How to Form a PERFECT Hand BRIDGE

dr_dave

dr_dave

Instructional Author
Gold Member
Silver Member
FYI, I just posted a new video that shows all the things you should consider if you want your open bridge to be as perfect as possible for the best results. Check it out:


Contents:
  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:20 - Background
  • 3:11 - Adequate “V”
  • 5:14 - “V” Facing You
  • 5:37 - Cue Off the Flesh
  • 6:05 - Clean BHE Pivots
  • 6:50 - Less Contact Area
  • 7:18 - No Turning Force
  • 7:59 - Minimum Cue Height
  • 8:32 - No Taper Effects
  • 9:17 - “V” Manipulation
  • 10:18 - More Info
Supporting Resources:
As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy!
 
dr_dave said:
FYI, I just posted a new video that shows all the things you should consider if you want your open bridge to be as perfect as possible for the best results. Check it out:

8
Contents:
  • 0:00 - Intro
  • 0:20 - Background
  • 3:11 - Adequate “V”
  • 5:14 - “V” Facing You
  • 5:37 - Cue Off the Flesh
  • 6:05 - Clean BHE Pivots
  • 6:50 - Less Contact Area
  • 7:18 - No Turning Force
  • 7:59 - Minimum Cue Height
  • 8:32 - No Taper Effects
  • 9:17 - “V” Manipulation
  • 10:18 - More Info
Supporting Resources:
As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy!
Click to expand...
Thanks Doc, but as much as I drop my elbow, my shaft would bust the lights on follow thru if my bridge was open.😉 Good stuff!👍🏻
 
I was taught to pinch my index finger against my thumb and middle finger, forming three points of pressure. It is very stable and doesn’t move at all. I don’t see many people doing this.
 

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nataddrho said:
I was taught to pinch my index finger against my thumb and middle finger, forming three points of pressure. It is very stable and doesn’t move at all. I don’t see many people doing this.
Click to expand...
dr dave main point was regarding an open bridge and the "V"
your closed bridge has nothing to do with this thread unless i am missing something
 
nataddrho said:
I was taught to pinch my index finger against my thumb and middle finger, forming three points of pressure. It is very stable and doesn’t move at all. I don’t see many people doing this.
Click to expand...
I use an open bridge unless I need to get as low as possible - then my closed bridge (which looks just like your pictures) works best.

pj
chgo
 
Last edited:
For me the main bridge criteria besides I need bigger hands, is squareness to the stick. Towards that end I use a "loose" loop bridge that's essentially an open bridge formed with the thumb and middle finger; the index finger across the top.
Adjustments are via varying the extension and tuck of the fingers as well as the natural up and down pivoting of the thumb. The main issue and guide there is the cue and operative shot line.
 
I use whatever is necessary according to me.

I wish the Dr looked more natural shooting (didn't watch this vid) always seems in pain/unnatural, sorry
 
Even using chalk, I used to burn/blister my thumb shooting like that. Since then, I use the closed bridge. I might try the v if I remember when I got shoot again, because I have gloves now.
 
What’s a good video very informative but I use closed bridge on 80% of my shots. I’ve just been playing that way so long. I feel more comfortable and I do feel like it does offer more guaranteed control imho.
 
I found i had to change my open bridge because the tension holding my thumb up was causing discomfort at my wrist. Fortunately my hand is shaped in a way i can bridge well using the knuckle of my thumb. Lets me keep my hand much more relaxed.

Before:
1791907370467.jpeg



After:
1791907425076.jpeg
 
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