A little sass from your guide about a slippery new pool stroke today from a devoted About.com reader's letter.

"Hello Matt,

In doing the slip stroke you describe in photos, I take it the cue moves back and forth through your guide fingers as well as your shooting hand. You are right, most do not seem to do this technique... not even the best players around here... or at least I cannot see it done.

Like you, I also notice the players gripping the cue way too much with the shooting hand. I used to grip it way too hard also. In those shots I am sure I was compensating for the drift or slightly off target shooting, what my arm was doing with the over-gripping.

You might notice this slip shot is hard to do with a bar cue or any cue with a lacquer finish on the gripping area. Because of your instruction on this technique I now think I know why good cues have linen grips... it is so your hand can slide easily during the slip stroke and also for the regular shot where you allow the cue to slip a little while "throwing" it through the shot.

Good advice Matt - Well, new season here in Ontario for pool leagues... not doing VNEA but doing Monday league with rules similar, but a couple changes which make it a little more challenging then regular VNEA rules. Using some of your hints on shooting has improved my long shots on the big tables already! Sometimes all it takes is a little adjustment to your technique to really improve your game, huh? Thanks!

-- Chris P.
The main thing I want to point out here is that the varnish you describe on the cue stick can become tacky and clammy. For that reason, I always have a lovely billiards towel from Nancy Cote on hand to de-slick a grip or the shaft, and remove sweat and debris comfortably.

Especially important when trying a new technique or new pool stroke!
There are other great strokes you should try also. Few pool shooters know them!

Pool Strokes - Reverse Slip Stroke

Pool Strokes - Body Slip Stroke

Try This Pool Technique - Reverse Slip Straight Stroke

To name a few...! - Matt Sherman