Written by Menswear Style in Sports on the 25th September 2024

So here’s a scenario to think about for just a moment (and maybe it’s relatable for you). You’ve been leaning over the pool table for hours, aiming for that perfect shot. But then, you get this sharp jolt in your back, and then all of a sudden, it starts aching. Maybe even your neck feels stiff, and you’re squinting just to line things up, but the pain is really getting in the way. Does this sound familiar? While sure, sports are known for causing back aches, and exercise is meant to help with those aches, surprise, surprise, and even cue sports like snooker and pool can cause back issues. While these may seem easy on the body, overall, poor posture and overreaching can leave you sore. But if you love the game and the people you play with, it’s not going to be something you’re going to want to stop, right? Well, with a few tweaks, you can keep playing pain-free. So here's exactly what you need to know!

Keep Your Posture in Check 

One of the biggest culprits behind aches and pains in cue sports is poor posture. Yes, that’s absolutely right! So, when you're constantly bent over the table, it’s easy to hunch, which strains your back and neck. So, what’s the trick to maintain a solid stance? Well, you need to keep your back straight, legs slightly bent, and feet planted for stability. If you’re hunched or twisting awkwardly, that’s a fast track to back pain. Just like everything else you do in a day, you need to be aware of your posture.

Avoid Eye Strain 

If you find yourself squinting at the table, chances are you’re straining more than just your eyes. That’s probably a bit of a surprise, right? Well, over time, this tension can spread to your neck and upper body, too. So what can you even do to avoid all of this? Well, it’s best to just consider getting Snooker glasses. It’s not something that a lot of people know about (mostly professionals), but if you’re really into cue sports, and you’re playing cue sports every week then it might be time to invest in these. So, these are designed to let you see clearly even when leaning over the table, keeping your head in a more comfortable position and preventing eye strain from turning into an all-over ache. 

Stretch Before and After Play 

While sure, cue sports might not seem as physically demanding as football or tennis, they still require plenty of movement, especially in the back, shoulders, and legs. A quick stretch before you start can loosen up stiff muscles, and doing a few stretches after you play helps prevent soreness later on. Overall, just focus on stretching your neck, back, and shoulders—the areas that get the most action when you're bending over the table for hours.

Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated 

It’s easy to get lost in a good match, but staying in the same position for too long can make your muscles tense up. You’ll seriously need to look into taking regular breaks to stretch and move around. It’ll help your body reset and prevent stiffness from creeping in. And don’t forget to stay hydrated (no, beer doesn’t count). You need water because dehydration can lead to muscle cramps, which are the last thing you want while aiming for the perfect shot.

Keep Your Posture in Check, Avoid Eye Strain, Stretch Before and After Play, and Take Breaks and Stay Hydrated.