The Long Closed Bridge?

[mnorwood]

I had the pleasure of watching Shane play today. I noticed he has a really long closed bridge like Busta. Do they do this for aiming purposes? It seams his index finger knuckle would be in his line of aim if the bridge were closer to the cue ball. Other than it allowing for more power what is the advantage of this long bridging style?

 

[Colin Colenso]

My main guess is that positions their bridge close to where their effective pivot point is. i.e About 13-15 inches for many shots if using a low squirt cue.

This may not be their thinking, but they may find that many shots played with english are easier to judge at this bridge length.

Colin

 

[Matt_24]

I think a lot of players like Shane who have been playing since birth really don't put that much thought into pivot points, squirt, etc.

They just do what works, which they have learned through hours of trial and error (or practice).

Some players like a really short bridge (Allen Hopkins, Grady Mathews, Buddy Hall)....and these guys can move the cue ball as well as anyone. You just figue out what works and do it.

 

[whitewolf]

I had the pleasure of watching Shane play today. I noticed he has a really long closed bridge like Busta. Do they do this for aiming purposes? .........QUOTE]

IMHO, the answer to your question is probably yes.

Watch Alex Pagu.... His bridge lenth is long but the pulls the cue back 2 inches on the average. I personally think Alex follows through in a very weird/not straight manner.

Also, watch Rodney Morris - same thing - though he brings his cue back 3 to 4 inches on a full stroke. Rodney follows through straight as as arrow.

Shane brings his cue back all the way to his bridge hand. Does he ever follow through nicely! He brings his cue straight back. Probably one of the best strokes that I have seen recently. Sort of reminds me of Cole Dickson.