Using the mechanical bridge - should it be banned?
- Thread starter ultramafic
- Start date
RAKE?????
I didn't know there was a rake in this game....
isn't table time ENOUGH?
you greedy bunch of $%%$#*
nice to see this thread getting the respect it deserves
These photos demonstrate exactly what I was getting at! Either of those shots are very easily and reasonably makable simply by shooting from the side of the table. No extended stretches or amazing acrobatics necessary. Simply put you right hand on the table, line it up, and shoot.
Sorry, I thought my response was serious. It certainly was to me. I use the mechanical bridge (I like the "moosehead") most proficiently due to the fact that for a couple of years due to shoulder surgery, I had to use it to get through a game or match. I agree that it is a lost art. You should see the people in my circle of pool friends that absolutely either cannot properly use it or will not even attempt to at all.
Maniac
If you can physically reach out like that. Not ALL people can. That would be like saying let's get rid of all the wheelchair ramps 'cause stepping up on the curb is easy.
Get the picture???
Maniac
Maniac
If you would call it by its proper name, The Ladies' Aid, the macho men would never touch it.
This probably means your one of the players that can't use the bridge very well? LMAO :thumbup:
I for one laugh at anyone that tells me to take a left handed shot instead of using the bridge. Most of the time they just want me not to use the bridge because I am good with it!
I watched a guy not long ago get out the bridge for a long reach to the cue ball, laid the bridge down on it's end (it was a moose head), take out his jump cue, and execute a bueatiful jump shot from the middle of the table using the bridge. I have to admit, I was impressed. I've been working on that one!
Steve
Steve
Having been in and out of this thread through its duration I have to say I'm a little disappointed. Supposedly the OP was trying to stir up a controversy but there is none. Has even one person agreed with him about banning the bridge?
It has turned out kind of like a debate on drunk driving, not one person wants to argue the other side of the "issue".
It has turned out kind of like a debate on drunk driving, not one person wants to argue the other side of the "issue".
:groucho::groucho::groucho:
That 3 ball is sitting right next to the rail. What is there to reach out to?
Pure and simple this game is not about physical strength or the size or your body. Its a game played with your mind, your heart, and willingness to practice. Its also a game where we need every player we can get. This would be a non issue for you if you were good enough to beat the shorter guy on skill alone. So practice more.
It is unfortunate that the people making the responses to my question are SO WILLING to make all kinds of assumptions about the motivation for asking the question, instead of being willing to take it at face value, from a guy who was just curious about what other people think. But then - hey, it IS an internet forum. I should have known better I guess.
Not all people can shoot off-handed. So unless you want to shoot over the three with your left hand, possibly fouling because you're not as coordinated as you are with your right hand, using the bridge is the best option.
I don't think using the bridge makes anyone a better player. I just think it helps them make balls they would ordinarily make if they were tall enough to reach them.
Well, I guess that is really the crux of the "issue" I am raising. As has been pointed out, using the bridge is a skill (which takes time to learn). It seems that shooting off-handed is another skill, quite valuable I might add, and I'm just surprised that people would rather take the time to learn how to use the bridge, rather than simply taking the time to shoot off-handed. With the ability to shoot well "either way", the number of shots that truly "require" a bridge are few and far between (snooker tables aside).
In the case of that 3 ball - shooting it left-handed is a trivial shot that causes no loss of "rhythm" - you plunk it in and move on. Getting out a bridge and lining it up, and hoping you don't accidentally bump something with it, making the shot, then putting the bridge away....just seems like such a big production and unnecessary interruption to one's game.
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The reason you are getting such a vehement response is because the bridge has been an accepted part of the game for GENERATIONS, and to change that would change the way pool is played on a global scale. As has been pointed out, it would significantly affect the ability of people of shorter stature, those with back ailments, those who cannot use the off-hand, and countless other examples, most of which have been documented in this very thread. It would turn the world of pool on it's head. And you find this suggestion to be surprising?
It is curious as to why you are surpised at the reaction. You might as well request to change the shape of the balls, or that all games should be played using 8 pockets on a octagon-shaped table, for every game all the time. Your suggestion sounds that crazy, or at least that ill-conceived. That is why you are getting the types of responses that you are getting, and why I believe you are simply stirring the pot to see what kind of reaction that you can get out of people. You can play innocent and naive all you like, and perhaps you truly are, but that is the cause of the reaction here.
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Yeah, that guy in the wheel chair who whomped my butt should not be allowed to use his wheel chair.
Dave Nelson
Dave Nelson
Well, that's fine....you can believe whatever you like - but since you believe I'm just "stirring the pot" I'll forgo addressing the rest of your post since it obviously wont be taken at face value anyway. Thanks for your input.
So why else would you start a thread which is the equivalent to "let's make Nascar drivers not use streering wheels"? Then continue to post in it to try and convince folks that it really would be good to limit the ability for all people of all shapes and sizes and possible disabilites to play relatively evenly against one another?
Oh right, you'll be ignoring me because I think you're messing with folks here. Cool enough. I'll be waiting for your future thread on pyramid-shaped pool-balls.
Seriously, philosophical and theoretical debates are all well and good, but c'mon. The reality of what you suggest is simply too far-fetched to be taken seriously.
Oh right, you'll be ignoring me because I think you're messing with folks here. Cool enough. I'll be waiting for your future thread on pyramid-shaped pool-balls.
Seriously, philosophical and theoretical debates are all well and good, but c'mon. The reality of what you suggest is simply too far-fetched to be taken seriously.