Why don't some players like to use the bridge?

alstl

alstl

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I was watching the Bustamante vs Peach match and Bustamante stretched out over the table and shot left handed instead of using the bridge. The result was he made the ball but left himself safe and Peach went on to win the match.

I'm not criticizing Bustamante, he is one of the giants of the game, just wondering why some players go to such extremes to avoid using the bridge.
 
Klopek said:
Some players play very well left handed and regardless of how strong your mechanical bridge technique, nothing beats a regular stroke shot. It can be difficult to determine precisely where the cue tip will be contacting the CB when you're really stretching, so if you can switch hit and sight the shot as usual, you're at an advantage.

Bustamante would probably have made the left handed shot you speak of 9 times out of ten on the practice table, but WPC pressure changes things.:) He probably should have used the bridge, but if he feels left handed is automatic, that's what he should do because it's in his comfort zone.
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he did make the left handed shot... the one he really screwed up, he shot right handed stretched out.... It caused him to raise up and it changed his contact point... It cost him the match and maybe the WPC
 
In a game full of testosterone and bravado, the bridge is seen as less than cool or manly or whatever.

Personally, I have learned to use it effectively because I have a 9' table at home. I have no problem using it.

Yes, I use a glove too.:D
 
Ya. it was the shot on the 2... just before the shot that he kicked at the 3- 9 billiard.....
it was either 10 - 9 Busta or it was 9 -9
 
I guess I missread his post....

I have no idea what shot that is.....


He made the 9 ball left handed a few times in the tournament... and once behind his back as well......


I thought he was talking about the shot where busta was streched out....
 
BPG24 said:
he did make the left handed shot... the one he really screwed up, he shot right handed stretched out.... It caused him to raise up and it changed his contact point... It cost him the match and maybe the WPC
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You are right, I just watched it again and he shot it right handed, but was literally bridging the length of the shaft stretched out. I'd be willing to bet he could have got where he needed to be if he used the crutch.

Here is the link
 
Klopek said:
Oh yeah, that's ridiculous. He's bridging from 4" above the joint, thats a 25" bridge.:confused:

In that case, I would have definitely used a bridge. The only time I'll shoot left handed is if I can make a reasonable length bridge without stretching.

Busta has no one to blame but himself.
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ya, I was so shocked when I saw the shot.....

He was the hottest player in the tournament and had just made one of the best comebacks I have ever seen in a short race... Was sad to see such a champion have a brain fart cost him a world title.....
 
alstl said:
...just wondering why some players go to such extremes to avoid using the bridge.
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I'm very short. Using the bridge can totally screw up a game when I have to lift it in a big hurry, after the shot is executed. People don't seem to be very happy when the balls are being shoved around by a bridge, because the short player is reacting to the quick moving balls on the table. Some even like to holler "Foul!"

Height really does affect the ability to raise the bridge directly upward.
 
Bridge

I will use the bridge when I play in a tournament or play a money set.Other wise I don't use the bridge when practicing to penalize me for bad position.This makes me more position conscience .:cool:
 
you definitely have to practice with the bridge to get confidence in using it. i think a lot of pool players don't really invest time in the bridge. watch the snooker players though, they are all excellent with the rest and they put in the practice time with it.
 
I stink with the bridge, and can't shoot lefty. I shoot behind my back when I can get away with it.

Have you guys used those cue extenders? Are they worth checking out? If not, I'm just going to start doing some drills using a bridge, but I can't really think of anything less fun.
 
I need to work on shooting with the bridge, but feel I can't play position well with it. I think it's very hard to develop the feel for a shot without the cue running through your hands and suspect players like Busta feel the same.
 
alstl said:
I was watching the Bustamante vs Peach match and Bustamante stretched out over the table and shot left handed instead of using the bridge. The result was he made the ball but left himself safe and Peach went on to win the match.

I'm not criticizing Bustamante, he is one of the giants of the game, just wondering why some players go to such extremes to avoid using the bridge.
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To be honest, i don't think he went out of his way of not using a bridge. I'm certain he's well experienced with a bridge. I think that he probably weighed the probability between using a bridge or doing the backhand thing and assured himself his chances of doing the backhand thing would yield better results.

I can do the backhand thing, but not as experience as I am with a bridge. So more than likely, I will use a bridge.

As far as the bridge is concerened, I've been taught something simple: Never sacrifice a shot/saftey... fookin use it.
 
axejunkie said:
I need to work on shooting with the bridge, but feel I can't play position well with it. I think it's very hard to develop the feel for a shot without the cue running through your hands and suspect players like Busta feel the same.
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I can shoot great with a bridge, but when I go to remove it, I can't pick it up quick enough (because of the angle my lack of height causes), causing me to rush harder and knock all the other balls around the table. It's just a better deal for me to reach or shoot lefty. I've gotten pretty good at a left-hand shot, when it's necessary. I just have to slow down and focus.

I used to shoot whole practice games left-handed, just to be able to make those shots that are so tough. Talk about some sore muscles, when you're done! Ouch! :eek: It did help my game a lot, though. Not being able to use a bridge, I had to work harder in other areas.
 
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