Stepping Into the Shot

[BeiberLvr]

For as long as I've played, I've always stood at a short distance from the shot, and then stepped into it with my front foot.

Watching the TAR match tonight, and some other videos today, I noticed most pros aren't doing that. Instead, they seem to always be at the right distance from the CB, and then just bend down into the shot.

Is my way okay, or should I work on doing what it seems most pros are doing?

 

[FranCrimi]

For as long as I've played, I've always stood at a short distance from the shot, and then stepped into it with my front foot.

Watching the TAR match tonight, and some other videos today, I noticed most pros aren't doing that. Instead, they seem to always be at the right distance from the CB, and then just bend down into the shot.

Is my way okay, or should I work on doing what it seems most pros are doing?

Snooker players tend to take a more formal approach to the shot. I prefer a two-step approach as many of them have--- Back foot, then front foot.

There could be a number of reasons why many pro pool players don't take a formal approach. They could be used to playing in environments where the tables are close together with very little room to spread out. I see that a lot in pool rooms. I also see it in pro tournaments as well. So just because they may find themselves in an event with space around a table, it doesn't mean they will suddenly change their approach.

The important thing is that from constant playing, they know what it feels like to be in alignment and balance over the shot. That should be your priority as well.

 

[Mark Avlon]

Is my way okay, or should I work on doing what it seems most pros are doing?

Why do you ask? Are you having a problem and are looking for a solution? If not, then don't risk creating a problem by changing things.

There is nothing wrong with stepping into the shot, and it helps a player setup a good stance and alignment to the shot.

 

[BeiberLvr]

Why do you ask? Are you having a problem and are looking for a solution? If not, then don't risk creating a problem by changing things.

There is nothing wrong with stepping into the shot, and it helps a player setup a good stance and alignment to the shot.

Well sometimes my stance is short and then sometimes on the same type of shot it's wide. I thought doing it the way I've seen most people do it, I would develop a more consistent stance.

 

[Scott Lee]

BeiberLvr...There is no one correct stance for everyone, let alone for every shot. As long as you're balanced, comfortable, a tripod, and you have free range movement along your shooting line, your stance is fine. Most people will find a 'natural' stance, that has all these variables, which they will use for most shots. :grin:

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

 

[BeiberLvr]

BeiberLvr...There is no one correct stance for everyone, let alone for every shot. As long as you're balanced, comfortable, a tripod, and you have free range movement along your shooting line, your stance is fine. Most people will find a 'natural' stance, that has all these variables, which they will use for most shots. :grin:

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

Thanks Scott. I think I may have found my "natural" stance today, but I'll have to keep practicing with it for awhile to make sure it wasn't just a fluke.

Today I was standing about a stick's length from the CB, and once I found my visuals (I use Pro One), I just bent down into the shot. I noticed my feet were closer than usual, but I was very balanced and comfortable.

 

[Mark Avlon]

I assume the new stance is the one you used for your video in your other post. It looks good. Comfortable and stable. You align well and have room to stroke. Keep with it.

 

[BeiberLvr]

I assume the new stance is the one you used for your video in your other post. It looks good. Comfortable and stable. You align well and have room to stroke. Keep with it.

Yes and thank you. I only get about 5 to 6 hours of practice a week, so I try to make the best of it.

 

[scottjen26]

I know exactly what you are talking about, and coming from another person who questions things like this and needs clarity to move on I thought I would add my 2 cents.

Agree that there is no specific forumula for the stance - as long as it enables you to align correctly, you are in balance, comfortable, etc., then just personal preference. However especially when learning or using an aiming system, you stance or PSR may need to change slightly to enable the new visualization process.

The way you step into your stance can have an impact on how you perceive the relationship between the CB and OB. Even a foot or two of distance will change your eye location and the relative size of the balls slightly, and if using something like SEE it will slightly change the sizes of the shadows as well. If sighting from your set position, you can just bend down into the shot but may not have a great perception, a feeling of being too close to the shot, etc. But if you step back slightly and walk into the shot, your perception might be slightly better but you need to take more care when stepping into the shot, as stepping in offline can ruin the visual perception you built initially.

Personally I've tried both ways, for me I've found standing just slightly more than a cue's length away to be optimal, I get a good balance of visualization and closeness to the shot. Once I'm locked in, I take a slight step in with my back foot and then step forward with my front foot and bend down into the shot. I would tell you if you still are having issues just try both methods alternately and work with them, one should emerge as the one which fits your visualization and approach the best.

Scott

 

[BilliardsAbout]

For as long as I've played, I've always stood at a short distance from the shot, and then stepped into it with my front foot.

Watching the TAR match tonight, and some other videos today, I noticed most pros aren't doing that. Instead, they seem to always be at the right distance from the CB, and then just bend down into the shot.

Is my way okay, or should I work on doing what it seems most pros are doing?

Have you seen Efren move his back leg to "just bend down"? There's more than one way to get your vision center where you want it for the shot. No worries.