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.

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