Gradstudent78
Registered
Any advice on improving accuracy on frozen cue ball shots (against the rail) and the best rail bridge to use for them? Thanks.
--Grad
--Grad
Frozen Cue ball + rail bridge
- Thread starter Gradstudent78
- Start date
on/off the rail
Grad, open bridge, fingers on the back edge of the rail. Strike down and slightly thru cushion, instead of at the top of the CB.
Rod. <--works better for me.
Grad, open bridge, fingers on the back edge of the rail. Strike down and slightly thru cushion, instead of at the top of the CB.
Rod. <--works better for me.
Lay cue stick on rail and from below, raise your bridge fingers (thumb and forefinger) up until you contact the cue stick and raise the cue up just about a quarter inch off the rail.
You can get a pretty good level stroke from here and still contact the cue ball with a lot of leather.
You can get a pretty good level stroke from here and still contact the cue ball with a lot of leather.
I second this. Another way to accomplish the same thing as "striking down through the edge of the cushion" is to actually use pressure from your grip hand to press the cue down into your bridge. I wouldn't recommend this on any other shot, but I tried it based on a tip in a Pat Fleming video, and it really makes the hit feel more "solid". I find one thing that makes these shots tough is you're hitting pretty close to the miscue limit, and as such I tend not to stroke through the ball confidently. Using the downward pressure makes the hit feel more solid, as if I were hitting closer to the center of the ball, and I stroke more confidently. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but it's something to try.
-Andrew
I had instructors tell me a couple of things that really helped me with regards to this shot.
1) shorten your stroke on this shot (but dont jab),
and
2) a professional doesnt see the rail there. they take it for granted that they are stroking a follow shot, and pretend the rail isnt even there.
DCP
1) shorten your stroke on this shot (but dont jab),
and
2) a professional doesnt see the rail there. they take it for granted that they are stroking a follow shot, and pretend the rail isnt even there.
DCP
Keep the "striking down" to a small degree, you want to stay as level as possible while still making solid contact. Im sure this is the same thing the others were saying, just want to make sure you dont start jacking up on the shot.
I would be curious to see high speed film on the shooting through the rail, depending on how much rail you hit it may be possible to make the rail move the ball before the tip hits it which I would assume would be a foul.
Dont try to do too much with the shot. Its hard enough to just make the ball, so dont try to hammer it to get the cueball to go up and down the table for shape. Just make it and take what you get within reason.
Woody
I would be curious to see high speed film on the shooting through the rail, depending on how much rail you hit it may be possible to make the rail move the ball before the tip hits it which I would assume would be a foul.
Dont try to do too much with the shot. Its hard enough to just make the ball, so dont try to hammer it to get the cueball to go up and down the table for shape. Just make it and take what you get within reason.
Woody
The best thing I have learned about these shots is to not let the tip of your cue graze the cushion when you strike the cue ball. This improved my accuracy on this shots greatly.
I agree with this. I don't think shooting "thru" the rail is good. Also DrCue'sProtege "shorten your stroke on this shot (but dont jab)" is good advice.
I do this. I actually rotate my grip hand so that my thumb is perpendicular to the floor. I use the "fleshy" part between my thumb and forefinger to put downward pressure on the cue. It works great.
Here's a rail bridge that Earl Strickland showed us during the Legends & Champions pool school that I really like. This pic isn't a great example but it's the closest I have and you can kind of see what's going on.
Place the tips of your index and pinky fingers on the very outside edge of the table and rest your two middle fingers against the table for stability.
I have a technique that has improved my accuracy. I grip the cue a little firmer and draw the cue back a little slower than normal. A slow back swing has helped me. As long as I am not elevated too much this helps in my control. I also have different bridges. It's dependent on the distance of the shot and the width of the rails where I place my hand.
I use an open bridge on long rail shots, which works fine.
The first key to accuracy is to be extra careful in making sure you are right on the center line of the cue ball. Any deviation will cause a swerve. The swerve effect is exagerated because the cue is elevated a little.
The second key is to set up with your head back as far as you can comfortably get it, your left arm fully extended, head low on the cue, and the cue as level as possible. This gives you the longest sight of aim and least elevation, which makes these shots easier.
The third key is to draw the cue back slowly on the final stroke and make a good positive stroke through the cue ball. This will ensure your tip stays on the center line - see #1.
Practice the three suggestions above and I think you'll find you will make a lot more of these difficult shots.
Chris
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watch all 5 of these... then do the drill everyday for a month..
it will turn your weakness into a strength.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umDcg6D3-tI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMp_LPZZkF0&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED212HnYzgA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_syG7g_5pQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7hL5AZZZQE&feature=related
good luck:thumbup:
I like to lean into my bridge hand just a little bit.
SLIGHT downward pressure from your shooting hand is the key, imo. I'm not a fan of stroking into the rail--- too much bad can come from that. The downward pressure prevents lifting up and miscuing. Stroke straight through the CB. I HAAAATE rolling the CB, but Stick8 is right - this is one of the only times ever I roll the CB.
this is simple-----qb frozen to rail-- dont[shoot ball] roll the qb-- set up long straight in shoot --freeze qb to rail-- now roll th shot!!! the get on here and thank me!!!!!
I think that it's good to train yourself to not shoot these shots tentatively. I'm not saying slam the ball, but learn to be able to hit the ball with authority.