upright vs. low stance

PKM

PKM

OB-1 Kenobi
Silver Member
What do you think about a more upright stance compared to a low stance? It seems that many if not most pro players have a very low stance (head close to cue). What is the advantage of this? That's the way I was taught as well, but I'm trying out a slightly more upright stance -- not too much, just a few inches off the cue instead of right on top of it. I feel it gives me a more accurate sighting picture.

By the way, I would agree that pros are not always to be imitated and you should do what is comfortable but I also think there are best practices that should be considered before deviating.
 
PKM said:
What do you think about a more upright stance compared to a low stance? It seems that many if not most pro players have a very low stance (head close to cue). What is the advantage of this? That's the way I was taught as well, but I'm trying out a slightly more upright stance -- not too much, just a few inches off the cue instead of right on top of it. I feel it gives me a more accurate sighting picture.

By the way, I would agree that pros are not always to be imitated and you should do what is comfortable but I also think there are best practices that should be considered before deviating.
Click to expand...
The "new" school is a lower stance. Many old timers (e.g., the straght pool generation) have/had an upright stance. All the old videos of Mosconi et al illustrate this.

Todays "nine-ballers" use a low stance. I've even heard of some players putting chalk on their chins...

I'm sure both have their merits and flaws. And either will work with enough practice. Just pick one that doesn't hurt your back ;)

-td
 
I am the type of player that plays low to the cue. I began to develop my game while playing snooker and I copied Stephen Hendry. A few local players shoot upright and are solid players, most notably Gerry "The Ghost" Watson. They are the older generation player and some developed upright strokes because of the tables they were playing on. Many played in cramped areas where getting low just wouldn't be possible so they were forced to stand up.

I have tried over the last two years to be more upright as I have been told it is easier for seeing shots on the smaller tables but as I rise up off my cue I lose the line of the shot and cannot focus on the contact point on the OB.

That's just me though.
 
if you watch the snooker players, they are always very low with their chin on the cue. definitely lower helps me see the line better
 
Age has something to do with it.

As you get older and less flexible, getting your chin on the stick is more difficult. Most older players are more upright.

I agree with above comments that getting down low is best for distance shooting, but when in tight traffic, being more upright helps.
 
I go back and forth trying both upright and low. Niether one works for EVERY shot, so I just blend them together. With shots at close range I'm standing taller.....on distance shots.....over 3 feet, I'm down on the cue.

Gerry
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top