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Step 1
Get yourself grounded before you even pick up your pool cue. You may think that proper form for playing pool comes from the hands and shoulders, but it begins down at your feet. Without a stable base of support, your body will not be balanced enough to direct the cue ball where it needs to go.
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Step 2
Put your nondominant foot forward. In other words, if you are right-handed, your left foot should be slightly in front of your right. This offsets the weight of your right arm, which will be moving as you aim and shoot. Are your knees locked? If so, relax. You should be able to move up and down slightly at the knees without throwing yourself off-balance.
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Step 3
Lean forward and place your nondominant hand on the table a few inches from the ball. As you aim your cue, either balance the end of the cue in your thumb-web space, between your thumb and first finger or between your knuckles. The position of this hand, called your bridge hand, depends on what is most comfortable for you.
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Step 4
Take a glance at yourself. Are your hips and shoulders facing the same way? Is your bridge arm stable? Can you freely move your cue hand without feeling unbalanced? Can you clearly see where the ball needs to go? If so, you are ready.
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Step 5
Take your shot, and notice how your body feels. Did you lose your balance? Does the position feel awkward? You may need to make a few alterations to the width of your stance or the distance you stand from the table until you find a position that feels right. Time for the most fun part: practice by playing a game or two!
