Quick answer: A good pool stance starts with lining up behind the shot. Stand so your back foot is on the line of the shot, put your front foot forward and a little to the side, and bend at the waist until your chin is just above the cue. Keep your weight balanced so you do not wobble, keep your head still, and let your shooting arm hang down so it can swing like a pendulum. A steady stance makes a straight stroke much easier.
Your stance is the base for every shot. If your body moves while you shoot, the cue moves too, and the ball misses. The good news is that a solid stance is easy to learn. Here are the steps for a right handed player. If you shoot left handed, just flip left and right.
Why Does Stance Matter in Pool?
A good stance does three things:
- Keeps you still. Your body stays quiet so only your arm moves.
- Lines up your eyes. Your eyes look down the line of the shot.
- Frees your arm. Your shooting arm can swing straight back and through.
How to Get Into a Pool Stance in 6 Steps
Step 1: Stand Behind the Shot
Stand behind the cue ball and look at the line from the cue ball to the spot you want to hit on the object ball. Hold your cue along that line. Make your decision about the shot while standing up.
Step 2: Place Your Back Foot
Put your right foot on or very near the line of the shot. Many players point the toes a little out to the side. This foot holds much of your balance.
Step 3: Step Forward With Your Front Foot
Step your left foot forward and a little to the left. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart, or a bit more. Bend your front knee slightly. Some players keep the back leg straight, and some bend it a little. Find what feels steady.
Step 4: Bend at the Waist
Lean forward from the hips, keeping your back fairly straight. Bring your head down toward the cue. How low you go is up to you. Many good players get their chin close to the cue. Lower usually helps you aim, but you must be comfortable.
Step 5: Make Your Bridge
Put your front hand on the table about 6 to 12 inches from the cue ball and form your bridge. Your front arm is usually fairly straight or slightly bent. Watch the video below for a simple way to stand and make a bridge.
Step 6: Let Your Shooting Arm Hang
Your back hand holds the cue loosely. Your forearm should hang close to straight down when the cue tip is near the cue ball. From your elbow down, your arm swings like a pendulum. Your upper arm and shoulder should stay still.
How to Test Your Stance
Get into your stance and have a friend give you a gentle push on the shoulder. If you tip over easily, widen your feet or shift your weight. You should feel balanced, not tense. You can also take a few practice strokes and watch the cue tip. If it wiggles side to side, your body may be moving.
Common Stance Mistakes
- Standing too straight up. Your eyes are far from the line, so aiming is harder.
- Feet too close together. You wobble when you stroke.
- Body in the way. If your hip blocks your arm, the cue swings crooked. Turn your body a little so the arm has room.
- Getting into position before aiming. Pick the line first, then step into it.
- Standing up during the shot. Stay down until the cue ball is gone and even a moment after.
Practice Ideas
- Shoot a straight in shot ten times and only think about your stance.
- Use a mirror to check that your head, cue, and back foot line up.
- Practice getting down into the same stance before every shot as part of a pre shot routine.
Once your stance feels natural, you stop thinking about it, and you can put your focus on the shot itself.
Watch: How to Stand and Make a Bridge Hand (Pool Skool with Ted)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should my feet be in a pool stance?
About shoulder width or a little wider is a good start. You want to feel balanced and steady.
How low should I get over the cue?
Many players get their chin close to the cue, but go only as low as you can while staying comfortable and balanced.
Which foot goes on the line of the shot?
For a right handed player, the right foot goes on or near the line, and the left foot steps forward and to the side.
Why do I miss even when my aim looks right?
Often the body moves during the stroke. A steady stance and staying down after the shot can help.