Friends who play billiards all know that the accuracy of the backhand can be regarded as the “key” to billiards skills. Having excellent backhand accuracy is equivalent to holding the key to the door of victory. One can dominate the field, move freely, and score precisely. So, how exactly can we improve the accuracy of the backhand? Here is a detailed explanation for you.
I. Grip Posture: The Cornerstone of Precision
The grip posture has a decisive influence on the accuracy of the backhand. Common grip methods include the front-hand grip and the back-hand grip. In the front-hand grip, the index finger and thumb usually encircle the cue. This grip is suitable for players who like to use cue techniques and are used to using their wrists when making a shot. However, it is prone to the problem of gripping the cue during the shot, and a lot of practice is needed to master it proficiently. In the back-hand grip, the middle finger and thumb encircle the cue. It is more suitable for players who pursue accuracy and those who are used to gripping the cue tightly when making a shot. It can effectively reduce the phenomenon of gripping the cue and is easier to master. You can choose the grip method according to your own playing style, and continuously adjust it during the practice process to find the most suitable grip posture for yourself. For example, the billiards master Zheng Yubo uses the back-hand grip, and the stable grip provides a strong guarantee for his highly accurate shots.
II. Body Posture: Stable Support
Standing Position: After determining the exit line of the cue ball, place your right foot on this line (taking right-handers as an example), and step your left foot naturally about a shoulder-width distance in the direction 30 degrees to the left front of the right foot. At the same time, the distance between the right foot and the cue ball is approximately 30 to 40 centimeters shorter than the entire length of the cue, and adjust it with your own comfort as the core. The correct standing position allows us to maintain balance when making a shot and provides a stable foundation for the backhand to exert force.
Bending Posture: Lean down naturally and place your chin on the cue, which can help you aim at the target ball better. During the process of stroking and making a shot, except for the forearm, all other parts of the body should remain stable, especially the head should not shake. A stable body posture helps to reduce the shaking of the backhand and improve the accuracy of the shot. For example, in professional competitions, the body postures of the players are very standard, which enables them to control the backhand more stably and achieve accurate shots.
III. Stroking Rhythm: Find Your Own Rhythm
The stroking rhythm is crucial for improving the accuracy of the backhand. When stroking the cue, use your peripheral vision to check whether the track in front of and behind the cue coincides with the exit line of the ball. The stroking speed should not be too fast or too slow, and there should be a stable rhythm. You can first practice slow stroking to feel the movement state of the cue in your hand and gradually find the rhythm suitable for you. Before making a shot, pause appropriately for 1 to 2 seconds to prepare both your body and mind, and then make a smooth shot. Many professional players have a unique and stable stroking rhythm, which helps them maintain good backhand accuracy in the game and complete the shot smoothly.
IV. Backhand Force Application: Skillful Force Instead of Brute Force
Action Sequence: When making a shot, the back elbow does not move horizontally but is lifted upwards. The entire force application action should be divided into at least two stages: the first stage is the force of lifting the upper arm upwards, at this time, the forearm does not exert force but just follows up loosely; when the forearm reaches a certain position, lock the upper arm, and then the forearm exerts force and accelerates forward. Applying force according to the correct action sequence can make the cue move straighter and improve the accuracy of the backhand. Utilize Body Force: When making a shot, don’t rely solely on the strength of the arm, but learn to use the strength of the abdomen. By exerting force with the abdomen, the burden on the arm and wrist can be reduced, and the backhand force application can be made smoother and more stable. For example, when shooting a long-distance ball, skillfully using the strength of the abdomen can better control the shooting force and direction and increase the success rate of scoring.
V. Psychological Adjustment: Maintain Concentration and Confidence
Psychological factors also play a key role in improving the accuracy of the backhand. When making a shot, maintain concentration, eliminate external interference, and focus all your attention on the target ball and the shooting action. Don’t be nervous because of the fear of making mistakes, and believe in your own skills and abilities. Before each shot, you can silently recite your shooting steps and key points in your mind to enhance your confidence. Many amateur players have a significant decrease in backhand accuracy and make mistakes due to excessive psychological pressure in the game. In contrast, professional players can maintain a good mentality in a high-pressure environment and stably exert their backhand accuracy.
Improving the accuracy of the backhand is not something that can be achieved overnight. It requires us to keep exploring, summarizing, and improving in daily practice. From the grip posture to the body posture, from the stroking rhythm to the backhand force application, and then to the psychological adjustment, every link is closely connected and affects each other. As long as we persist in practicing according to the correct method, I believe that everyone’s backhand accuracy will be significantly improved, and you can fully showcase your elegance on the billiards
table.
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