Forearm on the table

[Dead Crab]

Wondering how instructors view a stance where the bridge-hand forearm is placed on the table, or part of the forearm on the rail on the rail.

Johnny Archer and a few other top players do it a lot. I find that it provides a very stable bridge. Good, bad, indifferent?

 

[greyghost]

the only time your forearm should be up is if your using that high follow bridge like you see earl and a few others use.

the arm should be down b/c of stability. There is no reason for the bridge arm to be up in the air (unless the shot dictates that)

best wishes,
-Grey Ghost-

 

[Scott Lee]

I have to disagree Keeb. Far more players shoot with a locked elbow on their bridge hand arm. This provides a stable bridge, and allows for good pressure on the palm and fingertips of your bridge hand, and creates the stable "tripod" stance, with weight balanced between your feet and bridge hand. When I see someone shooting with their forearm on the table, the first thing I want to see, is if they are putting pressure on the bridge hand on the table (as it is very easy to get lazy with the bridge arm, and have a "sloppy" bridge hand). If they are putting sufficient pressure on the bridge hand, then I don't make an issue of it.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

the only time your forearm should be up is if your using that high follow bridge like you see earl and a few others use.

the arm should be down b/c of stability. There is no reason for the bridge arm to be up in the air (unless the shot dictates that)

best wishes,
-Grey Ghost-

 

[pooltchr]

I don't see any problem with either method. If it results in a stable bridge, and it's comfortable, it's ok.

If anything, I might suggest practicing both ways. Sooner or later, a situation will come up where there is another ball on the table where the shooter wants to put his arm. When that happens, you have to be comfortable with only the hand, and not the forearm, on the table.

Steve

 

[Dead Crab]

So if someone is shooting straight armed, with forearm off the table, how much weight should be on the bridge hand? For example, if someone jerked their bridge hand out, should they fall forward?

 

[Scott Lee]

Dead Crab...That's a good question. The answer is that it varies from person to person. You want enough weight so that if you shoot a fast stroke, your hand stays on the table, but not so much that it gives you stiff or aching muscles in your forearm or shoulder, if you shoot that way for a few hours.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

So if someone is shooting straight armed, with forearm off the table, how much weight should be on the bridge hand? For example, if someone jerked their bridge hand out, should they fall forward?

 

[SpiderWebComm]

I have to disagree Keeb. Far more players shoot with a locked elbow on their bridge hand arm. This provides a stable bridge, and allows for good pressure on the palm and fingertips of your bridge hand, and creates the stable "tripod" stance, with weight balanced between your feet and bridge hand. When I see someone shooting with their forearm on the table, the first thing I want to see, is if they are putting pressure on the bridge hand on the table (as it is very easy to get lazy with the bridge arm, and have a "sloppy" bridge hand). If they are putting sufficient pressure on the bridge hand, then I don't make an issue of it.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

I think this is really important. Slight pressure on your bridge provides a certain "locking" sensation into shot. I think if your bridge is totally neutral with pressure, you're going be limp and you might setup different every time. There's a reason most pros "squish" their bridges into place. Not a TON of pressure, but I think you want your bridge to feel as though it's part of the table.

 

[Mark Avlon]

Placing the forearm or elbow on the table or rail can add a lot of stability, particularly when using your finger tips for high bridge to clear obstructions.

I don't see any problem with either method. If it results in a stable bridge, and it's comfortable, it's ok.

What's the purpose of the bridge? It guides the cue to the spot on the cue ball you want to hit. To do this accurately, a bridge needs to be stable and comfortable, as pool teacher noted.

How you form a bridge, place your hand and position your arm, doesn't matter if you are stable and comfortable, because it will still accurately guide the cue to its target.

There are many situations where you cannot make your preferred bridge. Situations like shooting off the rail, over a pocket, or at a low angle to the cushion (all with the cue ball close to the cushion), with balls in the way, and when when using a mechanical bridge. You can still make a stable and comfortable bridge in situations like these. You just have to be creative.

 

[Black-Balled]

I have seen Mike Sigel play a lot recently and his hand is the only thing that touches ever.

Self: sore shoulder sufferer.

 

[greyghost]

I have to disagree Keeb. Far more players shoot with a locked elbow on their bridge hand arm. This provides a stable bridge, and allows for good pressure on the palm and fingertips of your bridge hand, and creates the stable "tripod" stance, with weight balanced between your feet and bridge hand. When I see someone shooting with their forearm on the table, the first thing I want to see, is if they are putting pressure on the bridge hand on the table (as it is very easy to get lazy with the bridge arm, and have a "sloppy" bridge hand). If they are putting sufficient pressure on the bridge hand, then I don't make an issue of it.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

I understand what your saying and def agree scott.....the main problem i have with the arm in the air and locked......especially if you get down on the shot, it can and does cause hypertension in the elbow and lead shoulders rotator cup.

I'm looking at this from a physical standpoint, not a performance standpoint

Screw player performance.....its bad for your body. Arthritis, rotator cup and and hypertension are bound to be found and i've seen it in a bunch of players.....and heard many more complaints.

I always agree with many of the ideas that things are on the fence and a player can do either or, like pendulum or piston stroke.

But some things should be known that are NOT GOOD FOR THE BODY. Tho it may or may not have a detrimental effect on your performance.

Tho....If you do start having problems with hypertension, or pain in the rotator cup don't you think its going to effect performance?

Its like everyone believing that you should run heel to toe.....go ahead ruin your knees be my guest.

A little pressure goes along way......good for your game, bad for your body.

Just something to keep in mind....... if your going to lock out your arm do so with as little pressure as possible.

One of the cases I'm talking about is myself......I was a full paid runner in college with a hyperextended elbow and a chronic sore shoulder.....took some kinesiology classes, worked with my trainer and fixed the problems.

The problem was my stance. The way I was "comfortable" was making me severely uncomfortable. Dead straight locked out elbow in the air.

Thats my only issue with teaching "which ever is comfortable for you" is fine....b/c its not always fine....tho it usually is just fine the way they do it.

No more, never again.

-Grey Ghost-

 

[poolplayer2093]

Wondering how instructors view a stance where the bridge-hand forearm is placed on the table, or part of the forearm on the rail on the rail.

Johnny Archer and a few other top players do it a lot. I find that it provides a very stable bridge. Good, bad, indifferent?

only on the break! that's how i do it anyway

 

[Mr. Wiggles]

Lazy arm

Great player pointed this out to me years ago. Considerable pressure should be applied to bridge hand where it touches table. To lay arm on table reduces weight on bridge hand and also freezes your head at a specific place. If your arm is on table your elbow is also. Forget that some players do it and get away with it. I drive my truck with my knees while eating a hamburger, but I am still wrong to do that so the police tell me!! The real question is WHY would you do this? The correct terminology is Lazy Arm. Don't be lazy!