Does anyone here play the violin? (a mechanics related question)

[Impact Blue]

I'm curious if a pool player's stroke is similar in wrist action (or can be) to that of a violin player. I know holding a bow is all in the fingertips, which is not much like cradling a cue, but the way a professional violinist moves is really smooth and fluid. I always sort of envision myself that way when I play, and it helps me get in to stroke.

2cents please.

(happy 2010 everyone)

 

[sammspocket]

I'm curious if a pool player's stroke is similar in wrist action (or can be) to that of a violin player. I know holding a bow is all in the fingertips, which is not much like cradling a cue, but the way a professional violinist moves is really smooth and fluid. I always sort of envision myself that way when I play, and it helps me get in to stroke.

2cents please.

(happy 2010 everyone)

Interesting that you would ask this question today as I'm currently working on an article on this exact topic right now. It will be available on the 15th at: http://www.billiardcoach.com/home/2010/01/15/poolsynergy-volume-iii

In the meantime, to answer your question: Yes, I do. And yes, they are VERY similar.

I don't know how well you play either but continue envisioning the feel of the fluid bow and relaxed wrist motion.

Samm Diep
DenverCherryBomb.com
SammsPocket.com
PoolTipJar.com

 

[Mark Griffin]

violin and pool stroke

I also used to play the violin - at a pretty high level (1st chair in junior orchestra and 2nd row in the Anchorage Symphony). But that was MANY years ago!

There are some similarities in the action - particularly in the smoothness area. But the wrist action is quite different.

But I also agree that the mental image of smoothness and straightness etc are very similar.

Mark Griffin

 

["T"]

I play a little as well and it's an interesting comparison. I think the obvious similarity is the general concept of keeping the tip of the bow, the hand, and the elbow somewhat parallel with each other like you would in pool.

The differences get wider as you get into elbow to shoulder position relationships, but the tempo stays similar in many ways.

One of the funny things is that violin players often have to remind themselves to keep their bow arm up and pool players often have trouble keeping the arm in.

Sounds like this upcoming article will be an interesting one!


(Edit- It looks like we've got a pretty decent string section here on AZ! )

 

[Impact Blue]

!

Interesting that you would ask this question today as I'm currently working on an article on this exact topic right now. It will be available on the 15th at: http://www.billiardcoach.com/home/2010/01/15/poolsynergy-volume-iii

In the meantime, to answer your question: Yes, I do. And yes, they are VERY similar.

I don't know how well you play either but continue envisioning the feel of the fluid bow and relaxed wrist motion.

Samm Diep
DenverCherryBomb.com
SammsPocket.com
PoolTipJar.com

Rather PM'ed you that info...lol!

 

[Tramp Steamer]

I used to play the octette. Some folks call it a 'sweet potato'. Ah, the times we use to have. Sitting on the front porch, drunk as a skunk, just letting the world go by.
What? Not pool related? I guess you're right, but it's Sunday afternoon, there's six inches of snow on the ground, and I haven't got anything I have to do.