Bridge length, Why would you use a longer one?

CaptainJR

CaptainJR

Shiver me timbers.
Silver Member
In a recent battle with miscuing (see miscuing thread) I started using a little shorter bridge. Say 7 to 8 inch rather than 8 to 9 inch. Not that this was the cause of the miscues, but just to be more confident, accurate and solid with the hit.

So let's here the why? Why would you use a long bridge. I just can't imagine anyone thinking that they can be more accurate on the cue ball when using a longer bridge than a shorter one. So why would you use it? After all accuracy on the cue ball is kind of important.

Granted that you can get more "stroke" on the ball, but you shouldn't need that on most shots. Yes there comes the occasional shot that you need to put some real stroke on the ball to get the cue where you want it to go, but this should be the exception.

I'm wondering what is up with this because I've seen some really GREAT players using a longer bridge.
 
:)

It's just as you said it... the pro's probably have some natural feel for the long stroke.

Do you look at the cue ball or the OB on the last stroke?
 
hmm...

this may be strange, but i've caught myself looking at the direct spot of the CB that i want to hit on the last 3 srokes instead of the object ball... a habbit i've picked up, and it seems to be helping me game a little :o .

a little off topic here but what kinda chalk are you using? :)

Your arm length may play some part in this as well, muscles and all that.
 
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rc11 said:
hmm...

this may be strange, but i've caught myself looking at the direct spot of the CB that i want to hit on the last 3 srokes instead of the object ball... a habbit i've picked up, and it seems to be helping me game a little :o .

a little off topic here but what kinda chalk are you using? :)

Your arm length may play some part in this as well, muscles and all that.
Click to expand...


I'd really rather keep on topic but I'll answer you on this on my miscuing thread.

http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=53338
 
One of the reasons I started using a longer bridge is because my stroke is a little longer than average. With a shorter bridge, I'd frequently find myself pulling the tip past my bridge on the backstroke, to the point that the tip would get caught on a finger or a fold of skin. So for functional reasons, I lengthened my bridge.

It's a sacrifice of accuracy yes. But at the same time, it also gives me a better view of my aim and alignment. Whereas most players seem to have their chin directly above the joint when addressing the cueball, I am further back... if you look at my avatar, my head is typically 6-8 inches further back than most players. This ends up requiring a slightly longer bridge, but seems to feel right to me. I've tried positioning my body forward more, but I can't feel the shot as well... and believe me, I've tried after seeing almost all the greats (Arhcer, Reyes, Pagulayan, Busta) with their chin right above the joint.
 
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CaptainJR said:
In a recent battle with miscuing (see miscuing thread) I started using a little shorter bridge. Say 7 to 8 inch rather than 8 to 9 inch. Not that this was the cause of the miscues, but just to be more confident, accurate and solid with the hit.

So let's here the why? Why would you use a long bridge. I just can't imagine anyone thinking that they can be more accurate on the cue ball when using a longer bridge than a shorter one. So why would you use it? After all accuracy on the cue ball is kind of important.

Granted that you can get more "stroke" on the ball, but you shouldn't need that on most shots. Yes there comes the occasional shot that you need to put some real stroke on the ball to get the cue where you want it to go, but this should be the exception.

I'm wondering what is up with this because I've seen some really GREAT players using a longer bridge.
Click to expand...

A couple of reasons. If your stance is low and you shoot with a closed bridge, then the knuckle of your index finger tends to obscure the shot. I can only speak for myself, but I feel I have better speed control when using a longer stroke. So it's a compromise between aiming, control, and accuracy of hit.
 
Your bridge length should be right at the sweet spot of your shaft. Take your cue, make a tight closed bridge, get down like you are about to draw a ball, put the tip on the cloth, and raise the butt a little while holding your bridge hand down. The shaft will bend a little... Now move up and down your shaft doing this and you will find the sweet spot. It will feel the best.

Now, from there...if you are loosing control of the cue ball due to fast cloth shorten your bridge; and if you need to really stroke a ball, lengthen it a hair...
 
JR,
I think the main advantage with a longer bridge is that it minimizes the effect of swiping accross the CB.

A short bridge length with a small pull across left on execution will deflect the CB left off its intended path significantly more than the same left swipe with a much longer bridge.

When playing a lot of pots with english, the long bridge is highly advantageous I believe, despite the fact that it makes tip placement onto the CB a little more difficult.

Another advantage I think is better speed control.

Colin
 
Long shot, long bridge.

Short short, short bridge.

Depends on the game and ball position. In 9 ball you need to move the cb greater distances. It is easier to do with a long bridge. Easier to let your stroke out. Most of the players also get down lower to the cue. In a game like 14.1 you are in closer quarters and don't need to move the cb as much. The players usually stand more upright to get a better overall picture of the table.
 
The longer the bridge, the lesser the accuracy of the hit. Try imaginary shot along the rail, hitting just over a chosen diamond. It is much more precise with shorter bridge, and the longer it is the harder to hit that tiny target. Since pool is a precision game it is very important to hit the exact spot on the cueball and minimize unintentional English. So, the bridge of 6 to 8 inches will do in most cases. Exceptions are shots with a lot of speed where you need extra room for more energetic preliminary strokes, and the break shot of course. That's what I learnt from one of the inventors of Pool Billiard Workout (aka PAT) ;)
 
I think the biggest advantage to the long bridge is the speed control. When you take more time (and more distance) to accelerate the cue, you can more smoothly and more accurately achieve the desired speed. This can in turn positively effect accuracy. This is because in general, I feel much more accurate when I am not trying too hard on my stroke. With a long smooth stroke, I find that less effort is required to stroke the ball powerfully. This gives my the feeling that I am not trying so hard on the shot, which I believe adds to my accuracy.

Also, I agree with the comments about sighting and view. The longer stroke helps to get your bridge hand out of your view.

KMRUNOUT
 
I agree that a longer bridge allows you to get more on the cueball. But, it requires alot more accuracy on your stroke. When you use a long bridge, your mechanics have to be almost flawless or you will have no control.

Southpaw
 
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