What's wrong with you?

KoolKat9Lives

KoolKat9Lives

Taught 'em all I know
Silver Member
Why do so many players treat a bridge like its cancerous? I see some pros stretch to kingdom come before they'll use one. I see even the best do the behind the back stroke stretch. I see strong players switch to lefty and stroke like a C player before they'll contaminate their hands with a stinkin' bridge. Sometimes when a player does use a bridge, they stroke it like they're having a seizure!

A streamed match last night at SBE had a very respected player just blow it because IMO his bridge skills and aversion to using one was deficient.

What's the big issue with better, more efficient bridge work? As my general rule - if I have to reach length-wise past the opposite 3rd diamond, I don't hesitate to grab a bridge. It don't scare me none. :thumbup:

Ok, rant over...
 
i'm short (5'6) so i've been using a bridge since i learned how to play. I agree with you lol
 
Bridge

Man of small statute must use bridge to achieve ones goals.:wink:
 
KoolKat9Lives said:
Why do so many players treat a bridge like its cancerous? I see some pros stretch to kingdom come before they'll use one. I see even the best do the behind the back stroke stretch. I see strong players switch to lefty and stroke like a C player before they'll contaminate their hands with a stinkin' bridge. Sometimes when a player does use a bridge, they stroke it like they're having a seizure!
Click to expand...

Because it's awkward to use. :p
 
cheap bridges

KoolKat9Lives said:
Why do so many players treat a bridge like its cancerous? I see some pros stretch to kingdom come before they'll use one. I see even the best do the behind the back stroke stretch. I see strong players switch to lefty and stroke like a C player before they'll contaminate their hands with a stinkin' bridge. Sometimes when a player does use a bridge, they stroke it like they're having a seizure!

A streamed match last night at SBE had a very respected player just blow it because IMO his bridge skills and aversion to using one was deficient.

What's the big issue with better, more efficient bridge work? As my general rule - if I have to reach length-wise past the opposite 3rd diamond, I don't hesitate to grab a bridge. It don't scare me none. :thumbup:

Ok, rant over...
Click to expand...


I think the dislike of bridges is a holdover from the old metal bridge heads that used to be everywhere. The first thing you learned, sometimes the hard way, when you bought your own cue was never to stick it in a bridge. Bump the bridge a little too hard and you have a dent. Most had the sharp mold lines making contact with the cue too, hard to make a better scraper if you tried!

After many a year of not using a bridge it gets to be a habit. It is one of the mistakes I am trying to correct however. I carry a moose head bridge head in my case and only use it. It may not be the best bridge head but it doesn't damage my shaft and I use the same bridge head all the time, something I believe is important for consistency.

Hu
 
My original mentor insisted I learn the long reach behind the back one handed stroke before he would show me center ball and tangent lines....
 
I have to agree with Trigger.. they're awkward. I don't see the same thing. I think I'm lined up and I'm not.

Because of this.. way back when... I started practicing playing off handed. And my left hand stroke is not far behind my right hand stroke now.

I will use a bridge, but not if I can comfortably reach is with either hand. Lucky for me, this is most of the time. I use a bridge 2 to 3 times a year.

Now.. I know what you're thinking.. since I practice shooting off hand, why not practice using the bridge.
Honestly, that is good advice. However, I don't think that would make me use it any more than what I already do, due to the confidence in my off handed shooting abilities. I really don't see me shooting with a bridge unless I just can't get to the shot any other way.
 
KoolKat9Lives said:
Who's got the best bridge game in the universe?
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I once watched Ronnie Alcano and Corey Deuel play 9 ball using the bridge the whole time, even to break. It was quite a trip and they each broke and ran out like it was nothing.

Now the shaft afterward... wasn't so pretty.:grin-square:

S.
 
Unabridged

ShootingArts said:
I think the dislike of bridges is a holdover from the old metal bridge heads that used to be everywhere. The first thing you learned, sometimes the hard way, when you bought your own cue was never to stick it in a bridge. Bump the bridge a little too hard and you have a dent. Most had the sharp mold lines making contact with the cue too, hard to make a better scraper if you tried!

After many a year of not using a bridge it gets to be a habit. It is one of the mistakes I am trying to correct however. I carry a moose head bridge head in my case and only use it. It may not be the best bridge head but it doesn't damage my shaft and I use the same bridge head all the time, something I believe is important for consistency.

Hu
Click to expand...
I'm with you on this one.I hate nicks on my cue (got a Brianna)
I'm pretty good with the bridge but i avoid it all i can.
There's nothing like getting both hands on your cue.Shortening and
lengthening bridge and back hand does something to the cue flex.
With the 'crutch' the cue will always deflect much more,making
aiming difficult.
BTW the importance of piston stroking instead of pendulum becomes
very clear when using the mechanical bridge.
 
KoolKat9Lives said:
Who's got the best bridge game in the universe?

If you could choose one person to play "horse with a bridge", who might it be? Allison?
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You have to go to the snooker world for that.
Some of the British players shoot so good with a bridge they'll make
you want to jump off one.
 
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Opinions on what is the "Best" portable bridge to take with you

Sorry....made a mistake
 
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KoolKat9Lives said:
Why do so many players treat a bridge like its cancerous? I see some pros stretch to kingdom come before they'll use one. I see even the best do the behind the back stroke stretch. I see strong players switch to lefty and stroke like a C player before they'll contaminate their hands with a stinkin' bridge. Sometimes when a player does use a bridge, they stroke it like they're having a seizure!

A streamed match last night at SBE had a very respected player just blow it because IMO his bridge skills and aversion to using one was deficient.

What's the big issue with better, more efficient bridge work? As my general rule - if I have to reach length-wise past the opposite 3rd diamond, I don't hesitate to grab a bridge. It don't scare me none. :thumbup:

Ok, rant over...
Click to expand...

My fee is $20.00 per hour for bridge lessons.;):D

Whats wrong with me?? Im 5'1" :embarrassed2: LOL But I can sure use the bridge!!!!!:rolleyes::wink:
 
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Milo said:
My fee is $20.00 per hour for bridge lessons.;):D

Whats wrong with me?? Im 5'1" :embarrassed2: LOL But I can sure use the bridge!!!!!:rolleyes::wink:
Click to expand...

You are being generous! You are 5'1'' on a good day with heals on! :wink:

But...the truth is I have never seen anyone use a bridge better than Milo.
 
Milo said:
My fee is $20.00 per hour for bridge lessons.;):D

Whats wrong with me?? Im 5'1" :embarrassed2: LOL But I can sure use the bridge!!!!!:rolleyes::wink:
Click to expand...

LMAO your physically advantaged to be better with the bridge! You should charge more!
 
I do not find using a bridge awkward at all...but you have to actually use the thing in order to get proficient at it!

If you are stretching for a shot to the point where a bridge would be recommended...you have lost control of the tip end of your shaft anyways...which equates to loss of control of the shot. At least with a bridge, you can get some control back for the tip end of your shaft, and therefore make more accurate shots.

I have made some pretty tough shots using a bridge, and have a fairly high success rate with them, but you have to use them to get good with them.

Lisa =====> loves a good bridge head, and ain't afraid to use one!
 
oopsey said:
You are being generous! You are 5'1'' on a good day with heals on! :wink:

But...the truth is I have never seen anyone use a bridge better than Milo.
Click to expand...

LOL Yes I am 5'1"!!!!! Well, I am pretty sure I am 5'1".;):D

Havent had much of a choice. I had to get very good with the bridge or use a step stool, which Im pretty sure is illegal in most tounaments.:D

Thanks for the compliment.:wink: (Stan T. told me one time, Im the best he has ever seen with the bridge)
Ok, I done bragging.:p
 
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