motor 8 is accelerated decelerated or stopped e g depending upon signals emitted by the sensors d in order to permanently and intermediately store a number of windings on the storage body 9 which number permanently suffices to cover a momentary or even an expected upcoming yarn consumption of the weaving machine w to start an insertion cycle or pick a signal is transmitted from the control device c 1 to the control device c or directly to the stopping device 10 to move the stop element 11 from the stop position into the release position the number of windings withdrawn during the insertion cycle or pick is registered e g by a not shown withdrawal sensor in order to release the adjusted insertion length of the yarn only the stop element 11 is moved back into the stop position sufficiently early e g via the control device c the yarn brake b e g is controlled by the control device c in order to brake the yarn during the transition phase during which the bringer gripper 1 transfers the tip of the yarn y to the taker gripper 2 the functioning of the system produces a stretch condition in the yarn y in the intermediately stored windings on the storage body 9 this stretch condition is maintained essentially constant between the winding element 7 and the stop element 11 engaged in the stop position by adjusting the insertion length released for each insertion cycle.