New Video on HOW TO REACH Tough-to-Reach SHOTS

[dr_dave]

FYI, I just posted a new video that demonstrates many effective ways to reach shots that are tough to reach. Check it out:

Contents:
0:00 - Intro
0:07 - Bridge and Cue Length
1:12 - Lean On The Table
1:52 - Sit On The Table
2:41 - Opposite Hand
3:10 - Dart Stroke
3:52 - Mechanical Bridge
5:11 - Butt Push
5:37 - Reverse Stroke
6:22 - More Info
---- 6:38 - shot montage

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy!

 

[sudocrushms]

Found an excuse to use the booty-cam?

As a short-ish player, the introduction of butt extensions has been a game-changer. I used to play full games with the bridge to practice and now i very rarely need to use one. I've learned when i need an extension (and which one) just by looking at where the CB/OB are on the table.

Also a perfect example of why core strength and flexibility (which you noted) is important. I've played against people literally a foot taller than me that can't reach spots on the table i can. I have hockey/softball/lifting/biking to thank. I'll bet swimming is great too (Jayson Shaw).

 

[FrankieD]

Putting out some good content lately, Dr Dave! I like the simpler, less technical videos. I think they compliment your channel nicely and are quite helpful.

 

[dr_dave]

Found an excuse to use the booty-cam?

You gotta show a little booty every once in a while to keep the ladies interested.

As a short-ish player, the introduction of butt extensions has been a game-changer. I used to play full games with the bridge to practice and now i very rarely need to use one. I've learned when i need an extension (and which one) just by looking at where the CB/OB are on the table.

Agreed! I am tall (6'3") and play mostly bar-box 8-ball, and I still pull out my butt extension every once in a while (even with my permanent joint extension).

Also a perfect example of why core strength and flexibility (which you noted) is important. I've played against people literally a foot taller than me that can't reach spots on the table i can. I have hockey/softball/lifting/biking to thank. I'll bet swimming is great too (Jayson Shaw).

Conditioning, strength, and flexibility are definitely helpful assets.

 

[dr_dave]

Putting out some good content lately, Dr Dave! I like the simpler, less technical videos. I think they compliment your channel nicely and are quite helpful.

Thanks. I have many more "simpler, less technical" videos planned for my "Pool Made Simple" series. I am also open to suggestions.

 

[sudocrushms]

Agreed! I am tall (6'3") and play mostly bar-box 8-ball, and I still pull out my butt extension every once in a while (even with my permanent joint extension).

I'm a lil over 5'9" so *technically* not that short, but going to school in ND made me feel tiny. They grow em big out there: had 2 friends that were 6'10 and 6'11 (most at least 6'). Both of them had to be careful reaching over the table because they'd hit their heads on the lights.

 

[dr_dave]

I'm a lil over 5'9" so *technically* not that short, but going to school in ND made me feel tiny. They grow em big out there: had 2 friends that were 6'10 and 6'11 (most at least 6'). Both of them had to be careful reaching over the table because they'd hit their heads on the lights.

Being tall would seem like an advantage in pool, but tall players need to bend down a lot lower to get into a low stance, which involves more strain and fatigue. Also, most of the top pool players have historically been short (and that trend seems to continue). For example, Alex is a lot better than me:

 

[bbb]

dr dave
another video bridging the gaps in our knowledge of pool.....
2 questions
is it legal to have the cue laying on the table as demonstrated for the butt push and reverse stroke?
when you stacked the bridges
one pic shows the top bridge butt on the table
the second pic below looks to me as if it is in the air base on the horizontal angle

 

[dr_dave]

dr dave
another video bridging the gaps in our knowledge of pool.....

I love bridging gaps, especially with two mechanical bridges.

2 questions
is it legal to have the cue laying on the table as demonstrated for the butt push and reverse stroke?

Yes. See WPA Rule 1.3:

1.3 Player’s Use of Equipment
... The equipment must be used only for the purpose or in the manner that the equipment was intended. (See 6.17 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.)
...
(c) Mechanical Bridges – The player may use up to two mechanical bridges to support the cue stick during the shot. The configuration of the bridges is up to the player. He may use his own bridge if it is similar to standard bridges.

when you stacked the bridges
one pic shows the top bridge butt on the table
the second pic below looks to me as if it is in the air base on the horizontal angle
View attachment 791382View attachment 791383

Either is fine.

 

[bbb]

I love bridging gaps, especially with two mechanical bridges.




...
(c) Mechanical Bridges – The player may use up to two mechanical bridges to support the cue stick during the shot. The configuration of the bridges is up to the player. He may use his own bridge if it is similar to standard bridges.




Either is fine.

isnt in the air unstable?

 

[dr_dave]

isnt in the air unstable?

Having both on the table is certainly more stable. When I filmed the side view, I just wanted the view to look cleaner, with everything at a different level for clarity. Also, the angle of the cue guide in the bridge was a little weird with the butt of the bridge angled all the way down to the table.

 

[bbb]

Having both on the table is certainly more stable. When I filmed the side view, I just wanted the view to look cleaner, with everything at a different level for clarity. Also, the angle of the cue guide in the bridge was a little weird with the butt of the bridge angled all the way down to the table.

Thanks for the clarification

 

[hkpoolguy]

Awesome. Always excited to see a new Dr. Dave video.

Using the dart stroke on a shortened jump cue to reach over a ball is genius. I'll have to give that a try. Can't count how many times I've miscued on a shot like that or grazed the object ball in front accidentally with my cue. I'll also have to give the bumper push technique a try. Seems useful.

How do you come up with these tricks? I've never seen them used in pool halls or on tournament recordings

 

[hkpoolguy]

One technique not in this video is the "Mark Williams" underarm shot for when shot is on the hard to reach side of the table.

I've actually seen this one used by a few people and they are quite effective at it.

 

[gregcantrall]

Some good stuff
" novelty shots need confirmation with the rules committee before execution " would be my League thought. Heck I had a guy run for the referee when I used the crutch to jump a full ball and make with perfect shape. My add on bridge head with a expanding back scratcher was Too novel.

Your quick dismal uh oops slip Freud. Dismissal of the other hand is discouraging. The one legged man in a butt kicking contest is the analogy that comes to mind.
Seriously we all have different diss abilities but there's no harm in trying make the diss part smaller. Double kiss shots are a disability I possess. Playing Double Kiss Doolie one pocket was interesting lessons. Guess I better go practice or at least attempt that ever so elusive Double kiss skil. Wink

 

[sudocrushms]

One technique not in this video is the "Mark Williams" underarm shot for when shot is on the hard to reach side of the table.

I've actually seen this one used by a few people and they are quite effective at it.

I use this fairly frequently for shots along the right cushion (right handed). Eye alignment can be tough though.

 

[dr_dave]

Awesome. Always excited to see a new Dr. Dave video.

Thanks. I'm glad to hear it.

Using the dart stroke on a shortened jump cue to reach over a ball is genius. I'll have to give that a try. Can't count how many times I've miscued on a shot like that or grazed the object ball in front accidentally with my cue. I'll also have to give the bumper push technique a try. Seems useful.

I hope you find them useful in the future.

How do you come up with these tricks? I've never seen them used in pool halls or on tournament recordings

I collected links over the years to videos of pros using the various techniques. I also did more research when I worked on this video:

Pull up that video on YouTube and expand the video description. Links to many pro execution examples can be found under "Pro examples of bridges used in this video."

 

[dr_dave]

One technique not in this video is the "Mark Williams" underarm shot for when shot is on the hard to reach side of the table.

I've actually seen this one used by a few people and they are quite effective at it.

I've tried that technique, and I almost included it in this video, but I thought the other alternatives were better. Regardless, I do have the following included in the YouTube video description and pinned comment:

Additional Techniques:
- Top 10 Creative Billiards Bridge Options:

- Mark Williams' interesting (albeit difficult to master) under-arm wrist-flick technique:

I'll add others there as I find or hear about them.