Bridge To A Better Game
by Max
Eberle
The importance of the
bridge hand in playing great pool cannot be overstated. Your bridge
hand is one of only two body parts that touch the cue while you are
shooting. All the knowledge and aiming in the world cannot make up
for a sloppy bridge. The bridge has a similar function to that of
the front end of the barrel of a rifle. If the front end of a rife
is jarred during a shot, the bullet will not hit the target.
Likewise, if your bridge moves in mid stroke your cue will veer off the
stroking line and your tip will hit the intended spot on the cue ball.
Sounds fun, huh? Not really.
It is astounding to see so many pool enthusiasts and
freaks who pay
little attention to the solidity of their bridge. It is not only
necessary
to design a solid and functioning bridge, you must also keep it there
throughout the execution of your stroke.
The weight of your arm should be sufficient enough to
plant your hand onto the table, so that it digs in nice and snug.
However, you do not want so much weight on your bridge hand that if it
were to move, you would fall on your face. I like to plant my palm
as well as my pinkie, ring, and middle finger onto the table. This
gives me stabilization, increased feel for the cloth, and brings me down
to the level of the balls. Sometimes I lift my palm and support my
bridge solely with my fingers. This is helpful for follow shots so I
don't have to squeeze my hand to elevate the cue. It is also
comfortable because my hand is in line with the forearm, creating a very
stealthy and sleek approach.
It is ideal to have your fingers conform to the shape
of the shaft
within your closed bridge. This will ensure that your cue will not
drastically deflect off the cue ball and/or miscue. This is especially
important on draw shots. Make sure you do not squeeze the cue so
much that the friction hinders your smooth stroke.
Your bridge should be finalized simultaneously with your stance, so you
can now focus on your strokes. DO NOT EVEN SLIGHTLY MOVE ANY PART OF
YOUR BRIDGE HAD UNTIL THE END OF YOUR ACTUAL STROKE! MAKE YOUR
BRIDGE LIKE A ROCK!
Max
Eberle is a professional pool player and instructor, and some of you might
have seen him play in the ESPN Ultimate 9 Ball Challenge on various
occasions. Presently, in addition to playing
pool, Max is painting for a May art exhibition at Art Framing & Design
in Arlington, VA., (5179 Lee Highway, ). Max is a
nutrition and home based internet business consultant, for more
information visit www.maxeberle.freelife.com.
He has recently been creating a new line of billiard designs and apparel
which may be available soon at www..
For more about Max, read his Bio.
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