The video demonstrates the two most widely used stroke techniques, the piston and the pendulum.
The OP stated that he read that the tip of the cue should be touching the cloth after the stroke.
Employing either type of stroke method it is best to have the cue seek the cloth after the stroke rather than the tip of the cue seeking the sky after the stroke.
The important point here, no matter which technique is used, is that the cue be as level as possible when striking the cue ball, what happens after the strike with the cue doesn't really matter.
What is important is the mental image a person has of the cue action prior to striking the QB. This is why its is important to imagine the cue stick seeking the cloth at the end (finish) of the stroke.
Does the tip of the cue actually touch the cloth after the stroke.......sometimes it does.
John :smile:
Well stated John.
'You Are the Teacher'
A very informative & 'usefull' post.
I'd just like to add a claification
as food for thought & that is... what happens after the cue strikes the ball is most often the result of what happened before & during the strike. It can be an indicator of the actual stroke.
Whether you call it a follow through or a finish, it is not completely independent & therefore meaningless. It is often an indicator of the cue's path & force level (possible decelleration) during the actual strike.
If the tips moves to the left or right after the strike, it could be an indicator of a 'fault' in the actual stroke. A vertical movement after the strike can also be an indicator of a possible 'flaw' as well.
If the acelleration of a true gravity pendulum could be matched by our biomechanics it would be a good thing where acelleration is concerned, as a true pendulum does not begin to decellerate until just after the bottom of its arch when the change of direction ocurrs. However, a true gravity driven pendulum does not meet any resistance at the bottom of its arch as does a pool cue when it meets the cue ball. Any deceleration before contact can be detrimental. With that in 'mind' sometimes mental thoughts regarding the follow through or finish can be helpful.
My personal preference for a strike above the equator of the ball is not for my tip to be moving toward the cloth. I would prefer it to travel straight through. To pin the ball between the tip & cloth brings a bit of resistance into play, which could either limit the roll of the ball or perhaps even initiate more of a 'skid' before the roll begins, sort of like a 'squirt'. That being said, there could be times when that type result might be desirable for a given situation, especially if coupled with an intential bit of off center hit.
Sorry for the rant. I really only meant to add one point. My mind was just stimulated one thought upon another.
As I said, all of the above is just meant to be
food for thought & obviously are just my opinions & I am not certified as an instructor.
Again, good post John.