Clean Centre-Ball Contact

Objective: Strike true centre-ball with a controlled, repeatable stroke.

Why it matters: Every other cueing skill — stun, follow, screw, side — is a deliberate departure from this baseline. Without a reliable centre strike, spin becomes unpredictable.

Watch: Slow-motion video of centre-ball contact and cue-ball reaction.

Learn: Guide on tip contact point and common causes of accidental spin.

See it: Diagram of the cue ball's face with the centre-strike zone marked.

Practise: Straight-line drill: strike the cue ball into a cushion and back, aiming for it to stop dead — 20 reps.

Test yourself: n/a

Challenge: Achieve a 'stop dead' result on 8/10 straight-line strikes.

Common mistakes: Unconsciously striking slightly above or below centre and getting unwanted follow/stun.

Coaching cue: Find dead centre before you chase spin.

Completion criteria: 8/10 straight-line strikes stop the cue ball within a paper's width of the contact point.