Why Efren's closed bridge?

O

Oranzith

Registered
I have witnessed Efren's bridge (I call it Efren's simply because I imagine most people will instantly understand) and seen it used to devistating effects. The bridge I am referencing is the index finger on the middle finger, creating a loop.


I have toyed with the idea of giving this bridge a try, because it seems that it would be less affected by sweaty hands. Typically the area between my index and thumb gets sticky, just there, and can prove problematic. The bridge in question would solve that.

I imagine Efren and company who use it (parica/earl/archer/etc) use it because it provides great vision for a closed bridge, similar to an open bridge. Just a thought.

Any REAL insights to my question?
 
Oranzith said:
I have witnessed Efren's bridge (I call it Efren's simply because I imagine most people will instantly understand) and seen it used to devistating effects. The bridge I am referencing is the index finger on the middle finger, creating a loop.


I have toyed with the idea of giving this bridge a try, because it seems that it would be less affected by sweaty hands. Typically the area between my index and thumb gets sticky, just there, and can prove problematic. The bridge in question would solve that.

I imagine Efren and company who use it (parica/earl/archer/etc) use it because it provides great vision for a closed bridge, similar to an open bridge. Just a thought.

Any REAL insights to my question?
Click to expand...


Insight? Just try it and see if it works for you.

That aside-Years ago the open bridge was frowned upon and the near sure sign of a banger. Now many top players use it with success and the even the instructors find it acceptable for some if not most shots.

Efren's bridge is unique IMHO as he puts his finger on the fingernail of the F U finger in making his bridge. I havent noticed anyone else who does that and I can't even figure out how anyone could do that.
 
I would say about more than 50% of filipinos who are above recreational players shoot with a similar bridge. That is more than a couple thousand players.
 
Although I think it's interesting to see how the pros shoot, I think it's important to recognize that it's easy to copy other people's mistakes at the same time.

Some of these guys shoot so unorthodox, that it would take years of playing to overcome trying to mimic their styles, when learning the "classic" stance, stroke, grip, bridge, etc. would really be the fast track to playing great pool.

Some of these pros put in so much time, and have been playing so long, that they could do just about anything and still pocket balls.

Take Allen Hopkins for example; He walks up and just pokes at the cue ball. Obviously, when he shoots, the ball goes in, and that's all that matters. But I wouldn't recommend shooting like that, if you are just starting out, or really trying to improve your game.
 
Gregg said:
Take Allen Hopkins for example; He walks up and just pokes at the cue ball. Obviously, when he shoots, the ball goes in, and that's all that matters. But I wouldn't recommend shooting like that, if you are just starting out, or really trying to improve your game.
Click to expand...


Allen's bridge is a huge closed loop that doesnt even come close to touching the top of the stick. In other words, it almost serves no purpose. He has the bad bridge, the poke stroke and was at one time the best player in the World. Go figure.
 
Nostroke said:
Efren's bridge is unique IMHO as he puts his finger on the fingernail of the F U finger in making his bridge. I havent noticed anyone else who does that and I can't even figure out how anyone could do that.
Click to expand...

Bustamante does it also. There are others I'm sure, but he and Reyes are the ones I notice the most. Of course, you have to have long fingers. My stubby fingers won't do it. :D
 
There're lots of players who use that kind of bridge; however imho to be able to use that you need long index finger(or maybe soft joint will do too)
 
Piece of trivia about Allen Hopkins..... his pokey short stroke is from learning to play as a child in a room that was too small for the table. No room for a backswing, so he adapted.
Chuck
 
When I was a beginner player (not that I'm far from that now) the man teaching me to play changed my bridge to an open bridge and I've even seen Bucky Bell change people's bridge to open, as well. But when it came down to draw and really needing a strong stroke on a given shot, Bucky and the owner of BK Billiards (Sharonville, OH) taught me a similar bridge to Efren's closed bridge. Having the closed bridge, for some reason, makes it a lot easier to stroke the ball and get a stronger draw or follow... That's how it works for me and plenty of others I've seen play, including Shanon Murphy and some other great amateur/semi-pro players in the cincinnati area
 
Alex P got me to convert to the looped closed bridge. He told me that there is less movement from side to side with the cue therefore it is more accurate on power shots. That is what he told me, so I did it. (who am I to argue?)
 
Check out the pro snooker players of the world and you'll see a lot of open bridges. I am missing a couple of fingers from each hand and have to use an open bridge all the time. Years ago I got a lot of crap for my open brige (missing digits notwithstanding). My buddies said that was only for bangers and beginners. Then I saw a couple of snooker championships on tv. I got over it. Use what works for you.
 
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