Shooting Accuracy Using Closed vs. Open Bridge

[the chicken]

I've found that my accuracy is much better when using a closed bridge, compared to an open one.

Is this something unique to my style of shooting, or have others noticed this as well?

 

[Fast Lenny]

I've found that my accuracy is much better when using a closed bridge, compared to an open one.

Is this something unique to my style of shooting, or have others noticed this as well?

I recently have started using a closed bridge and my game has improved for sure. I feel more accurate and controlled on draw shots, for some follow shots I will use an open hand bridge because I feel I go through the ball better. I guess its all preference.

 

[fast&loose designs]

I agree ^^. Draw shots require more control than any other type, so closed is best. I only use an open bridge for high English, or when bridging over balls. Knowing both is critical.

 

[Patrick Johnson]

I like an open bridge for more accuracy because the unbroken line of the shaft helps me aim. I use an open bridge for all shots, including power draw/follow and breaking, with no problems. In fact, the only time I use a closed bridge is when I can't comfortably fit an open bridge in the available space.

I think the benefits of a closed bridge are mostly related to confidence - which can be very important.

pj
chgo

 

[Atlatlien]

I like an open bridge for more accuracy because the unbroken line of the shaft helps me aim. I use an open bridge for all shots, including power draw/follow and breaking, with no problems. In fact, the only time I use a closed bridge is when I can't comfortably fit an open bridge in the available space.

I think the benefits of a closed bridge are mostly related to confidence - which can be very important.

pj
chgo

This is me. I very rarely use a closed bridge. Open works for me unless I'm at a very awkward angle on a rail or in a corner pocket. Whatever works best for you is the answer. Plus, I look more like a noob with an open bridge, which can work to my advantage.

 

[M4verick]

I use both but closed bridge provides more stability on power strokes, long shots or draws.

My aiming efficiency has improved greatly when I switched almost exclusively to closed bridge.

 

[Bob Jewett]

I've found that my accuracy is much better when using a closed bridge, compared to an open one.

Is this something unique to my style of shooting, or have others noticed this as well?

You may want to look at some of the snooker videos. None of those champions ever uses a closed bridge even for power draw shots. Of course, it takes nearly perfect mechanics to make an open bridge work for such shots.

An open bridge reveals problems in your mechanics.

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

I use both and sometimes couldn't really give you a reason, just go with what feels right for the shot without thinking about it.

That said, if I were to categorize myself I'm a closed bridge guy.

 

[Celtic]

Open bridges normally improve potting ability (on tables where you would notice it like a snooker table or a very tight 9-foot). This is why snooker players use open bridges pretty near excusively, they need the level of accuracy that can be obtained.

Closed bridges on the other hand can lead to a higher level of cueball control and as such on small table games with larger pockets like a bar box 8 a closed bridge can be beneficial.

Basically the two types of bridges are a tradeoff between potting accuracy and cueball control.

 

[Tramp Steamer]

I use both the open and closed bridge, depending upon the shot. But, since I play One Pocket almost exclusively, I will use an open bridge more often than not. Hey, that rhymes.
Anyway, I think it depends upon the shooter and his, or her, preferences that have developed over his, or her, years of play. :smile:

 

[Matt]

Open bridges normally improve potting ability (on tables where you would notice it like a snooker table or a very tight 9-foot). This is why snooker players use open bridges pretty near excusively, they need the level of accuracy that can be obtained.

Closed bridges on the other hand can lead to a higher level of cueball control and as such on small table games with larger pockets like a bar box 8 a closed bridge can be beneficial.

Basically the two types of bridges are a tradeoff between potting accuracy and cueball control.

Agreed. With a closed bridge, it's easier to make the cue ball dance since you know you have a good hold of the cue and a "brake" to stop it as you get to the thicker part of the shaft. With an open bridge, you get a better line of sight down the shaft and can see more of the ball when you're down low. My stance is usually a bit lower with an open bridge in order to take advantage of that.

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

Open bridges normally improve potting ability (on tables where you would notice it like a snooker table or a very tight 9-foot). This is why snooker players use open bridges pretty near excusively, they need the level of accuracy that can be obtained.

Yeah, I've heard this but I imagine the conical taper on most snooker cues had a lot to do with the evolution of the open bridge in that game. Also many say the closed bridge is better for hard draw strokes but for most players the harder they hit the CB the more difficult it is to be accurate. So wouldn't the hard draw stroke call for an open bridge?

A player needs to learn and be able to use both, but it's mainly a matter of personal preference. PJ for example, said the uninterrupted sight line helps him. For me the closed bridge is more accurate, on long shots for example. Doesn't mean the closed bridge is the correct one, just the right one for me.

 

[sfleinen]

Yeah, I've heard this but I imagine the conical taper on most snooker cues had a lot to do with the evolution of the open bridge in that game. Also many say the closed bridge is better for hard draw strokes but for most players the harder they hit the CB the more difficult it is to be accurate. So wouldn't the hard draw stroke call for an open bridge?

A player needs to learn and be able to use both, but it's mainly a matter of personal preference. PJ for example, said the uninterrupted sight line helps him. For me the closed bridge is more accurate, on long shots for example. Doesn't mean the closed bridge is the correct one, just the right one for me.

I agree with this synopsis. I'm probably 70/30 or 60/40 in favor of the closed bridge. I use a variant of the "index-finger-pressing-down-upon-middle-finger" bridge, but I "scrunch" it where the internal "V" channel is right-side-up. (Versus laying on its side, like this ">" [for right-hander / left-hand bridge] or like this "<" [for left-hander / right-hand bridge].) Thus, with the righted "V" channel, I can accomodate conical tapers quite easily without the inherent "rise" [of the taper following upwards out of the "V" channel] going sideways.

The other facet of this style of bridge (vs the classically-depicted "looped index finger" closed bridge) is that it is "self-locking." Meaning, the action of the index finger pressing down upon one of the legs of the tripod (i.e. the middle finger) means there are no wobbly parts as in a looped-index-finger style of closed bridge. And, I can wedge it really tight against the cushion for down the rail shots.

I do use the open bridge for "rhythm" shots -- where I'm picking balls off in rapid-fire succession that are in close proximity to each other -- e.g. clustering near a pocket. I also use the open bridge for when the cue ball is frozen to the cushion and the object ball is some distance away -- in this case, I have to get down really low to the cue and sight a small fraction of the top of the cue ball visible to me, so in this ONLY case, the unobstructed sight line helps.

The style of open bridge I use is with the thumb folded over onto the index finger, and the cue shaft travels between the "V" formed by the knuckles of the thumb and index fingers.

-Sean

 

[Cdryden]

An open bridge reveals problems in your mechanics.

Good point, I think I might play a few hours tonight using only a open bridge and see what happens.

I typically switch back and forth between an open and closed bridge depending on the shot.