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Cueing Academy

Pool glossary · Stroke & Stance

Warm-up strokes

Also called: Practice strokes, Feathering

What are warm-up strokes in pool?

Warm-up strokes (feathering) are the short practice strokes you make before the final delivery. They check that the cue moves straight along the aiming line at the planned tip height and rehearse the rhythm of the shot.

In more detail

Use them to confirm, not to search. If the tip keeps drifting off the spot you chose, stand up and re-set rather than adjusting with the cue arm.

People also ask

Should warm-up strokes match the final stroke speed?

They should match its rhythm. Many players feather slowly and then accelerate smoothly through the ball on the final stroke.

Train it at the table

More guides on warm-up strokes