Bending both legs?

[palukaville]

I notice Ricky Walden and a few other pros eg Ebdon, have both legs bent when cueing.
I suffered from back problems and have done it myself to put less strain on my back and get down on my cue more comfortably.

So my question is: What is actually gained by having a straight right leg?(being right handed)

[Monsoon]

I'n no coach but also bend both legs as I am not comfortable keeping one leg straight. I would imagine one straight leg lends towards being more stable but if you can remain stable with no movement it will not make any differnce IMO.

[Theflyernow]

The straight leg is for stability & balance so you've got a solid stance........the thought being (to my mind) that with two bent legs you'd be more prone to moving, but as always, its horses for courses & what works best for you, especially if there are bad backs etc involved!!

[StevieB13147]

Consistency!

If you are looking for a solid and consistent stance then a straight leg is always going to be at the same length and height as a flexible joint.
Most players should concentrate on achieving this for consistency, but as has been said above, if there is back pain or problems then do what is comfortable.
But in my opinion dont just bend both knees because it feels easier.
Think of the consistency benefits that a repetitive stance brings to your technique.

[Fatboy]

i have horrible back problems, having a straight leg is not possible. At one time in my life it was and for snooker I do prefer it. I have been playing for 27 years and I have tried many different things. The proper snooker stance is the best if you can do it.

[palukaville]

I empathise mate . I have a text book two o'clock stance only difference is i bend my right leg to avoid any soreness the day after playing.
I asked my mate to push me when i was cueing and i remained pretty stable and balanced.

[damienlch]

I too have back problem and have to adjust my stance by bending both legs. Even by doing so, I cannot play for any extended period of time... Not to mention having a heck of a time figuring out how to play with a "compromised" stance.

It can be such a debilitating condition... I'm managing better now but this will stick for life... sigh.

Comfort above all else mate...

[palukaville]

I too have back problem and have to adjust my stance by bending both legs. Even by doing so, I cannot play for any extended period of time... Not to mention having a heck of a time figuring out how to play with a "compromised" stance.

It can be such a debilitating condition... I'm managing better now but this will stick for life... sigh.

Comfort above all else mate...

Everything must be done smoothly when playing with a dodgy back. I changed my pre-shot routine a little bit... i stand behind the shot, stand as tall and strainght as possible before slowly lowering myself and assuming the cueing position with slightly bent knees for confort. Its all about playing relaxed and unhurried.

My advice would be to practise a pre shot routine, a few stretching exercises to keep loose helps too :-)

[damienlch]

...My advice would be to practise a pre shot routine, a few stretching exercises to keep loose helps too :-)

Indeed... I'm the only one amongst my mates to stretch before a game... got a few snickers initially, but no more after I kicked their sorry arses by compiling a big break... or to be more truthful... showed them that I can at least pot a few balls with some accuracy and at times make threatening near 20 breaks when I'm in amongst the scattered balls...