Snooker is a popular game all over the world, but if you live in the United States, chances are it is fairly new to you. Even if you live in other parts of the world, you might not think of snooker as a game that you can get exceptionally good at.

The fact is that you can improve your snooker game, and if you do so, playing will be a whole lot more fun. Use this guide to help you learn five basic things that will make you a better snooker player.

Take Practice Shots

Most people who line up a shot during a friendly game of snooker do so very quickly. That’s probably because you don’t want to take way too much time before the next person shoots. That’s not a very good way to get better though. Instead, take two or three quick practice shots without hitting the ball.

Loosen Your Grip

When you line up a shot, it can be easy to hold your cue so hard that you might break it. This is a natural reaction to working on that perfect shot. Let go of that cue though! For an ideal and more exact shot, you need to loosen your grip so as to allow the cue to move in fluid direction.

Where’s Your Chalk?

Those cubes of chalk are on the table for a reason — they keep your cue tip from slipping off the ball when you strike it. Always chalk up before each shot. Get in the habit of doing this by keeping chalk in your off-hand so that you don’t forget.

Steady Your Feet

Before you take a shot, make sure your feet are firmly on the ground and you aren’t leaning. Move your feet if you need to, but don’t take that shot without your feet firmly planted. You’ll miss almost every shot if your feet are in the wrong place.

Use Your Chin Wisely

Instead of lining up your shot with your cue, try doing it with the angle of your chin. This puts your body in the right position.