Foot Alignment Part 2 of 5

Foot Alignment Part 2 of 5By Richard Kranicki, InsidePOOL ColuminstThis article is the second of a series of instructional columns regarding the very important – Initial Back Foot Alignment. It is well worth repeating that just as the facial guide points are a useful tool for reference, so is the initial placement of your feet when addressing the shot. In the next three columns, I will continue to offer a sampling of just some of the possible basic initial footings that you can practice if you find it necessary to overhaul your approach, or if you only wish to make a slight adjustment. Besides many other ingredients, top-level pool playing demands consistency in precision. Therefore, if you consistently start your alignment just a little to the right or to the left, your level of play will never be more than inconsistent. Therefore, how do you find what is “just right” for your needs? Before you go on, I ask you to remember that an open mind is a prerequisite for change. In addition, change is necessary for even the slightest improvement. So, do you want to improve? Then please read on with an open mind.
I think that practicing and experimenting with different back foot starting positions is a good way to begin searching for your particular “just right.” These foot alignment articles will help you to put your best foot forward. Look at my initial back foot position in the following photo. As I mentioned in the previous article, the placement of your feet has a direct effect on where your head’s position will ultimately lay over the aim line. After a lot of practice, I have found that for my particular physique and shooting style, starting with my back foot’s arch placed directly over the imaginary aim line on the floor, I will settle comfortably into my shooting position having my left edge of my nose bridge directly over the aim line. I also am aware that I have more facial guide points that I can refer to with my peripheral vision. I can use my left top tooth center and the halfway point between my chin center and my left chin edge. See the accompanying photo. So, did you notice that I did not settle for generally stating that just the left side of my nose is aligning directly over the imaginary aim line? That is because we are discussing getting it precisely “just right” for you. Use this and the following examples to help you find a more confident alignment. Since pool, billiards and snooker require consistent precision; I hope that you will see that just a little difference will mean a whole lot. There are more back foot examples on their way. So, do not forget to get your next copy of InsidePOOL Magazine for the next example for the Initial Back Foot Alignment. Visit InsidePOOL for the latest techniques from the top instructors in billiards and pool.

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Inside Pool Magazine publishes billiard news. Definitive Synergy creates pool and billiard management software.