What is a slip stroke and why is it used?

A slip stroke is where you let the grip hand slide along the cue either backward or forward before or after the forward stroke into the ball. It is mostly a relic of the past with questionable value. There are no situations where it is actually required, it doesn’t offer any performance advantages, and it is very difficult to perfect (especially with a sticky cue grip or sweaty/dirty hands). However, a slip stroke can force some people to be keep their grip and wrist more relaxed. This can definitely help someone who would otherwise tense the grip during the stroke, which can reduce effectiveness.


from AtLarge:

Slip stroke — The grip hand slips back on the butt just prior to the forward stroke at the cue ball.

Stroke slip — As the forward stroke at the cue ball is executed, the cue slips through the grip hand to some degree (a “throw” or “release and catch”).

from Bob_Jewett:

Here is an article from Billiards Digest that describes several kinds of stroke including the slip stroke: http://www.sfbilliards.com/articles/2005.pdf (October)

And here is one that describes some other strokes: http://www.sfbilliards.com/articles/2005.pdf (November)


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