Using mechanical bridge with BIH?

[Tommy Tube Sock]

I am often called upon to help coach SL 2's and 3's on my APA team. Very often when they have ball in hand, they will line up a shot that requires the use of the bridge. I usually call time out and suggest that they pull the cue ball back to a point that doesn't require the bridge. They are usually very reluctant and either shoot the shot with the bridge (making it as often as missing as far as I can see) or they take my advice and miss or make at about the same percentage.

I am a SL 5, and surely not the best player around, but I rarely see the good shooters use a bridge with BIH.

My question then I guess is two part:

1) is it ever a good idea to use the bridge with ball in hand in 8 and or 9 ball?

2) given the answer to #1, what should I advise a beginner?

 

[thoffen]

1) Rarely. Only when the positional path needs that specific angle and/or there are obstructing balls. I've seen Francisco Bustamante take BIH shots behind the back, so to each his own. The more important thing to look out for is unnecessary stretching. Every good player should have good bridge work.

2) The same thing you already are. It's not your fault if they won't listen. If they take the game seriously, they'll adjust.

 

[Billy_Bob]

If you can get them to practice using the mechanical bridge, this will help a lot.

Have them break all 15 balls and shoot in EVERY ball using the mechanical bridge. Even if cue ball is near rail - use mechanical bridge for shot. Show them how to use it properly.

So just one player shooting in all the balls using the mechanical bridge.

Part of shot practice is not only learning how to do something well, but also learning that a particular shot is lower percentage and to not choose that shot if another option is available.

So if they do the above, they will learn how to use the mechanical bridge when necessary, and learn to not use it if it can be avoided.

 

[9BallBust-O]

It depends I think on the player.

I shoot a lot of drills using the bridge and spend a lot of practice time with it. There are times I use the bridge with BIH but I dont see using the bridge as a big deal or as a low % shot.