Cue Ball Maintenance

Of all the balls on the table, the cue ball is the only one that you will touch with your cue stick.

If you are going to use any English, draw, or follow, you need a clean cue ball. Heck, if you slow roll a shot, the cue ball may play different with a dirty ball.

Hopefully, you carry a cloth to wipe your stick. Use that to polish the cue ball. If you don't carry a cloth, I'm sure you can find a napkin or toilet paper.

A dirty ball means that you won't be able to judge how much English to use. Your cue stick will not "grab" the cue ball in the same way if it hits a greasy or dirty spot.

On those slow shots, the cue ball can "cling" to the object ball if it hits a dirty spot. That can throw your shot off.

Occasionally on TV, you will see the pros request that the cue ball be wiped down during a game. Usually, it is because there is a spot of chalk on the cue ball. Even that little bit of chalk dust can affect the shot.

So take a minute and clean your cue ball. It can make a difference