open bridge technique?

[nine o nine]

On most of my shots I use a loop bridge but when i need an open one I often ask myself this question. Why do many of the pros and high level players put one or two fingers curled underneath to the cloth? I can't do it comfortably....age.... what's the advantage? I don't see it more stable than having four fingers spread open and palm down. Thoughts? Mitch

 

[Agent 99]

On most of my shots I use a loop bridge but when i need an open one I often ask myself this question. Why do many of the pros and high level players put one or two fingers curled underneath to the cloth? I can't do it comfortably....age.... what's the advantage? I don't see it more stable than having four fingers spread open and palm down. Thoughts? Mitch

I would guess that some players just feel better, some might do it because for them it makes a more stable bridge.

I will use my fingers curled under my hand when I what to follow ... creates a higher bridge, but that's just me. I will also, on some follow shots, pull all my fingers, while spread out on the table, back towards the palm of my hand which also raises the bridge.

I never think about my left hand anymore. Haven't for years, at this stage of the game it is and has been strictly on auto pilot as long as I can remember.

Good rolls.

 

[Skippy27]

Maybe just habit.

Many will start with a low address on the cue to get center and then raise up. If you go up high enough that back finger(s) provide a more stable base. Do it all the time and you think nothing of it.

 

[LAMas]

Maybe they see more of the front of the shaft for aiming.

 

[buckets]

On most of my shots I use a loop bridge but when i need an open one I often ask myself this question. Why do many of the pros and high level players put one or two fingers curled underneath to the cloth? I can't do it comfortably....age.... what's the advantage? I don't see it more stable than having four fingers spread open and palm down. Thoughts? Mitch

comfort probably

weirdly enough, I use the two-fingers-back style when bridging w/ my right hand and the spread out style when using my right