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Cueing Academy

Pool glossary · Stroke & Stance

Elbow drop

Should your elbow drop when shooting pool?

Elbow drop is the back elbow moving downward during the stroke. A drop after contact is normal; a drop before contact changes tip height and often the cue line, causing unintended spin and misses.

In more detail

Check by freezing at the end of your follow-through: if the tip finishes low on the cloth and on line, the drop is harmless. If the tip is off to one side, the elbow is dropping across the line.

People also ask

How do I stop dropping my elbow too early?

Shorten the backswing, slow the transition and practise follow-through freezes with a straight-in shot through a bottle neck.

Train it at the table

More guides on elbow drop