looking for some pictures of 9b break bridge

[Solartje]

Hiya,

still on the same topic, about solly trying to tweak his break in something that works.

before i was using a open bridge. really wasnt working when my hand was on the rail, and even if i love to play with a open bridge on every shot, on the break im using a closed bridge, gives me more confidence when im increasing the power.

So... i adjusted to a closed bridge on the rail (index on the middle finger) thumb relaxed on the rail, and the 2 other fingers wraped tightly over, around and under the rail.

Problem... the highly placed looped finger and the half tip downards aiming makes my ball WAY to jumpy. so i need to try to get my cue more leveled on the break. Ive been told to rest the cue on the cussions and place my hand above it. ive tried several positions but nothing really feels Fixed, strong and controled.

could someone post some pictures of close-ups on how to put your finger above the cue? once im 100% sure how to put my fingers, ill train them untill it feels natural, but i just want to train it the RIGHT way, before spending a month on this bridge.

 

[Dustin_J]

http://www.azbilliards.com/gallery/showpicture.cfm?eventnum=17&photographernum=7&picnum=640
http://www.azbilliards.com/gallery/showpicture.cfm?eventnum=70&photographernum=24&picnum=4754


Here are pictures of Ralf and Neils doing typical rail bridges, which is the same one many people use for breaking off the rail. You can't see their thumbs very well, but it's tucked underneath the hand. Basically, the shaft is rested/pinched between the index finger on one side and the thumb on the other side.

FWIW, when I started breaking with this type of bridge, it felt really weird and unstable. After a few months though, you get used to it and it really helps to keep the cue both level and stable when breaking off the rail.


Also, right below you'll see a closeup of the bridge I use when breaking off the rail. I don't have a table nearby, so I had to improvise, but I think it gets the point across.

 

[arsenius]

I don't know if you can tell from the pictures, but I think one of the key things for a rail bridge is using your thumb as a guide for the cue. You don't just wrap your fingers over the rail, your thumb stays snug and parallel to the cue. Are you doing this?

I always try to teach beginners (not that you are, I just teach my friends sometimes, I'm no instructor) this bridge first, because I think it's the most secure. But I think it always seems to be confusing for them too.

 

[Solartje]

well thx to tanner and the posts here, i was doing something wrong.

my thumb wasnt doing anything. from pictures i could never see what the other fingers where doing. ive been trying the bridge on my kitchentable and the thumb REALLY is important to keep it on the inside and use it as a ruler.

it felt stable, and really helped to hit the cb / tennisball where i wanted. i was having troubles hitting the half tip below center when increasing very slightly in power.

thx for helping me. i knew something in my rail bridge was wrong. the answer: the thumb !

ok now ive got a month to practise it.

I WILL master the power 9b rail break !