Foot Alignment

Part 2 of 5
By Richard Kranicki, InsidePOOL Columinst
This 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.

Foot Alignment

By Richard Kranicki, InsidePOOL Columnist
Just 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.

Efren Closes Day 1 of the International Challenge of Champions
By InsidePOOL Staff
In the match of the evening between Efren The Magician Reyes and Nick Van den Berg, Reyes triumphed 7-4 after his opponent hung the case 9 ball in the jaws of the pocket.
This match was o­ne of the best of the evening, and it was difficult to predict a winner at any point. The young and obviously talented Van den Berg did not appear to be intimidated by Reyes, who was recently inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame last month.
Reyes pulled into a 3-1 lead early o­n, but Van den Berg fought back and got within a game of his opponent at 5-4 Reyes. With a couple of balls slopped in, Reyes reached the hill in the next rack with him breaking the next game.

Oliver Ortmann From- Germany Age - 37Based - HamburgNickname - The MachineHobbies - Music, PC, MoviesYears Playing - A pro 15 yearsCue Used - BCE Kruger Achievements - 1995 World pool Champion. 1997 and 2000 Challenge of Champions winner. 1995 and 2002 Mosconi Cup winning captain. 13 times Euro Tour Champion, 41 German and 26 European Championship medals. Currently ranked No.1 in Europe.

Oliver Ortmann From- Germany Age - 37Based - HamburgNickname - The MachineHobbies - Music, PC, MoviesYears Playing - A pro 15 yearsCue Used - BCE Kruger Achievements - 1995 World pool Champion. 1997 and 2000 Challenge of Champions winner. 1995 and 2002 Mosconi Cup winning captain. 13 times Euro Tour Champion, 41 German and 26 European Championship medals. Currently ranked No.1 in Europe.After moving base to Hamburg and putting some personal troubles behind him, Ortmann now finds himself in some of the best form of his career following a string of impressive victories in Europe. Always o