I don't have any conscious thoughts while I am doing this. I do all of my thinking much earlier in my pre-shot routine. At this point, I am just focusing on my aim and alignment with a clear mind.
Well stated. I agree.
Regards,
Dave
Pre-Stance Routine ... A New Approach
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Regards,
Dave
To get my shoulder over my cue, I need to close my stance and add significant neck and body twist and/or should pull-back and lift. I can't do these things for a long period of time without physical issues (tightness, cramping, etc.). I have purposely evolved my stance and alignment into the current configuration, and I do not agree that it is improper. As long as the forearm is vertical and the cue moves in a straight line during the stroke, and one's personal "vision center" is also over the cue, I think the stance is very proper. I don't think the shoulder location is important unless one moves the shoulder and drops the elbow significantly; and even then, it is not a problem as long as the elbow drops straight down.
Regards,
Dave
Thanks.
I need to work on this more. Being impatient by nature doesn't help. That's one reason I've had to add things to my routine to slow myself down.
I do this at times too (mostly out of laziness), but I agree that the benefits of a low stance are not really required with a short/easy shot. However, it is probably best to do the same routine on every shot to give every shot respect (even the "easy" ones, that are sometimes missed).
Regards,
Dave
I don't know if you're making some kind of joke here? But in case you aren't, you don't need to pay anybody anything. All you need is a camera or a big mirror by the table, whatever is more convenient. You can use your dining room table in the beginning, and a big mirror. Doesn't matter. You can used that to copy Dr. Daves style or the orthodox snooker style.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTwXV6jTU9E
Just do what he says. If you can't keep the back leg straight and get down to the table, bend it but bend the front leg slightly more. This will turn your body to the right/or left (depending on if you're left or right handed). If you're right handed, the left leg is the front leg, and your body will turn towards the right. This turning action will bring your elbow behind your head, and your chest and chin over the cue. Use Barrys guidelines as to foot distance, and work from there. You'll soon learn (using the mirror or a camera) how to adjust the stance to your body type.
If you can't bend over much at all, it's still possible to stay in line by adopting a more sidways stance, like Buddy Hall. You won't have as much sideways stability, but you'll be more on line, which is more important. You can't do as much of a turn at the hip at a high stance, so you'll have to sacrifice some of the stability you get from a square on stance. Use the mirror for this, too, until you find the perfect line up for you.
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Thank you for posting the info and photos. I used to stand and align more like this "textbook ideal," but it honestly hurts my neck just looking at these photos. For somebody tall like me to get down that low (which I do) and have my face square to the shot (which I prefer), with the "textbook" or "orthodox" stance, causes me much discomfort and makes my neck stiff over time. That's why I had to change. Pool should not be unpleasant.I in no way am trying to knock or critique Dr. Dave or his fundamentals, and I am not an expert in fundamentals, just read a few books on the topic and mostly from the world of snooker.
The picture you posted looks much more correct in terms of what I understand the stance should look like.
I have always tried to implement what you mentioned, and that may be more difficult for Dr. Dave being a tall gentleman.
Naturally, before ever working on my stance, it looked something like Dave's before implementing a more inline technique(accomplished through a more traditional snooker stance with my back leg locked which seems to rotate my shoulders more into the shot getting everything inline as you mentioned).
Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis were both taller guys 6'1'' & 6'2", do you mind if I ask how tall you are Dave?
FYI, my other stance video covers pool vs. snooker stance differences and how to find one's personal best pool stance. Check it out. Among many topics it covers, it explains why my shoulder being off to the side is not an issue. Here it is:
NV J.21 – How to Find the Perfect Pool/Snooker/Billiards Stance
Regards,
Dave
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Thanks. That is kind of you. Honestly, there are many things I wish were better every time I watch one of my videos. There is always room for improvement.
Regards,
Dave
Thanks for the comments. I'm glad you are finding things that work for you. That's what it is all about ... finding your personal best PSR, stance, stroke, etc. ... regardless of what other players do or what books might say.
Regards,
Dave
Mini snooker fact:
For all the precision mechanics involved, they insist on using sticks with that invasive taper. Obviously they get snooker to work but really...
Just sayin'...
For all the precision mechanics involved, they insist on using sticks with that invasive taper. Obviously they get snooker to work but really...
Just sayin'...
Once again, a great video Dr. Dave. Your videos have content that can benefit players of all skills and that is no easy feat.
Watching it one time thru, it reminded me of 3 principles that I need to keep in mind during my shot.
Everyone’s stance, stroke and vision center are unique to them. It is hard to find instruction that applies to the masses. You always seem to keep it specific but general enough to apply to all.
To introduce instruction to the masses will always have critics. Job well done and thanks for your contributions to pool.
Sent from my iPhone using AzBilliards Forums
Watching it one time thru, it reminded me of 3 principles that I need to keep in mind during my shot.
Everyone’s stance, stroke and vision center are unique to them. It is hard to find instruction that applies to the masses. You always seem to keep it specific but general enough to apply to all.
To introduce instruction to the masses will always have critics. Job well done and thanks for your contributions to pool.
Sent from my iPhone using AzBilliards Forums
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Those chip butty eating chaps are insane with the open bridge though so it’s not as invasive for that style.
True. The taper keeps the cue from dipping as well.
That's progress.No. I think I quit at about 60%. Baby steps
I'm impressed,
Dave :grin-square:
I am getting older and find it less comfortable to get into the "textbook ideal" as well, I have been playing around with a bit more of an upright stance and trying some different techniques. At the end of the day, a person has to be comfortable at the table.
Thanks for the thoughtful response.
Bingo ... with the feet placement being more accurate and consistent. Also, take more time "aiming and aligning while standing," and do so closer to the table with a higher look, where you can see the angles better. All good stuff.
Regards,
Dave