Never stand the cue up against a wall, as eventually this may cause
it to warp.
fcsnooker
- The Frank Callan Suite - 282 Ribbleton Lane, Ribbleton, Preston,
Lancashire, England - PR1 5EB - tel.
+ 44 (01772) 702211 - info@fcsnooker.co.uk
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