Bridge Technique

H

HomerJay20

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I just noticed that I have been using somewhat of an awkward bridge for most of my shots. It is a closed bridge with my index finger on pressed on my middle finger and my ring finger is is curled with the nail on the cloth. This raises my palm and elbow off of the table. I'm thinking that's poor technique and I should change it for more stability. I'm doing this for center and high follow shots. I think I'm ok for draw shots because I don't curl my ring finger and my palm is on the cloth.

Anyhow, is bridging more about comfort? Because if it is I'll just keep doing what I'm doing. I have no idea where I picked that bridge hand up from. It's just habit.
 
Any instructor will tell you that a good bridge is of fundamental importance. That said, I have seen many a golfer who has grooved a bad swing and can beat you to death with it.
Do what is comfortable for you. The only thing I might suggest is to keep the heel of the bridge hand on the table surface during most shots. :smile:
 
HomerJay20 said:
I just noticed that I have been using somewhat of an awkward bridge for most of my shots. It is a closed bridge with my index finger on pressed on my middle finger and my ring finger is is curled with the nail on the cloth. This raises my palm and elbow off of the table. I'm thinking that's poor technique and I should change it for more stability. I'm doing this for center and high follow shots. I think I'm ok for draw shots because I don't curl my ring finger and my palm is on the cloth.

Anyhow, is bridging more about comfort? Because if it is I'll just keep doing what I'm doing. I have no idea where I picked that bridge hand up from. It's just habit.
Click to expand...
If you are accurate and consistent with your current bridge, there is no reason to change it. If not, some good info and advice (with video demos) can be found here:

Regards,
Dave
 
HomerJay20 said:
I just noticed that I have been using somewhat of an awkward bridge for most of my shots. It is a closed bridge with my index finger on pressed on my middle finger and my ring finger is is curled with the nail on the cloth. This raises my palm and elbow off of the table. I'm thinking that's poor technique and I should change it for more stability. I'm doing this for center and high follow shots. I think I'm ok for draw shots because I don't curl my ring finger and my palm is on the cloth.

Anyhow, is bridging more about comfort? Because if it is I'll just keep doing what I'm doing. I have no idea where I picked that bridge hand up from. It's just habit.
Click to expand...

Sounds like the Sigel Closed Bridge.
 
I've seen many top players bridge exactly as you described. I bridge this way as well but rarely curl my ring finger. Whatever is comfortable and accurate. Sometimes players get more caught up in doing things by the book, when really everyone's joints are slightly different and therefore your stroke should be unique. Fransisco is a good example.
 
I do not usually curl my ring finger, but well... probably not the best advice but I personally think if works then why not?
 
why don't you just get on YouTube for a couple hours and watch some of the great players and what they do and use?

--Jeff
 
HomerJay20 said:
I just noticed that I have been using somewhat of an awkward bridge for most of my shots. It is a closed bridge with my index finger on pressed on my middle finger and my ring finger is is curled with the nail on the cloth. This raises my palm and elbow off of the table. I'm thinking that's poor technique and I should change it for more stability. I'm doing this for center and high follow shots. I think I'm ok for draw shots because I don't curl my ring finger and my palm is on the cloth.

Anyhow, is bridging more about comfort? Because if it is I'll just keep doing what I'm doing. I have no idea where I picked that bridge hand up from. It's just habit.
Click to expand...
You'll hear a lot of "whatever your comfortable with". I think that's only good advice if you've already given the "classic form" a fair chance and then only made changes that are necessary for you. There are good reasons that classic form is classic, and it should be preferred unless doing something differently is actually better for you.

pj
chgo
 
I started to change my habits yesterday. I still use the closed bridge but I am resting the heel of my hand on the table for better stability rather than being jacked up on my fingers. What's interesting is that I'm going back to the fundamentals of lining up my cue then walking into the shot before getting down. I'm feeling kind of like Allison Fisher with mechanical movements and when I'm down I feel a heck of a lot better than before. We'll see how it goes.
 
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