Break Bridge Length

ArizonaPete

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
In 8 ball on a 9 foot table I usually break center table right on the kitchen line and hit the 1 ball square. My normal bridge length when potting balls is the recommended 6" to 8" length. The only time I use a long bridge is when I'm stretching instead of using a mechanical bridge. Today, while practicing my break, for no apparent reason I extended my bridge to about 12" to 16". I was surprised but it seemed more effective in making balls on the break.
I ran a search on this forum but could only come up with a paragraph from Dr. Dave (Colo.StateU):
" "Smoother acceleration is possible, especially when using more power. Not as much force will be required over the longer distance to achieve a desired cue speed. The stroke will tend to be jerkier and usually more susceptible to errors with a shorter bridge, requiring larger forces over the shorter distance to achieve the desire cue speed."
I would appreciate any input on this subject - is a longer break bridge more effective in making balls? That also raises the question should I be using a longer bridge on other particular shots?
 
What does bridge length have to do with making balls on the break?

A longer bridge may or may not produce more cue ball speed.

I'm confused...help......SPF=randyg
 
I too would like to would like to hear some input on this. A buddy of mine breaks with a longer bridge and breaks from close to center table(a bit wider on 9 ball). His bridge tends to be longer than mine too. When I try to duplicate his break I seem to have problems pocketing balls and end up shorting my bridge back. He doesn't have this problem and his break consistantly keeps him at the table more then mine.
 
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What does bridge length have to do with making balls on the break?

A longer bridge may or may not produce more cue ball speed.

I'm confused...help......SPF=randyg

You hit the nail on the head - does it make any difference? Dr Dave indicates that smoother acceleration is achieved when using a longer bridge and not as much power is needed to achieve the same cue speed.
I ran a search of the forum for some information on whether bridge length affects the break and there wasn't much there. Thought I'd pose the question and see if some more experienced members had any thoughts on the subject.
 
In 8 ball on a 9 foot table I usually break center table right on the kitchen line and hit the 1 ball square. My normal bridge length when potting balls is the recommended 6" to 8" length. The only time I use a long bridge is when I'm stretching instead of using a mechanical bridge. Today, while practicing my break, for no apparent reason I extended my bridge to about 12" to 16". I was surprised but it seemed more effective in making balls on the break.
I ran a search on this forum but could only come up with a paragraph from Dr. Dave (Colo.StateU):
" "Smoother acceleration is possible, especially when using more power. Not as much force will be required over the longer distance to achieve a desired cue speed. The stroke will tend to be jerkier and usually more susceptible to errors with a shorter bridge, requiring larger forces over the shorter distance to achieve the desire cue speed."
I would appreciate any input on this subject - is a longer break bridge more effective in making balls? That also raises the question should I be using a longer bridge on other particular shots?

I use a longer bridge when breaking vs shooting Why? because that is what works best for ME
The only thing I can think of a longer bridge being better would be MAYBE it's because you may be able to get more que speed before contact with the ball. But that's just a guess. I have no Data supporting this Nor do I want to gather any. It's just a thought...
 
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You hit the nail on the head - does it make any difference? Dr Dave indicates that smoother acceleration is achieved when using a longer bridge and not as much power is needed to achieve the same cue speed.
I ran a search of the forum for some information on whether bridge length affects the break and there wasn't much there. Thought I'd pose the question and see if some more experienced members had any thoughts on the subject.



DR. Dave? I would like to see the formula for that. By power I suppose he means speed or velocity. I might have to disagree here.

In my game it's how and where I strike the rack, not so much my cue ball speed....SPF=randyg
 
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