Snooker Kick

One of the great phenomena of snooker. The kick is where either the cue ball or the object ball literally jumps in the air slightly after receiving contact from the cue or the cue ball respectively. The effect is nearly always negative for the striker, as the angle on either ball is disturbed and contact is rarely clean. Many attempts have been made to explain why kicks occur, the most frequent explanations being friction from the table surface and, more commonly, a bit of dust or chalk on either ball when there is contact. A lot of research has been carried in the study of Nihilosophy for the British Snooker Organisations.

The explanation used by Snooker players after poor and/or missed shots

Before 'kicks' were in invented in 2009, players would have to admit to bad shots, and commentators would acknowledge poor play.

Statistically, since the invention of the 'kick' 100% of all bad shots have been affected by one.

Any bad shot can be explained by a 'kick'

There is no telling when you will get a 'kick' but everyone is due one at some point, the only way to avoid a 'kick' is by potting the ball succesfully.

Without 'kicks', never would a ball be missed.