catscradle said:
I think it is a mistake to watch pros and say that we should do what they do. They developed their proficiencies despite doing things incorrectly. Do you think you could deliver a proper hit on a cue ball always aiming using bottom-center on the cueball then swerving at the last minute lik Django? Or could you stroke like Keith McCreedy and still sink a ball. I don't think so.
To say elbow drop is not a "curse" and to say that it is a desirable thing are two entirely different propositions. I know I play much better since Scott Lee eliminated my elbow drop (credit to Randy too for the ground work in pool school). Of course, I'm only one case and maybe an aberation.
Of course Django and the Keith will always be exceptions to the rule when it comes to mechanics.
But you're right, saying the elbow drop is a "curse" and saying it's desirable are two different things. My vote and my original post is meant to answer the question if the elbow drop is an "undesirable" thing.
But you know what, I'm actually beginning to think that dropping your elbow can actually be the
desirable thing to do, depending on the current state of your game.
I just got finished watching a clip of the Mizerak vs. Butera straight pool video I saved on my computer, and guess what?..the Miz significantly drops his elbow too! Many posters on here (including myself) believe that Steve had the best pool stroke in the world. But yet, he drops his elbow...along with it seems the vast majority of the top professionals. (I also watched the video clip of the start of Sigel's 150-and-out, and yup...Mike drops his elbow in that video as well.)
To me, dropping the elbow is just the natural motion of the pool stroke which aids in providing power and especially feel. Keeping my elbow perfectly still through impact and follow through has always felt a bit unnatural and restrictive to me. BUT I admit, I have noticed a more consistent and repeatable stroke when I do keep my elbow still. But it comes at the expense of reduced power and feel.
So my official opinion to this whole elbow dropping thing is this... Keep your elbow still if you seek to have a consistent and repeatable stroke. However, if you already have a consistent and repeatable stroke, then do what is natural such that you don't sacrifice power and feel, provided what you do won't affect your stroke's consistency. Apparently to many top pros, dropping their elbow is what comes naturally.
