I have been visiting pool halls coast to coast for nearly 60 years. In all my countless visits, there’s one thing that stands out.
Regardless of the location or time of day, I’ve never seen any player(s) practicing or competing just using a mechanical bridge.
I’ve seen players play opposite handed, one handed, standing on one leg, arm behind their back, sitting on a stool or chair,
practicing one specific shot over and over, jumping the cue ball, practicing banks, break shots, rail shots, frozen balls, etc.
You name it and in all likelihood I’ve seen it being done or played, all but one. There is one solitary thing I’ve yet to observe
any player(s) do for more than a couple of shots. Regardless of the location or time of day, I’ve never seen players practicing
just bridge shots. Just set up object balls and shoot using the bridge for every shot. Practice like normal but always use the bridge.
Nope, never seen this done and when you think of how seldom the bridge may get used in any match, is it any wonder why a player
doesn’t feel as comfortable using a bridge compared to a closed or open bridge. It’s a tool yet most players take it for granted til needed.
Now that really makes little sense but that’s the reality of it. You should practice with all 14 golf clubs you carry in you bag if you want to
become really good. Pool shouldn’t be any different but for some reason is. Maybe it’s since the bridge is a real nuisance to practice with.
