tips on using a bridge

bullshot

bullshot

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I'm mainly a bar box player but I've been playing on 9 footers a lot more lately. My transition has been going smoothly other than using the bridge. I'm tall enough to where I've never had to use it on a bar box, But I find myself using it a significant amount on the big table with disastrous results. I've tried practicing with it a little but it feels like I'm doing it completely wrong. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. :thumbup:
 
Put the bridge completely on the table, don't hold it up unless you absolutely have to. Just keep practicing otherwise, maybe watch some snooker players use a bridge to see if you're totally screwed up.
 
bullshot...You can also lay the bridge at an angle to the shot line...it doesn't have to be on the same line as your cue (make sure when you get it situated, you put some pressure on the bridge handle, so the bridge doesn't move when you shoot). Another tip: Hold the cue like a dart, not like your normal grip. Move your elbow so that it is parallel to the table (rather than underneath your body). Keep your bridge length close to the CB (6-8" for most shots). Try to use mostly wrist, when shooting with the bridge. Keep your shots simple. Many players make the mistake of trying to do too much with the CB, when using a bridge. Hope this helps...

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
 
Scott Lee said:
bullshot...You can also lay the bridge at an angle to the shot line...it doesn't have to be on the same line as your cue (make sure when you get it situated, you put some pressure on the bridge handle, so the bridge doesn't move when you shoot). Another tip: Hold the cue like a dart, not like your normal grip. Move your elbow so that it is parallel to the table (rather than underneath your body). Keep your bridge length close to the CB (6-8" for most shots). Try to use mostly wrist, when shooting with the bridge. Keep your shots simple. Many players make the mistake of trying to do too much with the CB, when using a bridge. Hope this helps...

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
Click to expand...

Good advice. I am wondering if I learned this technique from you (maybe a post a long time ago) or I just happened to do it exactly the same way as you Scott. In any case this technique works good for me. Pressure on the bridge and elbow up was 2 of the main points for me that really made a difference.
 
When I was having issues with a bridge, I started playing the majority of the game using one. It was pretty quick to get comfy using it after that.
 
You may want to try the Instructors Forum here on AZ Billiards for professional information.

But first, look here in the AZ Billiards store for the various types of bridges available. One of my favorite is the interlocking bridge that not only gives various height positions but also enables you to stack two bridges for shots where the cue ball is very close to an interfering object ball. I very seldom see this used but it is legal to stack two bridges.

The Moose Head bridge gives a wider range of heights however it has two drawbacks: first, it is difficult to stack two bridges and secondly, because it attaaches to any available cue (by a rubber grommet) it is not quite as solid.

Another tip that I'd like to share. When an interfering object ball is between you and the cue ball but very close to the cue ball; set the bridge on the table in position to shoot, then walk around to see how close the bridge is to the cue ball. You may find that the bridge may be several inches from the interfering object ball. From this view you may move the bridge closer to get more height which reduces the chances of a miscue.

In another scenario where the cue ball and object ball is close to the pocket and the stretch is extreme: it is legal to lay your cue on the table and pull the cue with one hand to the cue ball which then hits the object ball for the score. I really find this to a valuable when shooting One Pocket and I need to make a soft touch safety shot where there may only be a need to move either ball less than 1/2 inch. Just practice this a couple of times --- it's easy.

Also look for a cue extender, preferably a tube type that slides over your cue to make it longer. You may use this with or without the brdge.

Hope this gives you a start.
 
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I've always used the elbow to the side like a Snooker player.
You get a nice smooth stroke that way. Try it and you will instantly feel more comfortable.
 
The best advice I can give is to use it just like you weren't. What I mean by that is to concentrate on your stroke. SPF ;)

A lot of mistakes with the bridge happen in the pre shot routine and the stroke. If you treat the shot as if you aren't using a bridge you can shoot it just like anything else. It of course takes practice.
 
Scott Lee said:
bullshot...You can also lay the bridge at an angle to the shot line...it doesn't have to be on the same line as your cue (make sure when you get it situated, you put some pressure on the bridge handle, so the bridge doesn't move when you shoot). Another tip: Hold the cue like a dart, not like your normal grip. Move your elbow so that it is parallel to the table (rather than underneath your body). Keep your bridge length close to the CB (6-8" for most shots). Try to use mostly wrist, when shooting with the bridge. Keep your shots simple. Many players make the mistake of trying to do too much with the CB, when using a bridge. Hope this helps...

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
Click to expand...

Great tips! thank you and everyone else for contributing. Lots of good info in this thread.
 
keepanionme said:
When I was having issues with a bridge, I started playing the majority of the game using one. It was pretty quick to get comfy using it after that.
Click to expand...

This may be one of the best tips, especially if you practice using all the other quality advice in this thread. Great idea!
 
I would suggest learning what parts of the table that you cannot reach and avoid putting the cue ball there. I am a shorter guy so I know the regions of the table where I need to avoid to be able to drop on a ball normally. It does not always happen, but that's life. Now, it might mean having to take a bit of a longer shot, but the extra accuracy from not leaning on the table or breaking out the ladies' aid is worth it in my opinion. As for getting better with the bridge, it is like anything else. Hard work pays dividends.
 
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Bridge

bullshot said:
Great tips! thank you and everyone else for contributing. Lots of good info in this thread.
Click to expand...

Lots of good advice. You may have to incorporate much of these and have your own style. Didn't like Ewas laying bridge on table. Many times can't be done because of interfering balls and if ob and cue are very close to rail you will not snatch the bridge out of the way quickly. I also think using the bridge sometimes you really can't stroke the cue much but rather poke it. Which of course flys in the face of stroke it, don't poke it!! I was lucky in the bridge dept. having started playing on a snooker table where a bridge is very common. Look at it as another shot in your arsenal to be learned.
 
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