Not if it involves probation...By using the word supination, Ben Hogan would be proud of you!!!
He corrected hizzelf, 5yrs later: pronation of the thumb
Not if it involves probation...By using the word supination, Ben Hogan would be proud of you!!!
My thumb is slightly pointing towards my body too. The middle finger is the key finger for me.I guess I am in the minority here. my thumb rather than straight down instead it's 45 degrees away from that point. helps me with the grip and sort of creates a slot for me to go straight regarding backhand and forward stroke.
If you go to a major tournament with a lot of world class players, many of the players will have their thumbs straight down. Of the players that do not have their thumbs straight down, the next most common position for it is for the thumb to be straight down, but with a bend at the first knuckle. I think these two grips make-up the lion's share of pool grips for world-class players.Ive heard from 2 well known instructors (one book , one youtube vid) that you should have your thumb pointing straight down in the grip.
Since humans have somewhat chimpanzee hands with the hands naturally turning inward, straight down causes a bit of a stretch.(about 30 degrees)
When I try this I can shoot straight but it takes some getting used to because I can feel the hand stretched.
Any one else have any experience with this ?
Who thinks its completely unnecessary?
Thx in advance.
Oh and one instructor was snooker , the other pool.
I prefer the Orangutan grip over the chimp grip.
It's a grip that only a Natural can employ successful.I seem to prefer the chump grip, if results mean anything.
Jeff Livingston
I knew a player who used to worry about his thumb while playing pool for $$$$$.
He ended with his thumb pointing at two o'clock....
..'cause he was hitchhiking home after he lost all his money...and his vehicle.
Update - I’ve broken through a few rough periods where I focused more on my opponent than on what was on the table. I was more interested in getting off than staying on the table. I literally had to tell the voice in my head “Shut the *%@$” up and immediately noticed that my thumb had re-positioned itself and altered my stroke. Instead of a crisp responsive stroke I was jabbing and misdirecting shots. Immediately I setup a 3/4 ball layout and focused on keeping my elbow and wrist straight. What a confidence boost! More importantly I learned that it was acceptable to back off a shot that you’re not ready to hit - I firmly believe that a pre-shot routine is critical and it will get you through the rough.Before I commit to any billiard stroke - I survey the table, and look at various lines and angles. The least of my concern is the position of a specific body part. Everyone has a process or method for aiming. This process is performed after the position, target, and intended CB path has been determined.
Everything after is automatic - the outcome will give you good feedback if you trust the process. Whether the thumb is wrapped or left hanging down; focus on a steady stroke through the shot. Just as in golf - hit the little ball before the BIG BALL!
The wrist is on probation? Ben Hogan called it "supination and pronation", you should too.The only thing that is always true is that nothing is always the case.
Supination and probation of the wrist change the cock
Angle; and therefore, the direction of ye olde thumb.
I'm sure no Ben is going to dictate what I call the cock!The wrist is on probation? Ben Hogan called it "supination and pronation", you should too.