Snooker is a two-player table game that is similar to billiards. The player strikes the cue ball with a snooker stick, and scores by putting the target ball in the appropriate pocket. The game requires good eye-hand coordination, a bridging hand, a solid grip, a strong stance, a smooth shooting motion and certain techniques such as spinning the ball.
Bridging
Take the opposite hand from the one holding the cue stick and form a bridge by using your thumb and index finger to make a wide "V" shape. Put your bridging hand palm down in front of the cue ball, rest the cue stick on the bottom of the V, and manipulate your hand to adjust the height of the bridge so the tip of the cue stick will hit the cue ball in the correct place. The distance of the bridge from the cue ball depends on how much backswing you want to apply, which in turn depends on how hard you want to hit the cue ball.
Gripping
Wrap the thumb and forefinger of your shooting hand tightly around the bottom of the cue stick, but not so tight that you cannot move fluidly. Keep your other fingers away from the cue stick from the time of your backswing until you have finished shooting, so that the cue stick can move smoothly.
Stance
Keep your body completely still as you shoot -- only your shooting arm should move. This will require a firm stance. If you shoot with your right hand, keep your right foot pointed in line with your intended shot. Keep the leg of your pointed foot straight, and your other leg bent comfortably. Keep your chest and chin as close to the cue ball as you can as you shoot.
Shooting
After forming your bridge, angle the cue stick so it lines up with the direction of your intended shot. Move the cue backward and forward a few times before you strike the ball. Alternate your gaze between the cue ball, the ball you are trying to sink and the pocket. Once you are ready to shoot, pull back the cue stick along the bridge, hesitate briefly and then strike with a smooth motion.
Spins
Using spins can make the cue ball curve, jump or slide. If you want a right curve, hit the cue ball just to the left of center. If you want a left curve, hit it just to the right of center. Hit the cue ball just below center, using a lower bridge, to make it slide. To put a backspin on the cue ball, hit it well below center. This can help you sink the target ball without putting the cue ball in the pocket as well. If you hit the cue ball even lower, you can make it jump over another ball to hit the target ball.
