Bridge Hand Question

[drzdave]

I need advice on my bridgehand position, I hope Terry can help me with this, or anyone else. I`m 53 years old and have been playing snooker most of my life off and on. I've been studying snooker techniques online lately and realized my technique with the bridgehand is different than what is taught and what I see the pros using. I've always looped my first finger around the cue when bridging, I find it more comfortable and it gives me better stability. I've tried resting the cue in the "V" but it feels unsecure to me and I think I lose accuracy, especially in long shots, but I feel I should try and change my technique because everybody else uses the "V" bridge. I don't think I have the cue against my chest enough as well. I'm fairly happy with my ball potting and think I keep my cue straight through the ball most of the time, but I am always looking for ways to improve. My main question is what, if any are the advantages to the "V" bridge and should I try to change my hand position for principle or can I expect better cueing accuracy if I do try to change, or should I just stick with what is comfortable for me even if it is different. Thx for replies

[nrage]

The reason I have heard for using the V instead of the loop bridge, is that the loop blocks your view of the white/tip contact point somewhat - that is, if you get right down on the shot. It's more commonly used in pool where you don't see players getting right down on the shot like a snooker player would.

The V should be just as stable as the loop, assuming you're not lifting the cue on the stroke. Both bridges hold the cue up, but the loop will keep a cue from lifting out of the bridge, whereas the V only provides side to side support.

As to whether you should change.. that depends on your goals. Are you looking to improve? If so, making some changes may be the way forward, but it would be a good idea to see a coach or someone who can evaluate your current style and suggest changes which will give you the most benefit, while avoiding changes which will have no, or a detrimental effect.

If you're only a bit serious about getting better, there's loads of advice on here to search for. Or, you can start a new thread on a specific area and look for advice. I would advise changing one thing at a time, if you do too much you wont know what is helping and what is not, and you may only partially do the things you're trying, instead of giving them each their full attention.

I am going to assume you're a little bit serious about getting better, or you'd probably not have posted



Personally I don't tend to use the loop bridge at all, it "feels" too tight/restrictive on the cue .. but I probably should learn to use it, as there are occasionally shots where it is useful. You most commonly see the rail bridge style loop where you just rest the cue against the 2nd finger, and loop the 1st over the top. Even this feels odd/unstable to me - I need more practice.

[Terry Davidson]

What nrage said. The loop bridge keeps the cue on the bridge and level better than the open bridge. As long as both are stable the only difference is you lose a bit of cue to sight with when using the loop bridge.

To improve there are likely other things you need some fine tuning on. If you live in southern Ontario you should book a 2hr coaching session with me sometime soon

Terry

[drzdave]

Thx for the replies guys...Terry I will definitely consider your suggestion for a lesson..I live a couple hours from you....whats the best way to contact you to set that up.....Thx....Dave

[Terry Davidson]

drzdave:

Probably via email - terrydavidson45(at)gmail(dot)com - and then I can send you my phone number. I am retired so I'm basically free most weekdays and any weekend where I'm not playing in a tournament.

Terry