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Cueing Academy

Pool glossary · Stroke & Stance

Final pause

Also called: Set, Pause at the back

Why pause at the back of the stroke in pool?

The final pause is a brief stop at the back of the last backswing before delivering the cue. It separates the backswing from the forward stroke so you do not rush or jerk, and it gives your eyes a final moment on the object ball.

In more detail

Many players also 'set' with the tip still at the cue ball before the backswing. Together the set and pause are two checkpoints that remove most steering and jabbing faults.

People also ask

How long should the pause be?

A short beat — around half a second to a second. It should feel like a change of direction, not a freeze.

Train it at the table

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