I hope you have been hard at work this last week practicing your stance and cue action, if so you are ready for our next lesson.
This week we are going to look at how to form a solid bridge even if you have a tricky shot bridging over other balls or tight up against the cushion. As with the stance, it is important that there is no movement in your bridge hand, if there is then you will find it hard to deliver the cue in a straight line and therefore you it is likely you will miss shots regularly.
To create a solid bridge, spread your fingers wide on the table cloth and create a ‘V’ shape for the cue to rest in. This is achieved by lifting up the thumb of the table hand. The cue should rest solidly in the base of the ‘V’ between the end of the thumb and first finger.
The bridge of the hand should not be too close to the cue ball. Use the ‘D’ area at the top of the table to practice the right length. Place the cue ball on the baulk line and ensure the ‘V’ is at the apex of the ‘D’ to achieve the best distance between the hand and the white.
When you have to bridge across another ball to reach the white you will need to raise the hand off the table.
Ensure all your fingertips are pushing down into the cloth to give the bridge hand maximum stability on the shot. Create a ‘V’ once again with the thumb for the cue to rest in.
When the cue ball is close to the cushion it is impossible or uncomfortable to rest the hand on the table and make a standard bridge. If this is the case a loop bridge is preferable as this allows you to rest your hand on the cushion and still play the ball at a suitable distance to achieve success.
A loop bridge is when the cue rests on the cushion between the first two fingers of the bridge hand. This is the preferred bridge to minimise cue and body movement on the shot giving it the best chance of success.
When the white is against the cushion it is important to step back from the table and place your bridge hand on the edge of the table.
It will be possible to use the ‘V’ again although the distance between the cue hand and the white will be lesser in this instance. In all instances it is important to maintain a solid bridge on the table to minimise movement on the shot.
Please Note: A video for this tutorial is available to members of Snooker Guide
Main Learning Points:
- Spread your fingers wide and make a ‘V’ shape with your thumb
- Dig in to table when bridging over balls for maximum stability
- Use a ‘loop’ bridge when bridging on cushions
- Step away from table when tight on a cushion and use the ‘V’ shape
About Snooker Guide:
Snooker Guide is an online video snooker coaching program developed in conjunction with professional snooker player Daniel Wells. Featuring over 50 minutes of video tuition plus many written lessons and features it is a complete beginners course suitable for anyone struggling to make breaks over 40 on a regular basis.
For more information please visit: www.snookerguide.co.uk