(FAQ) How do you shoot one-handed?

(About the Author)

Knowing how to do this is not a critical playing skill. It can be a useful skill that can cause your opponent to believe you are a much better player – basically scare him a little. It is a handy skill for situations where a mechanical bridge is difficult to use.

When you learn how to shoot one handed, you game will improve. This is because while you are learning, one of the benefits is the development of a smooth stroke with proper follow-through. The learning process also teach you the importance of focusing on very small movements.

Here is how to get started:

  1. Bridge hand resting on the cloth (not touching the shaft).
  2. Bridge hand not touching anything (some people recommend holding it behind your back).
  3. Use of rails to slide the shaft (no touching the shaft)

Here is the process for shooting at a cue ball out in middle of the table:

  1. Stand behind the cue ball in the same way you do on a regular shot.
  2. Hold the stick between your thumb and first two fingers just enough behind the balance point to let the tip fall downwards slightly.
  3. Bend forward a little bit and line up the shot.
  4. Hold the stick a couple of inches back from the cue ball where you want to contact it.
  5. Focus on making sure that the stick is steady.
  6. Stroke the shot using only your arm movement. (Keep the body still.)

In the process of learning to control the one handed stroke, begin with straight in shots on a half table. Work your way through angled shots. Increase the distances of the cue ball and object balls. If you get particularly comfortable shooting one handed, you can play complete games.

Make sure you also practice with the other hand. It will take extra work, but the ability to shoot one-handed with your left and right hands will devastate the morale of many opponents – not to mention making them very envious.

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