Using fleshy part of thumb on bridge.

[mworkman]

I was reading an article by M. Wilson (I think) and in it he had a bunch of tips and one of them was that we should be using the fleshy part of our thumb in the V to help guide our cue while using the closed bridge. I've never heard of this before. I've always avoided that part of my thumb.
I tried the new technique last night. I was still able to pocket balls the same, but I think the increased friction effected speed control somewhat. I realize that sometimes we need to take a step backword before seeing the bennefit of something new. Just wondering whether the bennefits in this case will be worth it or maybe I'm doing it wrong by applying too much presure in that area. Also wondering how most of you guys do it, whether you use that part of your thumb or not.

 

[seymore15074]

I was reading an article by M. Wilson (I think) and in it he had a bunch of tips and one of them was that we should be using the fleshy part of our thumb in the V to help guide our cue while using the closed bridge. I've never heard of this before. I've always avoided that part of my thumb.
I tried the new technique last night. I was still able to pocket balls the same, but I think the increased friction effected speed control somewhat. I realize that sometimes we need to take a step backword before seeing the bennefit of something new. Just wondering whether the bennefits in this case will be worth it or maybe I'm doing it wrong by applying too much presure in that area. Also wondering how most of you guys do it, whether you use that part of your thumb or not.

Sounds as if it would make absolutely no difference to me. I bridge closed by placing my index finger on top of my middle finger, and locking them BOTH in place with my thumb--best bridge ever.

 

[hustlefinger]

...we should be using the fleshy part of our thumb in the V to help guide our cue while using the closed bridge. I've never heard of this before. I've always avoided that part of my thumb.

For a closed bridge, I’ve tried to manipulate my thumb’s “fleshy” part into actually contacting the cue shaft, but couldn’t. Maybe I don’t understand.

My closed bridge: the cue shaft rides on top of my middle finger with a snug index finger looped over it and the thumb pressing or resting on the middle finger.

Rick

 

[mworkman]

For a closed bridge, I’ve tried to manipulate my thumb’s “fleshy” part into actually contacting the cue shaft, but couldn’t. Maybe I don’t understand.

My closed bridge: the cue shaft rides on top of my middle finger with a snug index finger looped over it and the thumb pressing or resting on the middle finger.

Rick

Thats the way I've always done it also. What I think Mr. Wilson is saying is when you move your bridge a little towards the line of aim, you can create more surface contact area as you are using another part of your thumb that it slides through. I will try it for a while to see how I like it.

 

[cuetechasaurus]

When you are down on your shot, try bending your wrist away from the cue when you have a closed bridge (bending your wrist sideways so your thumb is almost running parallel with the cue). This will make the shaft come in contact with the fleshy area of your thumb that Mark Wilson is talking about. IMO this slightly gives more stability in your stroke. Alot of pros bridge like this.

 

[Hal]

I always think it's funny to see how beginners bridge their cue. Some people will put their palm on the table and shoot through the "peace" sign. Others will use their knuckles. LOL

 

[chilli66]

I used to know a guy who bridged using the raised second knuckles of his index & middle fingers! Very bizarre thing to see, he wasn't the greatest of players but could be annoying as hell in handicapped snooker tournaments!