Forearm on the table

[Not Dead Ted]

Many of the best players put their bridge forearm flat on the table surface or rail for added stability whenever possible.

But, I have not seen this recommended in books or instructional videos that are geared to players still learning the fundamentals. Do instructors view this as an advanced technique, or is it something that beginning and intermediate players should incorporate into their game early on?

My own experience has been mixed. Yes, it makes your entire body more stable. However, it also requires more forward bending that affects your overall alignment.

As I type this, there is a banner ad at the top of the page with Niels Feijen, who seems to always have his forearm on the table.

 

[garczar]

To each his own. If it works for you great. Why worry what others do.

 

[Bob Jewett]

To each his own. If it works for you great. Why worry what others do.

"Just do what feels good," is horrible advice. Sometimes there are reasons for orthodox mechanics. Lots of players have wandered down dead ends by doing what seemed to work. Like aiming in the middle of the ball and then jacking up the elbow in the middle of the forward stroke to get draw. Try the orthodox way first if it makes sense and is not just some irrelevant tradition. As a counter example, it used to be taught that your head should be at least a foot above the cue stick. I think no top player does that now, but check out Jimmy Moore.

That having been said, ...

The majority of snooker pros plant their elbows when they can. And if they have to bridge on the rail, their elbow is usually bent to the same angle as if they were out on the table. A planted elbow gives better stability than a locked and straight one. A "flying" elbow, bent and out in space, not so much.

At pool, there is stuff in the way more often, so you can't put your elbow on the table. Also, a pool table is lower, so it is harder to get your upper body down that low.

 

[FranCrimi]

Many of the best players put their bridge forearm flat on the table surface or rail for added stability whenever possible.

But, I have not seen this recommended in books or instructional videos that are geared to players still learning the fundamentals. Do instructors view this as an advanced technique, or is it something that beginning and intermediate players should incorporate into their game early on?

My own experience has been mixed. Yes, it makes your entire body more stable. However, it also requires more forward bending that affects your overall alignment.

As I type this, there is a banner ad at the top of the page with Niels Feijen, who seems to always have his forearm on the table.

I've never been a fan of that style. Not only does it encourage a more forward lean but a bent bridge arm also puts you closer to the cue ball, which affects your vision. Other than snooker players and Feijen, which pool players play like this?

 

[Not Dead Ted]

I've never been a fan of that style. Not only does it encourage a more forward lean but a bent bridge arm also puts you closer to the cue ball, which affects your vision. Other than snooker players and Feijen, which pool players play like this?

 

[Zerksies]

I only have known one player to play with his forearm on the table and he couldn't play that well so i would say the technique is not good

 

[FranCrimi]

View attachment 861366

Leaning on the rail is pretty common. But laying your arm flat on the bed of the table is what I'm assuming you're referring to, right? Usually the arm is anywhere from slightly to severely bent with players who place their arm flat on the bed of the table, right? That's what I was referring to when I wrote that it brings the player closer to the cue ball.

 

[Not Dead Ted]

I was referring to either case. But yes, it does scrunch you up. However, Ms. Ouschan can use it on the stretch:

 

[FranCrimi]

I was referring to either case. But yes, it does scrunch you up. However, Ms. Ouschan can use it on the stretch:
View attachment 861458

Well, she's standing on one leg in this shot. The extra support is certainly warranted. But does she lay her arm down all the time?

 

[Not Dead Ted]

Nope. Just an example that there might be times when it is useful.

 

[FranCrimi]

Nope. Just an example that there might be times when it is useful.

Well in that case, I'd say yes. There are times when it would be useful, but with an extended arm, or you're going to suddenly change your view of the shot in your stance.

However to do it every shot with a bent arm like snooker players do ---- I'm not so sure I'd recommend it for pool. I've seen Karen Corr with a full bent bridge arm in certain shots, particularly when shooting off of a rail, but she is experienced in that from her snooker playing days. For us pool players, it's tougher making that switch back and forth between straight and bent arms.