Fixing Stroke Flaws: Back Arm Alignment

[FeelDaShot]

I have a flaw in my stroke. When I’m down on the shot, the forearm of my back arm is not completely vertical (perpendicular to the floor). Alternatively, my wrist and cue are positioned about 3 inches inside of my elbow (closer to my body).

This is a problem I would like to correct. I’ve adjusted my footwork a few months ago which has partially fixed things but it is not completely resolved yet. With the help of a mirror, I can find the ideal alignment and where my arm should be positioned throughout the stroke.

Stroking with the new alignment feels great and produces much better results however I’m having trouble getting it to be natural and automatic. I fear that I’ll go back to my old ways as soon as I take my mind off the stroke alignment.

What do you guys recommend to help groove this new stroke? Should I just hit straight in balls for an hour a day for a few weeks or is there a better way?

Have any of you ever fixed this type of flaw? How did you do it? How long did it take?

How about all you instructors: How often do you fix this on your students? Does the fix become permanent or do they usually revert back to their old ways?

 

[Pete]

Take a look at Bert Kinister's Advanced Fundamentals. Might help...

 

[Patrick Johnson]

I have a flaw in my stroke. When I’m down on the shot, the forearm of my back arm is not completely vertical (perpendicular to the floor). Alternatively, my wrist and cue are positioned about 3 inches inside of my elbow (closer to my body).

This is a problem I would like to correct. I’ve adjusted my footwork a few months ago which has partially fixed things but it is not completely resolved yet. With the help of a mirror, I can find the ideal alignment and where my arm should be positioned throughout the stroke.

Stroking with the new alignment feels great and produces much better results however I’m having trouble getting it to be natural and automatic. I fear that I’ll go back to my old ways as soon as I take my mind off the stroke alignment.

What do you guys recommend to help groove this new stroke? Should I just hit straight in balls for an hour a day for a few weeks or is there a better way?

Have any of you ever fixed this type of flaw? How did you do it? How long did it take?

How about all you instructors: How often do you fix this on your students? Does the fix become permanent or do they usually revert back to their old ways?

You need a preshot routine that puts you in that stance. Also, practicing it will eventually make it feel like the natural stance your body "wants".

pj
chgo

 

[S.Vaskovskyi]

I have a flaw in my stroke. When I’m down on the shot, the forearm of my back arm is not completely vertical (perpendicular to the floor). Alternatively, my wrist and cue are positioned about 3 inches inside of my elbow (closer to my body).

This is a problem I would like to correct. I’ve adjusted my footwork a few months ago which has partially fixed things but it is not completely resolved yet. With the help of a mirror, I can find the ideal alignment and where my arm should be positioned throughout the stroke.

Stroking with the new alignment feels great and produces much better results however I’m having trouble getting it to be natural and automatic. I fear that I’ll go back to my old ways as soon as I take my mind off the stroke alignment.

What do you guys recommend to help groove this new stroke? Should I just hit straight in balls for an hour a day for a few weeks or is there a better way?

Have any of you ever fixed this type of flaw? How did you do it? How long did it take?

How about all you instructors: How often do you fix this on your students? Does the fix become permanent or do they usually revert back to their old ways?

Usually if you have flaws in your stroke including that kind of flaw you described you should analize your preparation for the stroke...your alignment and how you walk in. As a rule it will determine your body position including your back arm position. Once you teach youself to walk in correctly and find the body position that works best for you it will add some confidence in your stroke. Filming youself while doing certain drills, shots might help you to see what needs to be corrected of course if you understand where to look and why...if not just look for a good instructor. If you take your time and do some search I guess you could find quite a few threads here with a lot of useful information to help you. Good luck.