I need to switch to a closed bridge
- Thread starter Gio Sr.
- Start date
You may want to try a fist bridge, with only the index finger extended...Ray Martin uses this bridge. The fist doesn't have to be too tight (you can loosen/tighten the fist to raise/lower the bridge), but you'll want to keep the heel of your hand on the table unless you're shooting over a ball or elevating your butt for some reason. Very stable, shouldn't be affected by a tremor in your arm.
i'll try anything now. Thanks.
Here is a good illustration from Clive Cottingham's book "The Game of Billiards"
![CropperCapture[64].jpg](https://forums.azbilliards.com/data/attachments/234/234215-78fda13e9cf7951c8f4a4d9869b3880e.jpg?hash=eP2hPpz3lR "CropperCapture[64].jpg")
Note two important points: The base of the hand is planted firmly on the table and the thumb/index knuckle form a sharp V-groove for the cue to slide through. The thumb must be pressed against the index finger's knuckle. Many players who attempt an open bridge fail to get these points right.
I'm not clear on why a closed bridge is a problem, though. Here is what I mean by a closed bridge, also from Cottingham:
![CropperCapture[65].png](https://forums.azbilliards.com/data/attachments/234/234219-48888c7fb73ee44273dd06e605302cf0.jpg?hash=SIiMf7c-5E "CropperCapture[65].png")
This is the closed bridge Mosconi used. Note that the thumb holds the index finger against the middle finger. Most people who try to make a closed bridge leave out this part and I think the solidity of their bridge suffers for it.
And here is Cottingham's illustration of a fist bridge:
![CropperCapture[66].png](https://forums.azbilliards.com/data/attachments/234/234220-59165fd8531f80e66baf3036d86912c6.jpg?hash=WRZf2FMfgO "CropperCapture[66].png")
I think every pool player ought to have Cottingham's book in their library if for no other reason because of his illustrations of bridges.
I think every pool player ought to have Cottingham's book in their library if for no other reason because of his illustrations of bridges.
Thanks Bob. The problem I'm having is my index, middle finger and thumb start wiggling. If I try to make a fist it really gets going..
It's acting up a lot today because I had to clear some snow off my car. I moved the wrong way and aggravated something. It's coming from the base of my neck right down my arm..
I think you may need someone to look at your neck.
Yeah I know, it's an old problem getting. I'm just wearing out. No medical coverage until November this year
open bridge
Anything new can feel weird.
You should be able to find someone at the local pool hall that can help you. You don't need lessons just for this.
If you can't find anyone, here's the method.
Lay your bridge hand flat on the table and spread your fingers.
Pull your fingertips toward you without bending your fingers, but keep your fingers spread apart as much as is comfortable.
Bring your thumb up as high as is comfortable to form a "V" between the inside edge of your thumb and that part of your index finger just below the knuckle.
Hold the thumb snugly in this position, so there is no movement of the thumb when the cue is in place.
Find the elevation of your knuckles where it allows you to stroke straight at the center of the cue ball with the cue as level (parallel to the table surface) as possible. This is your basic or "default" bridge.
Raise the bridge for follow by pulling the fingertips a bit more toward you, and lower the bridge for draw by allowing the fingertips to slide forward a bit.
Keep in mind that you can also affect whether the cue ball follows, stops, or draws back by using various amounts of force.
Be sure to keep the fingers spread apart as much as is possible for stability.
If you find this confusing, do a search for "open hand bridge". Or order a book or DVD from someone on AZ
Anything new can feel weird.
You should be able to find someone at the local pool hall that can help you. You don't need lessons just for this.
If you can't find anyone, here's the method.
Lay your bridge hand flat on the table and spread your fingers.
Pull your fingertips toward you without bending your fingers, but keep your fingers spread apart as much as is comfortable.
Bring your thumb up as high as is comfortable to form a "V" between the inside edge of your thumb and that part of your index finger just below the knuckle.
Hold the thumb snugly in this position, so there is no movement of the thumb when the cue is in place.
Find the elevation of your knuckles where it allows you to stroke straight at the center of the cue ball with the cue as level (parallel to the table surface) as possible. This is your basic or "default" bridge.
Raise the bridge for follow by pulling the fingertips a bit more toward you, and lower the bridge for draw by allowing the fingertips to slide forward a bit.
Keep in mind that you can also affect whether the cue ball follows, stops, or draws back by using various amounts of force.
Be sure to keep the fingers spread apart as much as is possible for stability.
If you find this confusing, do a search for "open hand bridge". Or order a book or DVD from someone on AZ
Funny how we go through a progression when playing pool - using an ugly open bridge, then maybe a good one, then learning a closed bridge (usually not great), then a decent closed bridge. Watch the pros, most use an open bridge a good portion of the time. Snooker players use one all the time, even on power draws etc.
I myself after some lessons started working on using an open bridge more. It was weird at first, but now feels totally natural. I would say I only use a closed bridge 20% of the time. Even worked on power shots, again weird at first but very workable. I can set an object ball 1 diamond from the pocket, cue ball at the other end on the head string, and make the ball and draw back to the rail with nothing more than a smooth stroke and open bridge. More effortless than when I relied on my closed bridge and powered through the ball.
Try just fanning your hand out, palm on the table, raise your thumb up to form the "V", and keep your hand relaxed. You can play with tucking your ring finger, or middle ringer, or both, whatever feels comfortable. With some practice this will quickly replace your former closed bridge as your favorite. Bonus, you also "see" more of the stick which can aid with sighting etc. You may still need a form of a closed bridge when shooting near the rail, as it's harder to spread your hand out in that position, puts your wrist/hand in an unnatural position.
Good luck!
Scott
I myself after some lessons started working on using an open bridge more. It was weird at first, but now feels totally natural. I would say I only use a closed bridge 20% of the time. Even worked on power shots, again weird at first but very workable. I can set an object ball 1 diamond from the pocket, cue ball at the other end on the head string, and make the ball and draw back to the rail with nothing more than a smooth stroke and open bridge. More effortless than when I relied on my closed bridge and powered through the ball.
Try just fanning your hand out, palm on the table, raise your thumb up to form the "V", and keep your hand relaxed. You can play with tucking your ring finger, or middle ringer, or both, whatever feels comfortable. With some practice this will quickly replace your former closed bridge as your favorite. Bonus, you also "see" more of the stick which can aid with sighting etc. You may still need a form of a closed bridge when shooting near the rail, as it's harder to spread your hand out in that position, puts your wrist/hand in an unnatural position.
Good luck!
Scott
The best potters and the best power potters use the open bridge. Other than the break shot, and occasional rail shots, it ought to be abandoned. The only reason it lasted as long as it did, is because the styles of games that used it, were not accuracy oriented.
Not one single closed bridge player has ever come close to the accuracy with power as the top 20 snooker open bridge players have achieved.
Not one single closed bridge player has ever come close to the accuracy with power as the top 20 snooker open bridge players have achieved.
Check out the two videos here:
NV B.96 - Grip and bridge technique and advice
You might find something helpful there.
In terms of open vs. closed, an open bridge does offer many potential advantages, as listed on the open vs. closed bridge resource page. Check it out.
Good luck,
Dave