Coaches - Help!

[Particle Physics]

I've noticed that most of the pro players use a bent arm approach, bridge shoulder down as low as possible. I guess this is for stability? How does this compare to straight arm, with the elbow down. Obviously, the line of aim changes but is one superior for accuracy and consistent accuracy, and break building. Is one more stable? Is one better for long potting, and the other for break building?

I've noticed that folk like Robertson make a deliberate planting of the back foot, which then anchors the other foot and body position. It seems like they're using the heel/ankle to line the shot up, as if the heel is in line with the shot. Is this true? Also, should this back foot be in line with the shot, or pointing off to the right (for right handed players). Directly in line is less comfortable, as the ankle seem twisted to the left.

The cue feels very different with Steve Davis' enough firmness to raise the cue from the table using the butt end approach. It's not what I'm used to, but should I persist with this firmer approach. Sometimes, the potting seems much punchier, sometimes, the firmer grip inhibits cue arm movement. Not sure on this one.

Any advice is very appreciated. Changing everything for the better is a real uphill struggle at the moment, and at times, I try so hard. When something nice happens and I see progress, it's glorious but when it goes wrong time after time, it can be depressing. Not angry, just really deflating. Know what I mean?

[Terry Davidson]

particle:

First of all don't get overly obsessed with technique as you will end up thinking about it all the time and trying to find perfection, which is non-existant. You have to realize you have to make the best of what you have, even if you don't stroke the ball like Ronnie or look like Steve Davis or Shaun Murphy.

To answer your questions...Joe Davis recommended thrusting the bridge arm as far as you can but he wasn't a tall man and most of the players in his day were also shorter than the average height today. Most great players have the bridge forearm ALMOST straight and this gives them more stability without the discomfort of thrusting the arm out straight. Getting the left armpit down as far as it will comfortably go is also best because tghis in turn raises the right shoulder more up behind the head, which gets the alignment correct, or at least gets everything more into line so you have less lateral movement when delivering the cue.

Planting the back foot on the line of the shot (line of aim of the cue) is also correct and considered 'textbook' and using that foot as the start of your stance and also to anchor the stance is a good idea because, again, it puts everything into line and prevents any temptation for lateral movement. As long as some part of the right foot is on the line of aim everything should be good. I teach having the laces of the right foot on the line of aim but I'm not precise about it, any part will do. I also recommend pointing the toes of the right foot outwards, not for any better technique but to take the strain off the knee and ankle joints. I teach turning it outwards no more than 30degrees and have the student close his eyes when in the address position and have him 'feel' which is most comfortable for him by turning the foot out and in to the limits and then back to the most comfortable position before he opens his eyes.

I think you're missing some words in para 3, I am guessing you mean the Steve Davis' grip with the back 3 fingers, like Alex Higgins used to do. I teach the actual configuration of the grip is not important as long as it's firm on the butt but NOT tight and does not grip the cue tighter during the delivery until after the cueball has been struck. Davis' back 3 finger grip does limit the amount of backswing available to the player and thus also limits the amount of power that player can generate and although it feels 'punchier' and can be a good grip to use when in the balls, I don't recommend it unless a student is already using it and likes it. I recommend the first two fingers with the top of the index finger and top of thumb as the primary grip on the butt.

As long as your grip is sufficiently flexible to allow you to backswing and deliver the cue whilst keeping it on the same plane then you should be OK, no matter which finger or fingers you are using to grip the cue.

Terry

[Particle Physics]

Thankyou very much again Terry. It's grand of you to spend so much time on here, advising us all with helpful tips.