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Fundamentals - Cueing Over Balls
- Thread starter Pidge
- Start date
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The middle and ring fingers are bent back, not straight. It looks to me like they are just along for the ride.
I often use the same bridge, for the same reason: ability to get as close as possible to the "blocking" ball. It's never felt more or less stable than other raised bridges.
They layout of the balls near the CB will determine what bridge works best. That's why I mentioned doing a practice bridge/stroke near the balls before getting into position for the actual shot.
Pidge,
Everyone who reads your threads, especially the ones which you write about concerning fundamentals should Rate the thread. For this thread I'm giving you the highest rating.
Your posts are well-written and informative.
You also have my vote for POSTER of the YEAR! This is what this forum is supposed to be all about.
Thanks,
JoeyA
Everyone who reads your threads, especially the ones which you write about concerning fundamentals should Rate the thread. For this thread I'm giving you the highest rating.
Your posts are well-written and informative.
You also have my vote for POSTER of the YEAR! This is what this forum is supposed to be all about.
Thanks,
JoeyA
Cueing over balls
Thanks for posting the info....................
As requested, here are a fee tips to help when hampered by other balls. First things first, understanding why you personally struggle when cueing over a ball is the biggest help for you. Then, you can figure out a way to fix the issue without wasted time trying to fix something that doesn't need fixing.
A common myth around this type of shot is you will never be good at them if you have small hands or short fingers. This is utter rubbish. Some of the best in the world at these kinds of shots have had small hands. My nephew, at 11 years old is able to pocket balls when hampered.
I would like to put a lot of emphasis on the bridge used in these kinds of scenarios. This is the number one reason people miss. The bridge should be strong and stable and form a tripod. The middle finger should be at the front and the index and ring finger behind. What keeps a tripod stable? A wide base. Try placing the tripod bridge then keep the middle finger planted and move the hand back. It should feel like the middle finger is really stretching. Then widen the distance between the index and ring finger. Chances are you can make the tripod much wider than you normally do and this will make it far more stable. The thumb should press firmly against the top knuckle on the index finger to form a solid V. The pinky can do what ever. If it cant touch the table don't worry about it, if it can then by all means place it onto the table to add extra stability. You want to angle your forearm and wrist so the index finger is vertical and the middle finger is forwards slightly. This will allow the cue to run along the V a little easier.
So, why else do people miss? Placing the bridge in the wrong place has to be up there. Don't get down with the tripod already formed. It makes aligning to the shot very tough. Get down as though you're going to hit high on the cue ball to make sure you're aim is right, then slowly raise up to the required elevation whilst forming the tripod. You may have to move the bridge closer or further back, this is a matter of experience and judgement. A little tip though...you can usually get away with a longer bridge than you think. This allows the cue to be more level normally so there shouldn't be any real need to jack right up.
The cue action on these shots needs to be short and precise. Pull back a little bit nice and slowly on your warm up strokes. Again on the actual backswing make it slow and deliberate. On the forward stroke accelerate but try to limit the follow through, especially on shots when the CB is frozen in front of an OB to avoid a double hit. The back hand needs to adjust where it grips the cue when jacked up, just like a jump. Try keeping the elbow and grip on a vertical plane. This is how you normally cue so being jacked up isn't any different. When I'm severely jacked up my grip is just in the middle of joint and wrap so don't be afraid to grip near the joint.
Get the head as close to the cue as possible. The closer the eyes are to the cue the better view you have of how much clearance there is over the obstructing ball. Don't bring the cue closer to the head and chin, bring the head and chin closer to the cue. This ensures you don't elevate the cue more than needed.
When cueing try to keep the elbow fixed. Make the cue go on a straight plane, especially on the follow through.
Don't try doing too much with the shot. If you can get away with rolling the ball in and leaving a longer un-hampered shot on the next ball then just realise that's what the table has dictated and accept it. Understand that the centre of the white chances as you elevate. When fully down what you see as centre ball is intact a miscue or lots of draw when jacked up. Play around with it and get a feel for where the centre is. Then you can accurately play with top and bottom as you get better. I would stick to 1 tip either high or low. Any more and you risk missing the shot.
Shift the weight forward. Not onto the bridge hand but instead onto the front foot. You get a feeling that the cue is free to move easier this way and it tends to stop people...especially me...from snatching at the shot.
What to look at last? I cant answer this. You will need to play around with it. For me, my eyes stay locked on the CB as I pull back, then as I pause they flick to the OB and I pull the trigger. This is how my eyes work on every shot and I've never had the need to change. Others looking at the CB last will increase their percentages, others OB last. If you are a flicker of the eyes between OB-CB then only let the eyes move. You may have to angle the head more to start with but don't do what a lot do and move the head in a slight nodding motion when flicking. Causes the entire body to move and especially the bridge.
Any questions feel free to fire away..
Thanks for posting the info....................
Thanks for the kind words, Joey
I agree and follow all of his work. His comprehensive and clear discussion on fundementals has been a real help to me. Please keep it up.
Thanks
Bert
Bert,
Yes, I agree with you.
If fellow posters followed Pidge's lead, these forums would grow by leaps and bounds and there would be far less of the sniping that goes on and that would lead to a more harmonious atmosphere and a much better informed group of players.
Ok, to hell with it.... Pidge for President.. Oh, wait, he's not from here is he.......
JoeyA
Thanks Pidge!! I was one of them that requested this and will be sure to try some of the stuff mentioned in practice tonight. This is one of the weaker parts of my game and I know my bridge is far less than perfect when doing cueing over a ball so making it wider may help a ton.