How long is your bridge on average?

[SamLambert]

Hello AZB,

How long is your bridge on average? I've been reading from a few sources about the subject and it seems there are good advantages to both a short and long bridge. I've looked at the bridge length of many pros and even there it seems to vary a lot.

I figured that a lot of people probably vary their bridge length depending on many factors also. If that is the case, please elaborate, I'd like to hear about it.

My usual bridge is pretty long, too long I think even. I'd say it's around 12". This question mostly came up after so many people told me about my bridge being too long.

Thanks,
Sam

 

[ENGLISH!]

I may catch some flack but I think if one is thinking about their bridge length or having a consistent length, then they are not really playing the game. That said I don't focus on or intentionally try to use the pivot length of cues.

I'm sure that I probably have an average 'preferred' length but I could not tell you what it is.

I bridge for the shot & do so however the table allows me.

I will at times choose to bridge long while using the rail over setting my hand on the table because the rail will infringe with my arm.

I'd suggest that you find what seems to work best for you but don't get carried away with being concerned about it or dependent on it.

Focus on making the shot.

Best 2 Ya,
Rick

 

[j_zippel]

Mine used to be 12-14"
After shortening it up as much as possible anyways I instantly potted balls better and had better cue ball control. I lost a bit of cue power but that doesn't bother me one bit. I'm in the 6-8" range now


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[SamLambert]

Mine used to be 12-14"
After shortening it up as much as possible anyways I instantly potted balls better and had better cue ball control. I lost a bit of cue power but that doesn't bother me one bit. I'm in the 6-8" range now

Good info, thanks!

 

[KRJ]

On a bar box. less than 6. Don't need anything more, especially on a Diamond with Simonis. man, the shot gets stone cold accurate when ya "cinch" them on the bar box. Some folks just can't adjust their bridge under a certain amount.

Was much longer when I play on 9 footers, but I want short and sweet on the bar box, more accuracy and more likely to hit it "soft and easy" on the box. Keep everything under control cause there is so little real estate to deal with with lots of balls in the way.
keep it simple

 

[j_zippel]

Good info, thanks!

No problem, I always found it deceiving how far my bridge hand was away from the cue ball. All it takes is recording yourself or taking a lesson. It really felt awkward for a while but after a couple weeks of playing it feels natural


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[randyg]

If you measure your bridge correctly, you measure from the back of the cue ball to the VEE in your bridge hand.

Therefore my normal bridge is 10 inches.

randyg

 

[Straightpool_99]

First time I ever actually measure it. On a normal shot in the middle of the table my bridge length is 12.5 inches. Of course I vary the length as needed. Surprised it was that long, actually.

 

[Bank it]

It varies, about 12" for most shots.

 

[HawaiianEye]

I think keeping a consistent stroke length (the distance between your bridge hand and your cue hand) will help you determine what bridge length is best for you.

 

[jaetee]

Mine is right at 8" and I picked 6-8" on the poll. Could have probably just as easily put myself in the 8-10" range. At 6'3" my bridge is sometimes dictated to me by length of he cue I'm shooting with. Obviously, the given shot has something to do with it too.. But, my general preference for best comfort and overall control of the cue ball on a 9' table is to bridge right at 8."

Regarding the other poster's comments about barbox shooting, I tend to tighten up bridge length a bit to help get comfortable when on tables smaller than 9' as well.

As I sit and watch others in the pool hall play, I often find myself thinking that the modern trend among younger players seems to be for people to go for a longer bridge... And I'm not just talking about bangers.

 

[dr_dave]

I've been reading from a few sources about the subject and it seems there are good advantages to both a short and long bridge. I've looked at the bridge length of many pros and even there it seems to vary a lot.

There actually is an optimal bridge length for every cue and every shot, but the preferred bridge length for a particular player depends on many factors. For more info, including complete lists of advantages and disadvantages of both short and long bridges, see:

bridge length resource page

In general, for a top player using an LD shaft, the optimal bridge length is fairly long (12-14 inches).

Regards,
Dave

 

[SamLambert]

There actually is an optimal bridge length for every cue and every shot, but the preferred bridge length for a particular player depends on many factors. For more info, including complete lists of advantages and disadvantages of both short and long bridges, see:

bridge length resource page

In general, for a top player using an LD shaft, the optimal bridge length is fairly long (12-14 inches).

Regards,
Dave

Great info as usual. Thanks Dr. Dave.

 

[ronlovespool]

If a cue was heavier, or just balanced differently would it allow your cue to be more stable at longer bridge lengths?

 

[skiergd011013]

Bump. Can i get a few more replies. Specifically, what is your average, normal bridge length, tip to bridge point (vee or finger loop). Jeremy jones in this new video recommends 6 to 8 inches. I have been using a 10"(marked on my shaft), and i find it feels a bit too long. I moved the mark down to 8 inches, and there, it looks like i would need to grip the cue right near the end of the wrap to get a 90 degree elbow/arm, right where jeremy is in the video thumbnail photo.

 

[The_JV]

Bump. Can i get a few more replies.

HA... didn't realize how old this was when I casted my vote.

I'd say I hover around 10+. Of course it will alter based on obstructions.

Longer bridges require stronger mechanics. Bridge position should be driven by shaft characteristics to optimize their performance.

 

[Black-Balled]

Sam Lambert. Tee-hee.

Amateur.

 

[ChrisinNC]

Hello AZB,

How long is your bridge on average? I've been reading from a few sources about the subject and it seems there are good advantages to both a short and long bridge. I've looked at the bridge length of many pros and even there it seems to vary a lot.

I figured that a lot of people probably vary their bridge length depending on many factors also. If that is the case, please elaborate, I'd like to hear about it.

My usual bridge is pretty long, too long I think even. I'd say it's around 12". This question mostly came up after so many people told me about my bridge being too long.

Thanks,
Sam

To clarify, I think it would be helpful to define how you measure bridge length? I would say it should be from the back of the cue ball to where your index finger wraps around the shaft for a close bridge, or from the back of the cue ball to where the bottom of the shaft contacts your fingers/thumb for an open bridge.

I know mine is much longer than normal and something I’ve always struggled with, likely 14+ inches.

 

[xX-Wizard-Xx]

why does bridge length matter ... why worry about someone else bridge length?

 

[ShootingArts]

why does bridge length matter ... why worry about someone else bridge length?

Bridge length matters for several reasons. First and foremost, most amateurs at the pool hall seem to favor a very long bridge like they might see on a TV match. That results in less accurate contact between tip and cue ball. Makes the shaft whippier and a little more inclined to a miscue too.

The bridge length can be based on the pivot point of the shaft. We trade off one thing to gain another.

I think the majority of people would play better if they shortened their bridge to eight to ten inches especially shooting an open bridge. It would be stretching things a lot to say I worry about somebody else's bridge. However, their bridge is one part of the story I am putting together of how they shoot before they even hit a ball.

One thing, looking at the votes and watching people play down at the pool hall, I think a good many people would be surprised if they measured their bridge instead of just guessing at it.

Hu