What Is The Minimum Length Of Backstroke?

[Scaramouche]

Wandering around a few sites and reading books purporting to define how much space is adequate for unobstructed play, one comes up with a variety of footprints for the same tables. The differences are caused by the lack of agreement on how much space is required for the backstroke. Capelle, for example, says 6 inches.

What is your minimum backstroke space, below which you would go for a smaller table?

 

[Bob Jewett]

Wandering around a few sites and reading books purporting to define how much space is adequate for unobstructed play, one comes up with a variety of footprints for the same tables. The differences are caused by the lack of agreement on how much space is required for the backstroke. Capelle, for example, says 6 inches.

What is your minimum backstroke space, below which you would go for a smaller table?

It's easy to figure this out for yourself. Get a pool table and a piece of plywood (or even a bar stool and cardboard box will do). Put the obstruction five feet from the table. Put the cue ball on the cushion so that youir stick will be straight out from the table. See if the five-foot blockage interferes with your shot.

Different people need different amounts of space. If you believe some of the manufacturers, 4 feet is all that's needed -- just get a shorter cue.

 

[Williebetmore]

backstroke. Capelle, for example, says 6 inches.

What is your minimum backstroke space,

Mouche,
What is this "backstroke" thing to which you refer??? I've not heard that word before.

Signed,
Allen Hopkins

 

[Scaramouche]

Mouche,
What is this "backstroke" thing to which you refer??? I've not heard that word before.

Signed,
Allen Hopkins

Allen, you being a snooker player addicted to alcohol, probably have never been near water, like, for instance, a swimming pool, so let me explain. A backstroke is how far back you have to reach to generate the power you require.

Assuming you are approaching the edge of the pool, you have to shorten your stroke to avoid hitting the concrete. The question is how much can you shorten your stroke before, as another poster suggested, you go get shorter arms.