Magic Pool Stance?

A notion that has long intrigued me is the pool concept of a "magic stance", one particular way you might stand to the table that will add a high degree of consistency to your game. This idea is quite controversial, most pool teachers say that one should be in balance at the table, comfortable with the head roughly over the cue, but would deny that a particular arm or torso position would change a player's game like magic.

A top golfer, tennis player or basketball shooter, etc., however, could not only wreck their game by placing their body in an unusual stance but might even injure themselves. The "correct" stance for you at the pool table is likely to save your back as well as your playing skill.

A correct stance is likewise the key to fine pool shooting. Though the knock-kneed will stand quite differently at the table then the bow-legged; the tall players than the short and stout, etc., there are fundamentals the pros use that the amateur can study to succeed.

Good pool shooters hold their cuestick near level, lightly cradling it in their fingers near its balance point or a few inches back (where it would balance on a fingertip or two), and use smooth, gentle strokes whenever possible. You might succeed holding your cue behind your back one-handed while hopping on one foot, but the fewer alterations you need to make from the norm, the better.

I have placed some fascinating stance tidbits in our classic stroke section:

Stance Secret Revealed

The "45 Degree" Stance

A Classic Pool Stroke, Step by Step