Working on my form

[msh1283]

I recently realized that I've been elevating the butt of my cue a pretty fair amount when I play. I understand that my goal should be to keep the cue as level with the playing surface as possible, but it feels and looks extremely awkward when I do this. It seems like all of the pros I see have their elbow fairly high up when stroking. When I keep my cue level to the table, my elbow is about even with the top of my head, and I get pretty low on my shots. Aside from not looking right, it feels like I'm scooping at the ball when I try to play like this. Am I missing something?

Thanks

 

[DoomCue]

I recently realized that I've been elevating the butt of my cue a pretty fair amount when I play. I understand that my goal should be to keep the cue as level with the playing surface as possible, but it feels and looks extremely awkward when I do this. It seems like all of the pros I see have their elbow fairly high up when stroking. When I keep my cue level to the table, my elbow is about even with the top of my head, and I get pretty low on my shots. Aside from not looking right, it feels like I'm scooping at the ball when I try to play like this. Am I missing something?

Thanks

Do you happen to have any pictures of your stance? I'm not sure I understand your description - I can't tell if you feel your elbow is too high or too low. Your best bet, even if you do have pictures, is to see an instructor. He should be able to help you keep your cue level and feel comfortable. If you can post a picture or two, I'm sure you'll get plenty of feedback from the forum members.

In my experience, the feet are the key to alignment.

-djb

 

[renard]

I recently realized that I've been elevating the butt of my cue a pretty fair amount when I play. I understand that my goal should be to keep the cue as level with the playing surface as possible, but it feels and looks extremely awkward when I do this. It seems like all of the pros I see have their elbow fairly high up when stroking. When I keep my cue level to the table, my elbow is about even with the top of my head, and I get pretty low on my shots. Aside from not looking right, it feels like I'm scooping at the ball when I try to play like this. Am I missing something?

Thanks

So what you are saying is you shoot just like Alex here. With the stick off the table and the elbow higher than the top of your head right?

There must have been a reason you have decided to shoot more level with the table, what is it? If it was because you were missing shots you might be on to something here.

 

[renard]

I recently realized that I've been elevating the butt of my cue a pretty fair amount when I play. I understand that my goal should be to keep the cue as level with the playing surface as possible, but it feels and looks extremely awkward when I do this. It seems like all of the pros I see have their elbow fairly high up when stroking. When I keep my cue level to the table, my elbow is about even with the top of my head, and I get pretty low on my shots. Aside from not looking right, it feels like I'm scooping at the ball when I try to play like this. Am I missing something?

Thanks

Now you are trying to shot like Yannick here. (I know, this picture is all I could find with the but of the stick down low and there are other reasons for that we won't get into.)

The problem with going excessively low is the rails themselves. Have you ever practice stoke a shot ok then when executing the shot hit your backhand on the rail? That is why over time the pros like Alex have there backhand at the level its at.

It sounds like you are lowering your bridgehand at the same time your bring down your backhand if it feels like your scooping.

Now if the reason your bring your cue lower with the table is because someone has told you your backhand is way too high then I suggest a mirror. If you can duplicate the pros with your backhand then you will have the proper height.

 

[pooltchr]

Do you happen to have any pictures of your stance? I'm not sure I understand your description - I can't tell if you feel your elbow is too high or too low. Your best bet, even if you do have pictures, is to see an instructor. He should be able to help you keep your cue level and feel comfortable. If you can post a picture or two, I'm sure you'll get plenty of feedback from the forum members.

In my experience, the feet are the key to alignment.

-djb

David,
Your PM mailbox is full. Call me or e-mail me at my web site e-mail. I have a potential student for you up in your area.
Steve