Have you ever experienced this while playing pool?
You aim precisely, yet the ball still misses.
Your stroke feels smooth, but the cue ball doesn’t go straight.
You try to apply spin, but the cue ball behaves unpredictably.
Often, the issue isn't your aim or shot selection — it's your stroke. An off-line stroke is one of the most overlooked yet critical problems for amateur players. So how do you know if your stroke is crooked?
Here are 5 self-check methods to help you diagnose and fix your stroke — so you can shoot straighter and more consistently.
1. Cue Ball "Snakes" Even with a Center Hit?
One of the simplest ways to test your stroke: Hit the cue ball dead center and see if it travels in a straight line.
How to test:
Place the cue ball in the middle of the table.
Aim straight toward the opposite cushion using a center ball hit.
Ideally, the cue ball should travel straight and return along the same path.
If the ball drifts or returns off-target, it means you're unintentionally applying side spin — a clear sign of a crooked stroke.
Tip: This test quickly reveals if you're unknowingly adding unwanted spin — one of the most common signs of stroke misalignment.
2. Does the Cue Tip Wobble Side-to-Side?
Your stroke should move like a train on rails — smooth, straight, and consistent. But if your cue tip wobbles during delivery, your stroke path isn’t straight.
How to check:
Stand beside a mirror and watch your cue motion from the side.
Or record a video from directly in front of your shot line and play it back in slow motion.
If you see the tip swaying or zigzagging, your stroke is unstable.
Pro Tip: Use a cue guide tool or try the “two-ball stroke drill” to build a true straight-line stroke.
3. Inconsistent Control on Spin Shots?
If you struggle with spin consistency, it’s probably not about understanding technique — it’s about executing it with a straight stroke.
Common signs:
You mishit or miscue when trying left or right English.
Shots that should have light spin result in exaggerated ball motion.
The cue ball sometimes jumps unexpectedly after contact.
These are signs that your cue is twisting or drifting during the stroke, changing the point of contact on the cue ball.
Suggestion: Practice hitting the same spin shot multiple times. Start slowly and work on consistency before increasing power.
4. Your Eyes Aim Straight, but the Cue Aims Sideways?
Some players have a mismatch between their visual alignment and stroke path — where the eyes are centered, but the cue leans to one side.
How to detect it:
Stand in front of a mirror and check your cue alignment from the front.
Is your cue directly under your chin, or leaning left or right?
Many players unconsciously tilt their head or shoulder, throwing off their aim.
Reminder: Your dominant eye should align vertically over the cue line. Try the “eye dominance test” to ensure you’re aiming from the right visual perspective.
5. Do You Often Follow Through Excessively or Lose Balance?
A clean follow-through is a sign of stroke control. If your cue flies forward or your body shifts after hitting the ball, your stroke may lack stability.
Warning signs:
Your upper body moves after contact.
The cue continues forward uncontrollably.
You're often off-balance at the end of your stroke.
These issues indicate a lack of body control, which can lead to loss of accuracy and spin precision.
Training tip:
Practice static hold: freeze for 2 seconds after each stroke to train control.
Try “slow stroke + stop” drills to reinforce muscle memory and smooth follow-through.
Summary: 5 Signs of a Crooked Stroke
|
Self-Check Method |
What It Means |
|
Cue ball “snakes” with center hit |
Off-center contact; sign of unwanted side spin |
|
Cue tip wobbles left/right |
Stroke path instability due to grip or posture |
|
Spin control is inconsistent |
Directional deviation during the stroke |
|
Cue and eyes aren’t aligned |
Visual and mechanical alignment mismatch |
|
Unstable follow-through or body sway |
Poor body control, affecting accuracy and spin |
�� Final Advice: Straight Stroke = True Accuracy
The key to precision is a smooth, straight, and stable stroke.
You can know all the angles and techniques, but a crooked stroke will throw it all off.
Recommended tools and exercises:
Cue guide (Training Cue Tool)
Two-ball straight stroke drill
Slow-motion video analysis
Mirror-based stance and alignment checks
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Stroke straight for consistency.
Aim sharp for precision.
With BIZU, every shot gets closer to perfect.
Top Drills to Fix Your Crooked Stroke
Grip & Bridge Tips for Cue Control