Pendulum Stroke - Elbow Drop

[BilliardsAbout]

I agree on not focusing on a rigid elbow and/or shoulder.

I'd agree if someone said, "Who cares if you drop the elbow, are the balls sinking?"

I'd add to focus on things like the tip going down to near or on the cloth following the stroke if you're using a pendulum, rather than worrying about the elbow drop. An elbow drop is fine if it happens not too early...

Piston or pendulum, if you're making the shots...

 

[ENGLISH!]

I agree on not focusing on a rigid elbow and/or shoulder.

I'd agree if someone said, "Who cares if you drop the elbow, are the balls sinking?"

I'd add to focus on things like the tip going down to near or on the cloth following the stroke if you're using a pendulum, rather than worrying about the elbow drop. An elbow drop is fine if it happens not too early...

Piston or pendulum, if you're making the shots...

Matt,

I agree with you that one should not be focusing on their elbow, shoulder, or any other part of their anatomy.

However, I disagree about focusing on the tip going to or toward the cloth, Especially if one is hitting high on the cue ball or is using a true piston type stroke.

In a piston type stroke the tip rarely goes to or much toward the cloth unless the butt is elevated or the follow through is entended for some reason.

The only focus should be putting the tip on the cue ball where one intends to put it. Everything else should be done before the trigger is pulled to shoot the shot.

I stated in my earlier post why I feel that the piston stroke is better for doing that which should then result in better, more consistent cue ball control.

Now, I'm not saying that a Pro or high level player can not play very well with a pendulum stroke. I just feel it is easier to have more consistant control with a pistion stroke. That is JMHO.

 

[PaulM]

If you look at the mechanics (see my articles probably referenced above about elbows) keeping the stick on the chin produces a piston rather than a pendulum stroke. If you can master a piston stroke like this, I think it is the most precise way to control the cue stick. I'm not flexible enough right now to keep my cue against my chin.

Why is the the most precise way? Is the chin like another bridge that keeps the cue straight?

 

[Bob Jewett]

Why is the the most precise way? Is the chin like another bridge that keeps the cue straight?

Yes. Watch the snooker players. Many of them know exactly where their stick is at all times. Most pool players have no idea.

 

[allanpsand]

There is a trick to help demonstrate to the student that the elbow does drop on the stroke. And, it can be used to help train yourself to bring this under control.

1. Take one of those extra long straws you get with a huge drink (i.e., big gulp).

2. Place one end under the armpit with the other end sticking up towards your face.

3. Get down on your shot and do some full strokes (ball not necessary).

4. If your elbow drops (or any part of your body moves), the straw end that is near your face will move or wiggle around.

5. Concentrate on making your full strokes with follow-through so that the straw does not move.

The nice thing about this trick is that you can do it at home on a kitchen table - during TV commercials, etc. A minute at a time for about 50 strokes will give you the necessary repetition into your muscle memory.

 

[BilliardsAbout]

A bit more:

I did say "I'd add to focus on things like the tip going down to near or on the cloth following the stroke if you're using a pendulum, rather than worrying about the elbow drop." Yes, pistons are different.

If you are worried about an elbow drop, see how tightly you probably grip the cue stick and/or squeeze your muscles. Employing the shoulder joint area tends to lead to an elbow drop motion. (Try it now with no cue in your hand to see what I mean.)