One of the
most common mistakes that amateur players make is to not consistently
strike the cueball on it's center. This produces cueball deflection and
many missed shots.
Cueball Deflection:
When the cue tip strikes the cueball off center (right or left side) the
dynamics of the cue pushes the cueball off of it's intended path. The
cueball is pushed in the opposite direction of the side on which it was
struck. This is called “cueball deflection” , and this deflection is
increased when more power is applied or when the distance between the
cueball and object ball increases. Just half a cue tip off center (right
or left side) can cause considerable cueball deflection and even though
the shot is sighted correctly, the pot can be missed. For most players
this can be due to a poorly stroked shot or that the they are getting
the wrong information from a
dominant eye that makes them think that
they are hitting the center of the cueball.
The latest technology in snooker cues is now available as 1-piece , 2-piece
, and ¾ shaft cues
-Ash or Maple-
-The shaft can be more flexable without changing its weight or strength , this is important in reducing cueball deflection.
- The strength of the shaft becomes equalized in all directions; As seen in the picture , the regular shaft naturally grows with a grain. The strength of this shaft is unequal , it is more flexable bending with the grain and stiffer bending across the grain.
- It does not matter how the cue is held or where the tip strikes the cueball(topspin , bottom draw , left or right english) the stiffness of a radially laminated shaft will be equal , giving you better control.
Lower deflecting cues make
the game easier.
Tip size – In snooker tip sizes of 9.5mm to 10mm are good , above 10.25mm will increase cueball deflection. Below 9.25mm the shaft losses its power.
Ferrule type – Although brass ferrules have been the industry standard for many years , this is mostly due to there durability. The softer black fiber ferrules will produce less cueball deflection because the hardness is more similar to wood and the tip can compress more rather than pushing off the cueball quickly.
Shaft tapers – Shafts that are tapered “too stiff” will easily push the cueball off its intended path. Shaftwood density and grain count will determine slight variations in shaft tapers.