Does Being Tall Offer Advantages in Pool?

[nataddrho]

Dr. Dave's video presented that being tall is a disadvantage because of ergonomics... that a tall frame in a pool stance strains muscles more and leads to pain.

I'd like to directly counter this, because it is not true at all if you are in shape.

Of two individuals with the same unconditioned muscle mass, a taller person may feel more difficulty moving around because the limbs must cover a greater range of motion to match that of the shorter person. But this easily overcome by stretching your muscles and doing strength training. The problem is that a lot of pool players don't bother working out, and shorter people get away with less range of motion playing pool.

I used to rock climb and go to the gym and do crossfit training and row boats... and I am 6' 2". I strengthened by hip flexors and hamstrings and back, and have good flexibility. Here is a picture of my pool stance a little bit after taking a few years off of working out. You can see that I am very comfortable with straight legs, and my back looks well conditioned.

Now it has been about 5 years since I really did a regular workout routine. I am starting to feel that my core can use some more strength in general life, but my back, legs, arms, and core are all unaffected by pool / billiards. And this is for unlimited playing time until I get hungry or mentally tired.

All this to say, that I really think all pool players should do at the very minimum AIR SQUATS to strengthen their hip flexors, and GOOD MORNINGS to stretch their hamstrings. You don't need any weight for these. Then move on to squats and dead lifts if you make it a routine.

This makes being tall 100% advantageous for cue sports.

 

[dr_dave]

Dr. Dave's video presented that being tall is a disadvantage because of ergonomics... that a tall frame in a pool stance strains muscles more and leads to pain.

I'd like to directly counter this, because it is not true at all if you are in shape.

Of two individuals with the same unconditioned muscle mass, a taller person may feel more difficulty moving around because the limbs must cover a greater range of motion to match that of the shorter person. But this easily overcome by stretching your muscles and doing strength training. The problem is that a lot of pool players don't bother working out, and shorter people get away with less range of motion playing pool.

I used to rock climb and go to the gym and do crossfit training and row boats... and I am 6' 2". I strengthened by hip flexors and hamstrings and back, and have good flexibility. Here is a picture of my pool stance a little bit after taking a few years off of working out. You can see that I am very comfortable with straight legs, and my back looks well conditioned.

View attachment 854600

Now it has been about 5 years since I really did a regular workout routine. I am starting to feel that my core can use some more strength in general life, but my back, legs, arms, and core are all unaffected by pool / billiards. And this is for unlimited playing time until I get hungry or mentally tired.

All this to say, that I really think all pool players should do at the very minimum AIR SQUATS to strengthen their hip flexors, and GOOD MORNINGS to stretch their hamstrings. You don't need any weight for these. Then move on to squats and dead lifts if you make it a routine.

This makes being tall 100% advantageous for cue sports.

I’ve always been athletic, active, and in good shape, but I have experienced some neck, back, and hamstring issues from pool (especially when I used to force myself into a “traditional” pool stance). But I’m taller (6’3”) and older (60) than you. FYI, I have some good videos dealing with physical therapy and exercises for pool players here:

physical therapy and exercises for pool players​

 

[nataddrho]

I’ve always been athletic, active, and in good shape, but I have experienced some neck, back, and hamstring issues from pool (especially when I used to force myself into a “traditional” pool stance). But I’m taller (6’3”) and older (60) than you. FYI, I have some good videos dealing with physical therapy and exercises for pool players here:

physical therapy and exercises for pool players​

Wow, I never saw these! Great resources!

 

[garczar]

I'm 6'2" and it was always good UNTIL i broke my neck in a car wreck. I now have most of my neck fuzed and getting down is a BIACH. I've always been a 'high' player (in more ways than one) but now i'm even taller over the cue. WTF, its a crock of shit but whatcha gonna do?? Play on brother.

 

[gregcantrall]

I was wondering how tall Mike Massey was and Google AI was hopeless with a sub 6 foot estimate based on pictures adjacent other players.

so much for artificial intelligence.
Well I would certainly value any input from Mike on the topic. Yes I can call him Mike instead of Mr Massey as he is a personal friend. Well long lost

 

[gregcantrall]

Gotta wonder what he's looking at when he makes that cue ball talk. Heck he makes it talk in 3 different languages.

 

[garczar]

Mike M. is 6-5 or 6-6. I'm 6'2 and he's easily 3+" taller.

 

[gregcantrall]

Mike M. is 6-5 or 6-6. I'm 6'2 and he's easily 3+" taller.

I had the pleasure of a few of his exhibitions in the late 80s and early 90s. He could do push-ups with his hands and feet against the head and foot rails of a 9 foot table. Tennessee Tarzan is an earned nick name.

 

[garczar]

I had the pleasure of a few of his exhibitions in the late 80s and early 90s. He could do push-ups with his hands and feet against the head and foot rails of a 9 foot table. Tennessee Tarzan is an earned nick name.

He quit the road to become a fireman back home. I bet he could carry a lot of hose up stairs. Later on he started tournament pool and exhibitions.

 

[dr_dave]

I was wondering how tall Mike Massey was and Google AI was hopeless with a sub 6 foot estimate based on pictures adjacent other players.
View attachment 854640
so much for artificial intelligence.
Well I would certainly value any input from Mike on the topic. Yes I can call him Mike instead of Mr Massey as he is a personal friend. Well long lost

6’5”

 

[gregcantrall]

5'6 vs 6'5 different strokes for different folks.

 

[dr_dave]

View attachment 854645

View attachment 854646
5'6 vs 6'5 different strokes for different folks.

Tall people can get low in the stance also, and there are benefits to doing so. See:

benefits of a low stance​

 

[gregcantrall]

Tall people can get low in the stance also, and there are benefits to doing so. See:

benefits of a low stance​

Do what you gotta do.
The wear and tear can lead to a more upright stance for uh us seniors. Heck I can still get down on the shots. It's the getting back up that becomes the challenge.
I surprised myself with the accuracy I found standing tall. Perhaps it's time to change my style.

 

[gregcantrall]

I wonder if the parallax effect is significantly different with tall vs short players. If so to whom is it advantageous.

 

[gregcantrall]

There's a will There's a way.
Short people deserve equal time.

 

[Crasher]

Dr. Dave's video presented that being tall is a disadvantage because of ergonomics... that a tall frame in a pool stance strains muscles more and leads to pain.

I'd like to directly counter this, because it is not true at all if you are in shape.

Of two individuals with the same unconditioned muscle mass, a taller person may feel more difficulty moving around because the limbs must cover a greater range of motion to match that of the shorter person. But this easily overcome by stretching your muscles and doing strength training. The problem is that a lot of pool players don't bother working out, and shorter people get away with less range of motion playing pool.

I used to rock climb and go to the gym and do crossfit training and row boats... and I am 6' 2". I strengthened by hip flexors and hamstrings and back, and have good flexibility. Here is a picture of my pool stance a little bit after taking a few years off of working out. You can see that I am very comfortable with straight legs, and my back looks well conditioned.

View attachment 854600

Now it has been about 5 years since I really did a regular workout routine. I am starting to feel that my core can use some more strength in general life, but my back, legs, arms, and core are all unaffected by pool / billiards. And this is for unlimited playing time until I get hungry or mentally tired.

All this to say, that I really think all pool players should do at the very minimum AIR SQUATS to strengthen their hip flexors, and GOOD MORNINGS to stretch their hamstrings. You don't need any weight for these. Then move on to squats and dead lifts if you make it a routine.

This makes being tall 100% advantageous for cue sports.

being contrary for the sake of a discussion, hopefully. Suppose you can overcome disadvantages with core strength training, but it is disingenuous to suggest those disadvantages do not exist with the qualifiers of both being "in-shape" and near prime in age. It's akin to a child saying that falling down the stairs "really isn't that dangerous, I've done it multiple times".

 

[gregcantrall]

Some would scoff and call it a crutch.

Some found creative ways to implement a tool.
It's a tool, fool, Learn to use it.

 

[nataddrho]

being contrary for the sake of a discussion, hopefully. Suppose you can overcome disadvantages with core strength training, but it is disingenuous to suggest those disadvantages do not exist with the qualifiers of both being "in-shape" and near prime in age. It's akin to a child saying that falling down the stairs "really isn't that dangerous, I've done it multiple times".

I am trying to say that a lot of body muscle and flexibility problems can be fixed with functional motion training, regardless of age. Even those seen in tall people due to chronic tight hamstrings from occupational sitting. And also that it lasts. I was a simple example but there are many others out there.

Being tall doesn’t necessarily have to go along with a mental resignation that you won’t ever be flexible.

 

[jay helfert]

Dr. Dave's video presented that being tall is a disadvantage because of ergonomics... that a tall frame in a pool stance strains muscles more and leads to pain.

I'd like to directly counter this, because it is not true at all if you are in shape.

Of two individuals with the same unconditioned muscle mass, a taller person may feel more difficulty moving around because the limbs must cover a greater range of motion to match that of the shorter person. But this easily overcome by stretching your muscles and doing strength training. The problem is that a lot of pool players don't bother working out, and shorter people get away with less range of motion playing pool.

I used to rock climb and go to the gym and do crossfit training and row boats... and I am 6' 2". I strengthened by hip flexors and hamstrings and back, and have good flexibility. Here is a picture of my pool stance a little bit after taking a few years off of working out. You can see that I am very comfortable with straight legs, and my back looks well conditioned.

View attachment 854600

Now it has been about 5 years since I really did a regular workout routine. I am starting to feel that my core can use some more strength in general life, but my back, legs, arms, and core are all unaffected by pool / billiards. And this is for unlimited playing time until I get hungry or mentally tired.

All this to say, that I really think all pool players should do at the very minimum AIR SQUATS to strengthen their hip flexors, and GOOD MORNINGS to stretch their hamstrings. You don't need any weight for these. Then move on to squats and dead lifts if you make it a routine.

This makes being tall 100% advantageous for cue sports.

Good looking stance, a little Rempe like, except his legs were spread even wider. All of you just remember these words of wisdom from the great Lou Butera, "Pool is a game of stances and bridges!" By that he meant there is no one "right" way to stand or bridge over the ball. What works for you may not work for someone else. Long ago when I had serious students of the game, one of the things I encouraged them to do was the find a player whose style you liked, typically someone of similar stature to you. Watch carefully how they play, how they get down on the balls, what stance they use, how they move the cue ball around the table, etc.

As for me, moreso than the champions it was some road men whose game I liked and tried to copy. Gabby for one, who I loved to watch and also gambled against when he came to my room. Frisco Dave Piona had a very effortless and relaxed game that I tried to emulate as well. We also started out gambling against each other. Most of the champion players didn't fit me for one reason or another. Probably among the Filipino players the one who stood out for me was Andam, who became my close friend. His game was so efficient and smooth. It never looked like he was doing anything hard. NO, I never gambled with him! He was far out of my league.

 

[Island Drive]

6’5”

I'd say no, we've been together Allot over the yrs he even stayed here for awhile.
6' 4'' be my guess.
Judd Trumps 5'11'' he appears taller.