Question about the bridge.

[madmiller]

I usually have the same length bridge during my stroke. Many times during playing I was faced with the situation where when I shoot and cannot put my bridge hand where I normally would, due to a ball/cluster of balls there. A lot of times , especially when I don't have to stretch, I just move my bridge hand to a place, where I can put it comfortable in order to make a solid bridge, thus making it longer or shorter than my regular bridge. And usually it doesn't feel comfortable. What do you think is the better thing to do during those occasions? Change the length of your bridge or use the mechanical thing? I got nothing against the mechanical bridge and would use it if I have to when stretching is way too far, especially on a 9 foot or bigger table, but is it a good practice to use the "cheat stick" when you don't have to stretch at all and all you have to do is to move your hand a few inches and change your natural bridge?

 

[Donny Lutz]

Both.

I usually have the same length bridge during my stroke. Many times during playing I was faced with the situation where when I shoot and cannot put my bridge hand where I normally would, due to a ball/cluster of balls there. A lot of times , especially when I don't have to stretch, I just move my bridge hand to a place, where I can put it comfortable in order to make a solid bridge, thus making it longer or shorter than my regular bridge. And usually it doesn't feel comfortable. What do you think is the better thing to do during those occasions? Change the length of your bridge or use the mechanical thing? I got nothing against the mechanical bridge and would use it if I have to when stretching is way too far, especially on a 9 foot or bigger table, but is it a good practice to use the "cheat stick" when you don't have to stretch at all and all you have to do is to move your hand a few inches and change your natural bridge?

If you want to achieve a high level of competence, it's a good idea to be able to vary your stroke length AND be able to use a bridge effectively.

Both require serious practice, preferably after a little guidance from an instructor.

 

[FranCrimi]

It's impossible to be a good player and use the same length bridge on every shot.

First of all, as long as you continue to call the mechanical bridge a 'cheat stick' you are going to be looked down on by real players. Phrases like that are used by people who know practically nothing about playing pool, so unless you want to be looked at that way by players, you should immediately remove phrases like that from your vocabulary.

Back to your question: On rare occasions, I have seen a player use two stacked mechanical bridges to bridge over 14.1 racks on reachable shots that are too difficult for bridging. However, that is extremely rare.

You should practice varying your bridge length on different shots as needed because that is how to play the game properly.

 

[Scott Lee]

As long as you change your grip position to match the change in your natural bridge length, you should be fine. When you have to "push" the cue through the ball (vs. swinging it), especially engaging the shoulder, you should use a mechanical bridge. Remember, on shots where you're stretched out, the cue tip does not have to go all the way past the CB...it can just 'penetrate' the surface and you'll get the same stroke result.

Note: This is not part of your SOP (standard operating procedure), and may look and/or feel different. That said, learning to effectively use a mechanical bridge is essential for higher level play.

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

I usually have the same length bridge during my stroke. Many times during playing I was faced with the situation where when I shoot and cannot put my bridge hand where I normally would, due to a ball/cluster of balls there. A lot of times , especially when I don't have to stretch, I just move my bridge hand to a place, where I can put it comfortable in order to make a solid bridge, thus making it longer or shorter than my regular bridge. And usually it doesn't feel comfortable. What do you think is the better thing to do during those occasions? Change the length of your bridge or use the mechanical thing? I got nothing against the mechanical bridge and would use it if I have to when stretching is way too far, especially on a 9 foot or bigger table, but is it a good practice to use the "cheat stick" when you don't have to stretch at all and all you have to do is to move your hand a few inches and change your natural bridge?

 

[Scott Lee]

While it is true that you must occasionally use a different length bridge for some shots, every player will have an SOP bridge length (just as they will have a natural pendulum range of motion that is based on how their arm works with their body, and a natural finish past the CB), that they will use for perhaps 80% of shots. That's true with all good players. Figuring out and measuring your personal shooting template is a real key to learning to play at a higher level of consistency. Seek out an SPF instructor to learn how to measure yours (or get randyg and my instructional video, Play Better Pool, Vol. 1, Mastering the Fundamentals).

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

It's impossible to be a good player and use the same length bridge on every shot.

You should practice varying your bridge length on different shots as needed because that is how to play the game properly.

 

[madmiller]

Thanks, Scott! When I first started playing a few years ago, I used to change my bridge all the time depending on the table layout. But when I started shooting more seriously, then I heard over and over , usually from world class players, world champions and just good players that consistency in the length of the bridge is one of the keys to success in pool. I started working on that and almost immediately saw progress.
I got no problem using the mechanical bridge and I can shoot one-handed jacked-up( which is relatively easy for me) pretty good. Ran a few racks one-handed, learning how to shoot left-handed(which is very tough) now. But I guess for some special situations I have to practice different length bridges.
Thanks again, and hopefully I will see you soon when you get back to Crooked Cue

 

[FranCrimi]

While it is true that you must occasionally use a different length bridge for some shots, every player will have an SOP bridge length (just as they will have a natural pendulum range of motion that is based on how their arm works with their body, and a natural finish past the CB), that they will use for perhaps 80% of shots. That's true with all good players. Figuring out and measuring your personal shooting template is a real key to learning to play at a higher level of consistency. Seek out an SPF instructor to learn how to measure yours (or get randyg and my instructional video, Play Better Pool, Vol. 1, Mastering the Fundamentals).

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

This is wrong. 80 Percent of all shots are not shot with the same bridge length, that is unless you are a beginner and don't know any better.

 

[Voodoo Daddy]

This is wrong. 80 Percent of all shots are not shot with the same bridge length, that is unless you are a beginner and don't know any better.

Couldnt agree more. Ball position, body structure and the other dozen variables will work against you if you try to reproduce bridge distance to that high of a percentage. Comfort is consistent with repetition...but what do I know?

Voodoo~~~isnt SPF a suntan oil protection level?

 

[FranCrimi]

Couldnt agree more. Ball position, body structure and the other dozen variables will work against you if you try to reproduce bridge distance to that high of a percentage. Comfort is consistent with repetition...but what do I know?

Voodoo~~~isnt SPF a suntan oil protection level?

Ha! Could be either that or motor oil.

Voodoo!! Great to see you!

Voodoo speaks from experience.

 

[Bob Jewett]

If anyone is really interested in this subject, I think they may want to study some of the snooker pros who hold the butt of the cue in exactly the same place on nearly every shot. Of course snooker is different than pool, but I think you don't have to look farther than Corr and Fishers to start to suspect that some ideas from snooker might be useful.

On the other end of the spectrum are the carom players who have a much wider range of bridge lengths than most pool players.

Only fools make absolute statements.

 

[Scott Lee]

madmiller...I'll be there tomorrow afternoon (Wed.). Come say hi and I'll show you what I'm talking about. :thumbup:

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

Thanks, Scott! When I first started playing a few years ago, I used to change my bridge all the time depending on the table layout. But when I started shooting more seriously, then I heard over and over , usually from world class players, world champions and just good players that consistency in the length of the bridge is one of the keys to success in pool. I started working on that and almost immediately saw progress.
I got no problem using the mechanical bridge and I can shoot one-handed jacked-up( which is relatively easy for me) pretty good. Ran a few racks one-handed, learning how to shoot left-handed(which is very tough) now. But I guess for some special situations I have to practice different length bridges.
Thanks again, and hopefully I will see you soon when you get back to Crooked Cue

 

[Scott Lee]

madmiller...I missed you Wedenesday. I'll be at Crooked Cue again tomorrow afternoon. Come introduce yourself, and let me show you a couple of things. :grin:

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

 

[dougster26]

When using a mechanical bridge, why is it that some great shot makers completely bungle their shot when using the bridge? I know one guy in particular who you can count on to miss the shot. I know that you should anchor the bridge handle to the table so that it doesn't move and also position your arm differently. I myself have troubles sometimes on what I consider an easier type shot.

Any insight in to this as what one might be doing wrong or perceiving. I know it doesn't help to tell yourself that you hate to use the bridge when reaching for it. Maybe this is the problem.

 

[Scott Lee]

dougster26...Your last two sentences is the answer. They don't PRACTICE using the bridge. So when it comes time when it's necessary, they feel uncomfortable. My first teacher used to give me homework, where I had to practice 25% of the allotted time using the bridge only. That was more than 40 years ago. I have always been comfortable using and teaching how to use a mechanical bridge.

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

When using a mechanical bridge, why is it that some great shot makers completely bungle their shot when using the bridge? I know one guy in particular who you can count on to miss the shot. I know that you should anchor the bridge handle to the table so that it doesn't move and also position your arm differently. I myself have troubles sometimes on what I consider an easier type shot.

Any insight in to this as what one might be doing wrong or perceiving. I know it doesn't help to tell yourself that you hate to use the bridge when reaching for it. Maybe this is the problem.