erikido said:
I do...my normal bridge is about 14" and my break bridge is about 8 inches. I do this for control
Anyone else shorten their bridge on the break?
- Thread starter erikido
- Start date
I do...my normal bridge is about 14" and my break bridge is about 8 inches. I do this for control
Another point to ponder: your bridge moving when breaking
In any shot if your bridge moves even slightly it is going to send your shot way off. Most people move their bodies when they break and sometimes it affects their bridge stabilty and will cause them to mis-hit the cue ball.
So add: keep your bridge hand stable, to the list of things going through your head while breaking.
In any shot if your bridge moves even slightly it is going to send your shot way off. Most people move their bodies when they break and sometimes it affects their bridge stabilty and will cause them to mis-hit the cue ball.
So add: keep your bridge hand stable, to the list of things going through your head while breaking.
Egg McDogit said:
14" is a long bridge!
I try to use a fairly consistent bridge length on all shots except exceedingly soft shots (like safeties against the rail). This includes the break. The one that feels most comfortable for me is about 8".
The reason I try to keep it consistent is because I'm still trying to groove my mechanics into muscle memory, and I figure if my arm always strokes the same length from address to back swing and back through the ball, that's a more consistent motion for my muscle memory to latch onto. For the same reason I don't believe in changing my stance whether I'm breaking or playing. I do transfer more weight from back foot to front foot, and follow through drastically further on my break, but I try to make that the only difference in my break technique and my regular stroke. I figure if you have a straight, smooth, uninhibited, efficient, and powerful stroke, then the same technique is ideal for both breaking and shooting normal shots.
-Andrew
I tried shortening my bridge breaking 8 ball yesterday and did see a positive result in CB control with little if any loss in power. My normal bridge is 8-9 inches and I shortened it to 6-7 inches.
I have not tried the 2-3 inch bridge originally suggested.
I have not tried the 2-3 inch bridge originally suggested.
The comments here are the 8-ball break are all over the map.
Do any of the instructors or professionals in this forum have any advice on the "optimum" bridge length when breaking? Or any other suggestions on how to increase breaking power and maintain accuracy?
Do any of the instructors or professionals in this forum have any advice on the "optimum" bridge length when breaking? Or any other suggestions on how to increase breaking power and maintain accuracy?