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Cueing Academy

Pool glossary · Practice & Mental Game

Body tension

Also called: Tension, Tight grip

Why does tension ruin a pool stroke?

Body tension — in the grip, shoulders or jaw — stiffens the cue arm, shortens the stroke and makes it jerky. It is the physical side of pressure and one of the most common hidden causes of missed shots.

In more detail

Check tension in your routine: soften the grip, drop the shoulders, breathe out. Practise with a deliberately light grip until it feels normal.

People also ask

How do I relax my arm when shooting?

Loosen your grip until the cue is just held, exhale before the final stroke and focus on a smooth follow-through.

Train it at the table

More guides on body tension