"Phantom Finger" rail bridge (proper name PLS)

K

Klopek

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I've seen Pagulayan use this bridge but cannot find a picture of it anywhere on the web. I've attached an image I whipped together very quickly in Photoshop, (be kind, I'm no artist).

The bridge I'm referring to is used when you need to bridge off the rail and the cue ball is an inch or two away. It's made by pointing your index finger straight down to the ground while your middle, ring and pinky fingers all rest atop the rail. Your index finger is firmly jammed up against the outisde of the table (appears to be missing from above view). You then pres your thumb up to your index finger like you would witha traditional open bridge.

I find this bridge creates an amazing groove for the cue shaft to ride in and the shaft rests right against the rail. It's like using the traditional rail bridge only there's no index finger looped over top the shaft. I use this bridge when I have a long shot say 9 feet corner to corner. I get great sighting and stable cuing with it. Works great.

My question, does anyone else use this type of bridge and do you know what it's called?

Thanks,
Klopek.
 

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This is just called an open hand rail bridge. It is good for shooting balls frozen on the cushion, as long as they're not shot with too much speed, and a loose grip on the cue. The cue should NOT be lifted off the bridge hand any time during the swing. We recommend the standard rail bridge, where the hand is flat on the rail, with the thumb tucked underneath (and along side the cue shaft), and the forefinger over the top of the shaft. This allows a smooth backswing, to a forward accelerated stroke, and no possibility of lifting the cue.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
 
Scott Lee said:
We recommend the standard rail bridge, where the hand is flat on the rail, with the thumb tucked underneath (and along side the cue shaft), and the forefinger over the top of the shaft.[/url]
Click to expand...

Do you recommend this even when the cue is frozen?
 
Klopek said:
I've seen Pagulayan use this bridge but cannot find a picture of it anywhere on the web. I've attached an image I whipped together very quickly in Photoshop, (be kind, I'm no artist).

The bridge I'm referring to is used when you need to bridge off the rail and the cue ball is an inch or two away. It's made by pointing your index finger straight down to the ground while your middle, ring and pinky fingers all rest atop the rail. Your index finger is firmly jammed up against the outisde of the table (appears to be missing from above view). You then pres your thumb up to your index finger like you would witha traditional open bridge.

I find this bridge creates an amazing groove for the cue shaft to ride in and the shaft rests right against the rail. It's like using the traditional rail bridge only there's no index finger looped over top the shaft. I use this bridge when I have a long shot say 9 feet corner to corner. I get great sighting and stable cuing with it. Works great.

My question, does anyone else use this type of bridge and do you know what it's called?

Thanks,
Klopek.
Click to expand...


I think there are numerous ways to do this....

I do something similar...but I like the index finger on top for rail bridge...

I actually use my index finger as a guide...The shaft rubs on the side of my index finger to assist in keeping the cue in line....I subconciously point my index finger at the object ball as I set my bridge hand on the table...

In the picture you can see the middle finger is doing a very similar thing to what I do with my index finger...(Just not touching the shaft) ...

Just personal preference I guess...
 
The important thing is when using this type of Bridge, make sure you are hitting the exact spot on the Cue Ball. Take your time, make sure your weight is shifted forward, and the only thing moving on your body is your arm from the Elbow.:)
 
Klopek said:
... My question, does anyone else use this type of bridge and do you know what it's called?...
Click to expand...
No, I never tuck my index finger under like that and jam it against the side of the table. I have no idea what it's called. But there are lots of other bridges that people use that are good bridges that would be useful to learn. I find it amazing that so many people are unfamiliar with the fist bridge.
 
BRKNRUN said:
I actually use my index finger as a guide...The shaft rubs on the side of my index finger to assist in keeping the cue in line....I subconciously point my index finger at the object ball as I set my bridge hand on the table...

In the picture you can see the middle finger is doing a very similar thing to what I do with my index finger...(Just not touching the shaft)
Click to expand...
In actuality my middle finger is about a half inch over from the shaft, not acting as any kind of guide. I wouldn't want the shaft rubbing along a finger as this puts unnecessary friction on the shaft. Much like the open bridge, just the "V" of my thumb and uppermost index knuckle are in contact with the shaft. The picture is just thrown together, not very accurate, just to show what I mean about the index finger being straight down.
 
Bob Jewett said:
No, I never tuck my index finger under like that and jam it against the side of the table. I have no idea what it's called. But there are lots of other bridges that people use that are good bridges that would be useful to learn. I find it amazing that so many people are unfamiliar with the fist bridge.
Click to expand...
I detect frustration and hostility in this response, was it something I said?.
 
Scott Lee said:
This is just called an open hand rail bridge. It is good for shooting balls frozen on the cushion, as long as they're not shot with too much speed, and a loose grip on the cue. The cue should NOT be lifted off the bridge hand any time during the swing. We recommend the standard rail bridge, where the hand is flat on the rail, with the thumb tucked underneath (and along side the cue shaft), and the forefinger over the top of the shaft. This allows a smooth backswing, to a forward accelerated stroke, and no possibility of lifting the cue.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Click to expand...
Scott, I agree about lifting the cue, but I grew up playing snooker and have never gotten into this habit. I only use this bridge when I'm making a very long shot that I just want to cinch. I usually use a shorter backswing and play with a smooth and delicate stroke. If I need power, I'll use the traditional rail bridge or the fingertip bridge. The problem with the fingertip bridge with long delicate cut shots is it can be a little unstable. The problem with the traditional rail bridge is that it blocks the site line of the shaft. On long shots I'm usuaully right down on the cue, if I had a normal bridge length this wouldn't be a problem. Because I must shorten my bridge length due to the frozen cue ball, the bridge I describe works well and is very, very solid. This bridge also provides a very deep and tight groove for the shaft.

Anyone with an open mind should give it a try, has helped me out of a bunch of jams.
 
CaptainHook said:
The important thing is when using this type of Bridge, make sure you are hitting the exact spot on the Cue Ball. Take your time, make sure your weight is shifted forward, and the only thing moving on your body is your arm from the Elbow.:)
Click to expand...
Isn't this advice applicable to ALL bridge types?. :confused:
 
Klopek said:
I detect frustration and hostility in this response, was it something I said?.
Click to expand...
Not something you said, and I would describe it as annoyance. It appeared to me that no one was actually talking about the particular bridge that you illustrated. I think usage of it is fairly uncommon, as you noted.
 
Bob Jewett said:
Not something you said, and I would describe it as annoyance. It appeared to me that no one was actually talking about the particular bridge that you illustrated. I think usage of it is fairly uncommon, as you noted.
Click to expand...
Ah yes, the troll, I see. I apologize to you. :)

Yes, it is a fairly uncommon bridge given that I've only seen one pro player using it and absolutely no amateurs. I saw Alex use it and said, that looks interesting, think I'll give it a try. Since then I haven't looked back. I might use it once or twice in any given night, but it's great to have another weapon in my arsenal.:D

Thanks,
KLOPEK
 
I agree with Bob. This particular bridge is rarely used, or more accurately - rarely developed by a player. There are numerous variations of extended rail bridges, however, most of which need to be in your arsenal. I can think of at least 7 different open bridges I use when on the rail. I won't hijack the thread by describing them here, plus I'm pretty sure they will be in the Archives.

Bob Jewett said:
Not something you said, and I would describe it as annoyance. It appeared to me that no one was actually talking about the particular bridge that you illustrated. I think usage of it is fairly uncommon, as you noted.
Click to expand...
 
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