The Proper Stance

A comfortable stance with perfect balance is what we must aim for. (Nothing less will do) The position of the feet is the most important aspect of the stance for obtaining perfect balance.

You will see many variations of the stance and you will most likely find that the best players have a proper stance, and the poor players have an improper stance.

The position of the feet is a matter of choice (provided you’re balanced), however I would strongly urge you to try to adapt your feet to the position that I advocate or a stance resembling it.

Having picked up the cue with the correct cue grip approach the cue ball with yours shoulders at right angle to the direction you wish to send the cue ball and with your right foot in line with the centre of the cue ball.

Now place your cue tip on table as close to the centre of the cue ball as possible without touching it. You will now find you are standing to the left of the cue ball and your cue arm will be inline with its centre.

Maintaining this cue position move towards the table until the thumb of your cueing hand touches the side of your body (your pants pocket).

Now move your left foot to the left approximately 10 to 18 inches depending on your height.  (The right side of your body must remain in line with cue ball)  If you now inspect your cue grip you should see that your thumb is pointing towards the floor.

 

Now take a normal walking step forward with your left foot.  Your left knee should be pointing in the direction you wish to send the cue ball on a line parallel with your cue.

Keeping the heel of your right foot firmly planted lift your toes and swivel them approximately 2 to 5 inches to the right. (Do not point your foot at a right angle to the line of the shot; this can seriously affect your alignment.)

While standing erect make a bridge and extend your left arm at approximately chest height.  Now pick up your cue from the table and place it on the bridge keeping your cue arm in line with the centre of the cue ball.  You should feel perfectly balance and are now ready to address the cue.

From this position you must now bend from the waist while placing your bridge hand on the table approximately 9 to 12 inches from the cue ball.

…to be continued next week