Why do snooker players tap their middle finger on the table – possible theories explained

A PERFECT cueing action in snooker involves keeping almost everything but your elbow and wrist on the striking arm perfectly still.

So why do so many professional players tap the middle finger of their bridging hand on the baize? Here’s everything you need to know.

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As you can see in this shot, even the greatest of all time Ronnie O’Sullivan taps his middle finger — both before and after striking the cue ball[/caption]

Snooker players tapping their middle finger on the table before taking a shot is such a common practice that you’d think there would be a well-known reason behind it.

But even professionals seem to have no idea, with Shaun “The Magician” Murphy even tweeting in March 2015: “Anyone actually know why some players ‘tap’ their middle fingers when playing?”

While a definitive answer remains elusive, the behaviour has several theories and explanations behind it, which we explore in detail below…

Stabilising the bridge Hand

One of the primary theories behind players tapping their middle fingers is to stabilise the bridge hand.

It is believed this action helps to firm up the hand, especially the back part that rests on the table.

If the bridge doesn’t slip or fall when the finger is lifted, it’s considered stable.

The middle finger is also the only one not bearing any weight, as one commenter replied to Sean’s tweet.

They wrote: “Suppose that’s the only finger not in tension while setting a bridge. So it helps blood to circulate in hand.”

Another added: “It’s easier to keep the rest of your body still. The tapping finger releases the tension of trying to keep perfectly still.”

Prevents snatching

Some people believe tapping serves as a mechanism to prevent players from striking the cue ball too quickly, a mistake known as “snatching”.

By incorporating finger taps into their routine, players create a natural pause before striking the ball.

As one expert explains in YouTube video Snooker Technique Secret Tips 2023: “If I get used to tapping the table a few times at the end of my backswing, that guarantees that I can’t strike the ball before I finish doing this, so there’s going to be a pause”.

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Even world No. 7 Sean Murphy isn’t sure why his colleagues tap their middle fingers[/caption]

Pre-shot routine and concentration

The tapping motion often forms part of the pre-shot routine, which many people think can help snooker players concentrate.

This is a similar phenomenon to when golfers wiggle their backsides before driving, or the putter head before putting.

It serves as a concentration aid, helping players focus their mind on the upcoming shot.

Bad habit

For many players, the tapping motion may simply be an unconscious mannerism developed over time.

As one commenter on The Snooker Forum explained, the late great Terry Griffiths described it as a bad habit.

They wrote: “Terry Griffiths has said it’s a bad habit and no one should try to do it deliberately just to look good as it’s a fault in your game (albeit a small one) that shouldn’t be there.”