Bridging over a ball

[scottley]

This is a major major problem in my game, when i see the pro's on the T.V they all have the ability to get there cue arm as high up as needed and in a straight line with the shot, i find this physically impossible, my arm will not go up in a straight line i have to have it to the side which means the cue does'nt go through straight so i miss the shot. my arm will not bend the way its required to, are all pros born will an arm that is double jointed if you like? i've never seen a pro that has to put his arm to the side to cue a ball whilst bridging, maybe with the exception of Joe Swail.



What would any of you coaches say to someone who can't cue over a ball?

[CTquick147]

The only thing that occers to me is a little rest attachment that's sometimes available at billiard supply stores or on websites. They can be really hard to find where I live, but if you can find one; basically, it's a little plastic piece that attaches to the traditional 'X' shaped rest, it's shaped like a tiny 'Y' and the cue runs through the top of the 'Y', the piece is adjustable and can be raised up to about five inches over the top of the rest, if you can get your hands on one, please let me know where, it's wicked little item to have in your kit, and may help with your problem.

Good luck.

[RocketRoy1983]

Hey there. The key to bridging over a ball as i tell all my students is to ensure a)you are comfortable b) centre ball striking (attempting side in such an awkward position is asking for trouble) and c) reduction in the back swing to reduce errors further.

Although it goes against the grain of a natural reccommended shot it is, unfortunately, necessary at times but I am unclear as to why you cant get your hand/forearm in the correct position? The tips of your fingers should replace the normal bridge but most aspects of the shot will remain the same.

[Martin76]

I'm not totally sure that I understand the problem, depending on which arm you're refering to. If it is the cueing arm, though, make sure to move the grip forward as much as you need to to get the arm straight. If you're clinging on to the butt end you will indeed need to be double-jointed or something to get the arm over the cue.

[RocketRoy1983]

yeh i forgot to mention that well mentioned martin76. very important for bridging over a ball and cueing on a cushion.

[bongo]

Well if you can't actually physically cue over a ball I would advise using the spider as that is really the only alternative.

[scottley]

Cheers for the replies, i'm right handed and i simply cannot get everything in one line when cueing over a ball, i have to have my cue arm elevated and to the right, i was curious why you never see a pro with this problem, its as if there gifted with being double jointed because there gonna be a pro one day.


My bridge hand is fine, i just can't get my cue arm high enough to get it all in line, the best way i can describe it is a chicken wing sticking out, i guess i just don't bend that way.

[ste bed]

Hey there. The key to bridging over a ball as i tell all my students is to ensure a)you are comfortable b) centre ball striking (attempting side in such an awkward position is asking for trouble) and c) reduction in the back swing to reduce errors further.

Although it goes against the grain of a natural reccommended shot it is, unfortunately, necessary at times but I am unclear as to why you cant get your hand/forearm in the correct position? The tips of your fingers should replace the normal bridge but most aspects of the shot will remain the same.

are you a qualified coach rocketroy ?

[Martin76]

You need to raise your entire upper body up as well, Scottley...

If you do that and grip down on the cue, you really shouldn't have a problem getting everything in line.

[scottley]

I am quite tall (6ft) i can see how holding the cue further down could work, its cost me a few frames in the past, i want to win as many games in my league this year as possible, this is the only part of my game i'm unhappy with.