The Jump Cue

by Sarah Mausolf | reviewed by John Echevarria

As the name implies, jump cues are designed for jump shots – the practice of launching the cue ball over an object ball. Players also use jump cues for trick shots. So if exhibitions are your thing, you might consider buying a jump cue.

Jump cues are typically shorter than playing cues. The relative stubbiness of the cue makes it easier to elevate or “jack up” the butt end. To jump a ball properly, the butt of the cue is elevated to roughly form a 45 degree angle with the surface of the table, allowing the player to drive the cue ball properly to launch it off of the playing surface.

While some players enjoy the leverage a jump cue allows, others prefer to use their break cues or playing cues for jumping. In some cases, a player may have a three piece break cue that can also be used as a jump cue by unscrewing the butt end of the cue in half.

A bit of controversy surrounds jump cues, mostly because jumping itself is a controversial practice. Pool halls and bars often post “No Jumping” signs out of concern players may damage the felt or send balls flying across the room. Along with being banished from some establishments, jumping is not typically practiced among amateur pool players.

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Updated 7/2007