Tip work? Bridge work?

[BoSoxFanatic21]

I have no idea if its in my stroke or what but I am missing all kinds of long shots, and a good deal of frozen-rail cut shots, and I'm thinking it might be my tip or something. Ive shaped it down as best I know how....which is not very much...so any ideas on how my tip should be shaped and how to accomplish that? I've got an atrox tool so i can do the work, I just need to know what direction to take.

Also, I recently switched to a closed bridge, which ive noticed does 2 things. One, my cue ball control has skyrocketed and Two, I've become slightly less accurate. Any ideas on how I can keep one and get better on two?

Thanks for the help guys! (and gals )

 

[StevenPWaldon]

Sounds like it's less of the tip than it is the shooter. Alignment and fundamentals would probably serve you best at this point.

You may want to explain how you're missing the long shots, and rail shots -- too full? Too thin?

It's times like these that I just set up the shot a few dozen times, and make a mental note of where I'm missing so that I can adjust. For example, today I was missing a lot of long cut shots, overcutting every one of them. When I made the physical adjustment, I started improving my potting by 300-400%.

 

[CROTALUS ATROX]

I have no idea if its in my stroke or what but I am missing all kinds of long shots, and a good deal of frozen-rail cut shots, and I'm thinking it might be my tip or something. Ive shaped it down as best I know how....which is not very much...so any ideas on how my tip should be shaped and how to accomplish that? I've got an atrox tool so i can do the work, I just need to know what direction to take.

Also, I recently switched to a closed bridge, which ive noticed does 2 things. One, my cue ball control has skyrocketed and Two, I've become slightly less accurate. Any ideas on how I can keep one and get better on two?

Thanks for the help guys! (and gals )

Well BoSox, I will address a few things:
1. Your tip grooming- you need to decide on either the dime or nickel radius during the shaping process and stick with a particular radius. Don't change it. The key to anyone's game is consistency. Not only in the method of shooting mechanics and technique but also in the equipment and staying adapted to the performance of that equipment. In your case, the tip. After you shape the tip, use the gauge to check the radius that is applicable. Then use the SAC Channel to burnish. Then use a fang to gently perforate the tip. Then you're set.
Also, the type of cue you are using with shaft flex will be playing a part.
A quality PERFORMANCE cue.

2. Technique: Adjusting your length of bridge to the cue ball WILL have an impact on your game. Fact is, you should have a medium length predominantly for most shots. Adjusting your bridge hand is like driving a car. It's more used for speed control. A long bridge give's the cue ball gas. More speed. Bringing your bridge hand much closer to the cue ball is putting on the brakes. Close bridges are for certain finese shots and delicate safety shots. Don't use a close bridge on every shot and don't use a very long bridge on every shot. Use the medium the most, about 95%. Build your consistency by doing everything consistent. The proper stance, the proper bridge, the proper line-up. 95% of aiming takes place before you even go down to shoot. Also, a close bridge cramps the stroke considerably for length of table shots and your likely to throw the cue ball off the trajectory from which you intended.

I hope this helps.
Thanks,David

 

[Cameron Smith]

I have no idea if its in my stroke or what but I am missing all kinds of long shots, and a good deal of frozen-rail cut shots, and I'm thinking it might be my tip or something. Ive shaped it down as best I know how....which is not very much...so any ideas on how my tip should be shaped and how to accomplish that? I've got an atrox tool so i can do the work, I just need to know what direction to take.

Also, I recently switched to a closed bridge, which ive noticed does 2 things. One, my cue ball control has skyrocketed and Two, I've become slightly less accurate. Any ideas on how I can keep one and get better on two?

Thanks for the help guys! (and gals )

I agree with steven it's probably you, not your tip.

The issue is your alignment. Try to find the line of the shot and put the cue on that line. The second part is to make sure you follow through at least a couple of inches. Keep your bridge length between 6-8 inches. There is no real reason to have it any longer than that.

When getting into your stance try to break it down into steps (not literal steps). For example= step forward, put your cue on the line of the shot and place your bridge hand, bend down into your stance. I like to keep my eyes on the object ball as I get myself aligned, that way I know I am maintaining the angle.