Bridge hand thumb issue

Lightn1nG

Member
Hello everyone,

I recently realized that having my thumb VERY(!!!) firmly fixed on a knuckle of my index finger is super important for stable cueing.
Is there some sort of exercise for that apart from consciously putting oneself in a lot of discomfort through repetition?
I have heard from an old russian pyramide pro that he used to glue his thumb to that knuckle back in the day.
 

FranCrimi

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
You don't have to press that hard and put yourself in pain in order to have a secure bridge. If you keep this up, you can possibly give yourself a chronic tendonitis condition in your fingers. Then you won't be able to play for months until you heal. A secure bridge hand starts with the fingers that are touching the cloth. Make sure there is just enough pressure (Not too much pressure) so they don't move when your cue moves through your hand. As for your thumb touching your knuckle, relax it a bit. If your hand isn't moving on the cloth, you can relax more. You should never be in pain when you play.
 
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garczar

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Hello everyone,

I recently realized that having my thumb VERY(!!!) firmly fixed on a knuckle of my index finger is super important for stable cueing.
Is there some sort of exercise for that apart from consciously putting oneself in a lot of discomfort through repetition?
I have heard from an old russian pyramide pro that he used to glue his thumb to that knuckle back in the day.
no need for that much pressure/tension. are you open or closed player? either way you shouldn't have that kind of pressure build-up.
 

Mensabum

Well-known member
You don't have to press that hard and put yourself in pain in order to have a secure bridge. If you keep this up, you can possibly give yourself a chronic tendonitis condition in your fingers. Then you won't be able to play for months until you heal. A secure bridge hand starts with the fingers that are touching the cloth. Make sure there is just enough pressure (Not too much pressure) so they don't move when your cue moves through your hand. As for your thumb touching your knuckle, relax it a bit. If your hand isn't moving on the cloth, you can relax more. You should never be in pain when you play.
What size shafts are you using?? My guess is small. As long as your stroke is solid, you should only use your bridge hand as the final guide to ensuring good execution. Perhaps an open bridge would suit you better??
If you're trying to figure out how to hold small mm shafts tightly in your bridge hand, it's too tight to begin with. Relax it a bit. You can't make adjustments for bhe if it's too tight anyway.
Why would you want a tighter bridge anyway??
 

Bob Jewett

AZB Osmium Member
Staff member
Gold Member
Silver Member
Hello everyone,

I recently realized that having my thumb VERY(!!!) firmly fixed on a knuckle of my index finger is super important for stable cueing.
Is there some sort of exercise for that apart from consciously putting oneself in a lot of discomfort through repetition?
I have heard from an old russian pyramide pro that he used to glue his thumb to that knuckle back in the day.
My open bridge has the thumb touching the index finger exactly between the middle knuckle and the hand-side knuckle. I have not noticed a problem with stability.

I have encountered players who could not form an open (or V) bridge without their hand cramping. I think they need to work up to it slowly.
 
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Lightn1nG

Member
Of course open bridge!
Thanks for the insight, might have to experiment with different firmness and also wrist direction for optimal results!!

P.S my shaft is 12.4, pro taper I guess (Revo)
 

Mensabum

Well-known member
My open bridge has the thumb touching the index finger exactly between the middle knuckle and the hand-side knuckle. I have not noticed a problem with stability.

I have encountered players who could not form an open (or V) bridge without their hand cramping. I think the need to work up to it slowly.
I have large hands and I'll use an open bridge for certain shots but also to give my hand a break from the closed bridge which seems to ache a bit during longer sessions nowadays. The open relieves that somewhat. Bcuz of my big fingers, there's a deep v there, so no probs. My closed has my thumb locked on the first joint of index finger.
 

BilliardsAbout

BondFanEvents.com
Silver Member
Hello everyone,

I recently realized that having my thumb VERY(!!!) firmly fixed on a knuckle of my index finger is super important for stable cueing.
Is there some sort of exercise for that apart from consciously putting oneself in a lot of discomfort through repetition?
I have heard from an old russian pyramide pro that he used to glue his thumb to that knuckle back in the day.
You can practice holding your hand in bridging positions while walking or strolling outside the pool room. I did this when I was young so that the bridge became second nature, allowing the cue and bridge hand to move together as one flowing unit.
 

Lightn1nG

Member
You can practice holding your hand in bridging positions while walking or strolling outside the pool room. I did this when I was young so that the bridge became second nature, allowing the cue and bridge hand to move together as one flowing unit.
Love it! thank you.
I started strolling around with my assembled cue at home, to feel the weight of it perfectly
 

BilliardsAbout

BondFanEvents.com
Silver Member
during walk in, I guess?
Yes, there should be a seamless transition from walking into the shot to immobility (or near immobility) once the bridge hand touches the cloth in the completed stance. As I've noted elsewhere, most less experienced players tend to move their bridge hands after making contact with the cloth, which is something professional players avoid.
 
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