My bridging hand hurts

[mr.boy]

I can't say for sure it's due to snooker but I played nearly a couple of hours two days ago and now my bridging hand is stiff and sore, particularly in the knuckles of the first two fingers.

Is this something to be expected as a new player and I should just deal with it, or indicative of a bad technique? I have been quite surprised how much force goes into the bridging hand to keep it rock steady...

[cyberheater]

It shouldn't hurt. You are gripping the cloth far too hard. You only need to set up a firm guide for your cue.

[mr.boy]

Thanks, I'll try to focus on this when I play next. I haven't quite figured out my preferred bridging yet singe I'm double-jointed in my thumb... I can put my hand flat and then "click the thumb" or do it the more traditional way. But sometimes my thumb 'clicks' unintentionally

[Chappy5]

I have had massive shoulder pain before in my Cue arm after over 10hrs straight playing but never my bridging hand.

Sounds weird and is there any other pre existing injuries to the hand? Like surgery years ago or broken bones as a child??

[mr.boy]

Nope. It gets a little stiff sometimes from guitar playing but that's it.

[DeanH]

I think it is a combination of 1) not used to play so much and muscles/tenons being used in new configuration; 2) probably pushing to hard down on to the table and gripping the cloth too tightly; 3) being too tense with the hand and possibly the arm as well (do you have a slight bend in the elbow or are you playing with a straight arm?)

So give your self time to let your body get used to playing, try to be comfortable in your whole body and not tense when at the table.
If you are comfortable you will be likely to be still on the shot, and you wont put undue strain on your body parts
Nic Barrow's advice for bridge is place the hand on the table flat, gently spread fingers/thumb, the drag the fingers in and raise the knuckles. The thumb now rises and moves over to meet the first knuckle to create the "V". Give this a go to start with and before you know it the bridge will adjust you how you play and become natural and you wont think about it anymore

If pain (anywhere) persists I would recommend seeing a snooker coach to check you whole stance, etc., as the stance does contribute to the pressure applied to the bridge arm.

[thelongbomber]

Nope. It gets a little stiff sometimes from guitar playing but that's it.

Sounds like an issue of repetitive-strain injury. Playing guitar already puts a lot of wear and tear on your hand. You need a steady grip, but that doesn't mean you have to grip the cloth with so much strength. It should feel comfortable. Also start looking at dietary changes that will help reduce inflammation - namely more vegetables and less meat and processed foods - that WILL make a difference.

[mr.boy]

I am susceptible to RSI - I am at the computer all day and sometimes get some numbness in that arm but rarely any pain. You might be right though, it's just more load on the hand than it wants to take. I have been trying to play my 12-string guitar this last week after a long absence and THAT is very tiring

[thelongbomber]

I am susceptible to RSI - I am at the computer all day and sometimes get some numbness in that arm but rarely any pain. You might be right though, it's just more load on the hand than it wants to take. I have been trying to play my 12-string guitar this last week after a long absence and THAT is very tiring

Snooker players tend to get issues with hand/elbow/shoulder/back/neck so it come as no surprise that you are having problems. The numbness in your hand is an indicator of a postural issue at the computer you should look further into. An Ergo keyboard would probably help you.

[denja]

I have noticed that many of the modern pro players have very relaxed bridge hand ! opposite to some from past times when the the bridge was very tight and you could see the whites of the knuckles gripping the cloth.

[thelongbomber]

I have noticed that many of the modern pro players have very relaxed bridge hand ! opposite to some from past times when the the bridge was very tight and you could see the whites of the knuckles gripping the cloth.

Cliff Thorburn was famous for gripping the cloth and leaving finger marks all over the table.