which closed bridge do you use?

scottycoyote

scottycoyote

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
i was watching some matches with efren and busta, and i noticed their closed bridge consists of them laying their index finger flat on their extended middle finger to close the loop. My closed bridge is made by first pinching my index finger and thumb together (like making an "ok" sign), and then pressing them into my middle finger. I was thinking maybe i was doing it wrong, then i found an old steve mizerak instruction book and thats how he made his bridge, in fact i think its where i learnt to make mine. Any pluses to making it one way or the other? does it matter?
 
scottycoyote said:
i was watching some matches with efren and busta, and i noticed their closed bridge consists of them laying their index finger flat on their extended middle finger to close the loop. My closed bridge is made by first pinching my index finger and thumb together (like making an "ok" sign), and then pressing them into my middle finger. I was thinking maybe i was doing it wrong, then i found an old steve mizerak instruction book and thats how he made his bridge, in fact i think its where i learnt to make mine. Any pluses to making it one way or the other? does it matter?
Click to expand...

I can't even use a closed bridge 80% of the time. I just feel I can see the balls better with my open bridge and I am much more comfortable with it.
 
I have seen many a player loosely loop their index finger over the cue, to make a closed bridge, but they allow for lot's of air to be in the loop, which isn't a good "closed bridge" in my mind.

To my way of thinking, there actually may be a more secure "closed bridge" than one might think.

By rotating my hand, so the cue is sliding along my index finger (as much as is comfortably OK), I have a "built-in rail" to control the cue. I believe that a closed bridge is used to constrain the cue's lateral or vertical movement, but if for some reason there is an allowance (caused by the meaty flesh on your fingers) for the cue to do something, of which you are not aware of, an unknown problem is created.

JMHO
 
The only time I use a closed bridge is when I need to shoot extreme draw or when breaking towards the middle of the table. I use the same closed bridge as you Scotty
 
I learned from Willie and my Dad, (who learned from Willie, LOL), to pinch my index finger between my thumb and middle finger.
Worked for Willie, worked for my Dad, works for me.;)
 
Does that mean your index finger is on top of your middle finger and your thumb is on bottom of your middle finger.
 
ceebee said:
I have seen many a player loosely loop their index finger over the cue, to make a closed bridge, but they allow for lot's of air to be in the loop, which isn't a good "closed bridge" in my mind.

To my way of thinking, there actually may be a more secure "closed bridge" than one might think.

By rotating my hand, so the cue is sliding along my index finger (as much as is comfortably OK), I have a "built-in rail" to control the cue. I believe that a closed bridge is used to constrain the cue's lateral or vertical movement, but if for some reason there is an allowance (caused by the meaty flesh on your fingers) for the cue to do something, of which you are not aware of, an unknown problem is created.

JMHO
Click to expand...
i know what you mean, i know a very good shortstop player and his closed bridge is like this, the index finger makes a giant loop and the shaft never touches the bottom of his index finger. I shoot like what you describe, i consider my closed bridge much more controlled, the shaft is in contact with my bridge pretty much 360 degrees, i either use a glove or make sure all my shafts are super slick. I use the closed bridge quite a bit, probably a good 70% of the time.
 
Tiger5150 said:
Does that mean your index finger is on top of your middle finger and your thumb is on bottom of your middle finger.
Click to expand...

Actually, no. I was taught to use this bridge a bit unknowingly. After playing pool for the first few months, a regular took me aside and decided to 'leave his mark' on me. He made me hold a cigarette between my fingers in this closed bridge where the index finger is right top the middle finger for five minutes at a time. Believe me, when you've never held your hand in this position, it hurts a little.

Anyway, the pad of your index finger isn't sitting flush against the top of your middle finger. It's mostly on, but a little bit hangs off the side, which gives your thumb a shelf of sorts to rest on.
 
If you go on www.propoolvideo.com, you can watch how Stevie Moore, Dennis Hatch, Donnie Mills and Marlon Manalo make their bridges.

It's named, the cross-over bridge make a research.

Tony Chohan, Danny Harriman make loop bridges.
 
It always makes me laugh that whenever someone sees a bridge that's different from their own they immediately start doubting their own bridge.

If you're playing well, leave it alone. The moment you start tinkering you do more harm then good. Ask me how I know.:)
 
Klopek said:
It always makes me laugh that whenever someone sees a bridge that's different from their own they immediately start doubting their own bridge.

If you're playing well, leave it alone. The moment you start tinkering you do more harm then good. Ask me how I know.:)
Click to expand...
Right you are, Klopek! I've tried so many stance/stroke changes in the last 10 years, that I've "tinkered" myself into an erratic player. I've gone from a fairly solid B player to a C player with occasional flashes of competence! On the other hand, maybe it's because I'm 62...;)

I like Grady's advice, which is something like: assume a stance and bridge which are comfortable.

Doc
 
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