Standing: Ball of Foot, or, Heel ?

[chuckjordan2]

And back to some real topics....

The last couple SB matches I've switched my stance for each bank. I've stood on the ball of my feet, and, then tried the heel. Each has it's advantages/disadvantages.

15 years ago I did the 10M (airrifle) thing. My back kept hurting (I was 35 then). My point is I know what a stance can do.

Using those same techniques in SB Silh (in Hunter class) I've been leaning to using my ball (of the feet). But you rock (better word is sway) more. The back is arched more. I also tire more at the end of the match (I'm 51 now).

While I know I should be using my ball (of the feet) to provide better control, I find myself going back onto the heel. Now this is my second year on silh and my confidence is rising as the scores reflect that. Am I just being too cocky by going and using my heel? 'The way of the rifle', I know that and read that years ago, that's not the topic we need to discuss.

What's your foot position? Do you switch in the match?

[DavidABQ]

This topic interests me because I simply stand on the bottom of my feet.



I have not considered trying to balance on the balls of my feet. What are the advantages/disadvantages?

[chuckjordan2]

You really don't 'stand' on the ball of your foot, you shift more of your weight there.

Try this test: take your shoes off and stand on a hard (flat) surface (wooden floors are home are great), now close your eyes. Concentrate; how do you distribute your body weight to your feet? In other words do you distribute 50/50 (50% ball/50% heel) ? Or 75/25**, or 25/75** ?

** Note: you can have it 60/40, or 40/60

Stand in a hallway or with a wall to your back. Let your weight go to your heel (not all, just shift some %). How does your back feel? Your posture?

Try the same using your ball (of your feet), and shift some %.

If you use your heel (25/75), your back arches more (translate that into a more erect, stiffer, upper body), but, you loose some control and sway. Shift the weight to the ball area and the swaying stops (you have more control), however, you need to use more of your muscles.

[topclass]

maybe I'm naive. I find if my weight is not "evenly distributed" i feel like I am either falling forward or backward, get a tired back, and sway. In most ball striking sports I've participated in, front/to back (toe/heel) balance lead to consistent contact and follow through. So I follow the same advice and try to be balanced front to back.

[Trent]

I have settled into a rather evenly distributed stance. For me I think my feet would get quite tired and sore if I created pressure points by putting more pressure into one area. I've not intentionally tried to move my weight forward or back on my feet but when I have inadvertently put too much pressure on the balls of my feet I felt like I was falling forward.

[chuckjordan2]

... In most ball striking sports I've participated in, front/to back (toe/heel) balance lead to consistent contact and follow through. ...

topclass, if you play softball or golf as the club/bat is in the back-swing you transfer weight to your back foot, and after contact you transfer weight to the front foot. I know that's different than what I wrote, but, it's the same concept, your shifting your weight.

All, holding an 8lb or 10lb rifle in an upright stance will tire your back muscles. You must be leaning back at least a little to compensate the weight of the rifle (mabye subconsiously?).

I found this stance description (see attachment). Notice the CG (Center of Gravity) on the front foot (I highlighted it in red).

Also others have techniques: http://www.riflesilhouette.com/instruct ... iques.html

Who's that new young fellow that's shooting the lights-out? Has anyone asked him what type of stance he has? If I read correctly, he shot 10M airrifle prior. He must have some routine.

references:
stance: http://www.bpcr.net/site_docs-results_s ... ning-2.pdf

[topclass]

I think the link agrees with what I was trying to convey but in a more elegant way -- balance. I'm a southpaw, so my weight shifts to the left to balance the weight of the rifle...but not much. And the same front to back...but not much. earlier I was referring to weight on my feet, both ball to heel and left to right, which I try to balance in order to minimize swaying and having to hold balance with one part of my foot or another. It seems to work for me...

[DavidABQ]

Just when I thought I was getting the hang of this sport now I find out that I have to relearn how to stand.

Who would have guessed that O have been standing wrong all these years?



To be honest I have followed the general sports rule about putting my feet approximately shoulder width apart and balance fore-aft as well as left-right.

I'm not convinced about placing more weight on the balls/heels of my feet but it is easy to experiment with and see if there in an improvement.

[Innocent]

Well lets put it this way...Team Pretty Kitty might have looked good in heels but they didn't shoot their normal scores on the balls of their feet.

Innocent Mary TPK matriarch.