Foot Alignment

Foot AlignmentBy Richard Kranicki, InsidePOOL ColumnistJust as the facial guide points are a useful tool for reference, the placement of your feet is instrumental in the final head position over the aim line. I have found that the initial placement of the back foot is much more important than most players think. As you bend down to your final shooting position, the alignment of your back foot’s starting position in relation to the extended imaginary aim on the floor will aid your head and body in obtaining a very comfortable shooting set up.
Starting with this issue’s example, I will present some examples as a way for you to compare your initial back foot’s placement. I will ask you to pay closer attention to learn what specific back foot starting point will align your facial guide points directly over the imaginary aim line and yield the most natural and relaxed bending for your final shooting position. (The mirror and string used to help find your facial guide points from the last columns will be helpful.) Most players are surprised to learn that it only takes a very slight change in the back foot’s initial position, with the floor’s imaginary aim line, to affect their natural bending of their waist and chest. Just a difference of a half-inch with the back foot’s initial position is all it takes to rest the back and arm muscles into a tension-free position. This translates into having the slightest back foot adjustment eliminating or greatly reducing some backache problems. It will also help in setting up your body so that you can deliver a nice smooth stroke. The main purpose for the various forthcoming back foot examples is to help you see that the initial position of your back foot directly affects the final position of your head and face over the aim line. Therefore, in the meantime you can experiment on your own or with a friend with several different back foot starting locations and angles. Be especially aware of what muscles are working harder than they should. Note the nuances that bring your face directly in line with the shot or cause you to misalign. I am sure you will see that just a little difference will mean a whole lot.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.