Jump Question

whittle

New member
Just trying to learn to jump and swerve the cue ball. I'm somewhat successful but my cue tip is contacting the table. I was told if done right the tip doesn't contact the table and from watching him it didn't look like his cue was touching the table or at least not leaving a mark. Now trying that I can't even jump a pencil. Can anyone point me in the right direction for a good instructional video or some in person lessons near Malvern Ar. ?
 

David in FL

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Did you play basketball as a kid?

Remember when you wanted to be "cool" and simply popped the basketball with your hand as it lay in the ground so that it would jump up and you could start to dribble?

A jump works exactly the same way.

Pop straight down through the ball to hit it into the table.

It's not a hard stroke. It's a very quick stroke…
 

Bob Jewett

AZB Osmium Member
Staff member
Gold Member
Silver Member
Here is a whole YouTube playlist.


I'm surprised that you can't even jump over a pencil. Most people can do that with their normal playing cue by simply elevating a little and hitting the ball hard. Record a video of yourself and compare it to the example shots in the playlist above.
 

FranCrimi

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Your pool cue's angle of attack is probably more than you need. Look at a masse shot for example --- the tip has to hit the table. Try incrementally lessening the angle a few degrees at a time until you can achieve a jump without the potential of damaging the cloth.
 

whittle

New member
Your pool cue's angle of attack is probably more than you need. Look at a masse shot for example --- the tip has to hit the table. Try incrementally lessening the angle a few degrees at a time until you can achieve a jump without the potential of damaging the cloth.
That’s exactly what it was. Can now jump with ease but only with dart style. Working on the overhand grip but can’t generate the pop needed. Was told I would have better control of the cue ball if I could get it down.
 

FranCrimi

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
That’s exactly what it was. Can now jump with ease but only with dart style. Working on the overhand grip but can’t generate the pop needed. Was told I would have better control of the cue ball if I could get it down.
Study the pros overhand grip stances with jump cues. Study how they're facing in jump positions compared to their normal stances, and the position of their arms in relation to their body. You may find help there.
 

boogieman

It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that ping.
That’s exactly what it was. Can now jump with ease but only with dart style. Working on the overhand grip but can’t generate the pop needed. Was told I would have better control of the cue ball if I could get it down.
I think it is much more accurate to use an overhand, but when watching the pros do it, remember they are using 3 piece jump cues which are longer than the standard "dart" style jump cues. The reason this is important is because the extended length lets you get better clearance with your body. Underhand with a traditional jump cue kind of cramps you up when going overhand. That extra 6" of cue makes it much more comfortable and as a result you can use more natural movement and stroke way less jerky/punchy.
 
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