Some advice please, trouble sighting

[Ricky2112]

Back playing after many years but have a big problem now. I have back and neck trouble and cannot sight the object ball if it is more than a foot in front of the white. If the object ball is any further than a foot then I have to force my head up to focus putting extreme pressure on my neck. I love the game and I am wondering if you think it possible to play to a decent level only looking at the white ball during shots?
Any tips on maybe stance or bridge that might help me look forward with less pressure would be appreciated. I know Chris Small had to give up as a pro for similar reasons but having just put a table together with a mate I have the opportunity to play more than ever so any help would be cool.

Cheers Ricky


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAQmi_Ui0A4

[cyberheater]

and I am wondering if you think it possible to play to a decent level only looking at the white ball during shots?

Nope.

I hadn't played for decades and came back to the game a couple of years ago and I wear glasses and yes, my neck and back was sore for a bit but my body got used to it. How long have you been playing since you came back?

[SnookeredYou]

I would work on stretching you neck and back out which I am sure you are already doing. Stretching consistently should allow you in the long run to play without any problems. If your problems still are accruing I would try shooting well over your cue. Meaning shoot almost standing straight up. Back in the old days that used to be the standard, because they had to wear blazers when they played so they didn't have the same movability as pros These days that only require to wear a button down and a vest. It will take a little getting used to but it would be much easier on the back and neck. Cheers

[Ricky2112]

I played loads 20 years ago and have had a few games yearly since. But in 2011 I damaged my spine in a moto cross accident and now have arthritis and curvature of the spine. My vision is not to great these days either and cannot wear glasses to play, I look straight over the frames as my head does not go back enough. I play most shots by looking at the white and can pot better with my eyes shut than with them open because when I try and sight the shot I put loads of strain through my back and neck.
Might try bending both knees and have my back more upright like so said they did years ago. It's so frustrating but will persevere.

Cheers Ricky

[Catch 22]

Maybe play with two bent legs ...like squatting down to the shot

[j6uk]

don't go down, play standing with a two point contact so called grip and bridge. this is how i play a lot of the time

[GeordieDS]

Quite amazing you can play at a high standard like that, I used to play pool like that and I was much more competent but I couldn't play snooker that way

[Ricky2112]

don't go down, play standing with a two point contact so called grip and bridge. this is how i play a lot of the time

I will try that today, cheers

Ricky

[j6uk]

this old school setup is great, it literally offers a unique perspective to the table. the technique is demanding and the cue i feel really needs to be held as light as possible but as long as you do all the basics you should start seeing results
i'll try and stick a vid of me playing some time soon

I will try that today, cheers

Ricky

[Ricky2112]

Cheers j6uk look forward to seeing a video. Played today and widened my stance which brought my back end down a touch and head up slightly, still need to work on it.

Cheers Ricky

[rimmer10]

Cheers j6uk look forward to seeing a video. Played today and widened my stance which brought my back end down a touch and head up slightly, still need to work on it.

Cheers Ricky

My mate plays with a side on stance and his head about 8 inches above the cue and his long potting is unreal

[Ricky2112]

Rimmer, I tried a side on stance for fun years ago with my bro. We played open snooker, and I potted him off the table, 6 frames in just over an hour. Never played like that since, may I should try it again . We joked and nicknamed it the toy soldier stance,

Cheers Ricky

[rimmer10]

Rimmer, I tried a side on stance for fun years ago with my bro. We played open snooker, and I potted him off the table, 6 frames in just over an hour. Never played like that since, may I should try it again . We joked and nicknamed it the toy soldier stance,

Cheers Ricky

Works a treat for me mate Ricky, there's nothing on the table he can't pot when he's in the mood. Give it a go mate, especially if you had success with it in the past