Why do so many good players seem to like bridging pretty far from the cue ball? The old timer I learned from taught me to always get as close to the ball as possible to improve my vision/accuracy.
Good question and I don’t know if I can answer for anyone but me here. I agree with cueing closer if/when the shot necessitates it. For most people the bridge length should fall between 10”-12”. But it should vary a little with the shot and how much power you intend to use. I tell most newer players to stay with in that range because it keeps tip accuracy from declining. The farther you start from the ball more exaggerated the inaccuracy becomes at impact. Bridging further from the ball and holding the cue further back on the butt promotes a straight cueing motion if your stroke is already straight. You will see a lot of European players with their back hand almost at the very end of the butt for this reason. This is also why you see so many players using their extension on most shots now. Getting through the cue ball and adding power comes easier with more cue length in front of your back hand. Over all, the distance between your bridge hand and your back hand should remain the same regardless of how far forward or backward you hold the cue. I hope that answered your question. Thanks for watching.
Why do so many good players seem to like bridging pretty far from the cue ball? The old timer I learned from taught me to always get as close to the ball as possible to improve my vision/accuracy.
Genuine question, in case I sound snarky 😂
Good question and I don’t know if I can answer for anyone but me here. I agree with cueing closer if/when the shot necessitates it. For most people the bridge length should fall between 10”-12”. But it should vary a little with the shot and how much power you intend to use. I tell most newer players to stay with in that range because it keeps tip accuracy from declining. The farther you start from the ball more exaggerated the inaccuracy becomes at impact. Bridging further from the ball and holding the cue further back on the butt promotes a straight cueing motion if your stroke is already straight. You will see a lot of European players with their back hand almost at the very end of the butt for this reason. This is also why you see so many players using their extension on most shots now. Getting through the cue ball and adding power comes easier with more cue length in front of your back hand. Over all, the distance between your bridge hand and your back hand should remain the same regardless of how far forward or backward you hold the cue. I hope that answered your question. Thanks for watching.
@@EasternSierraPool Thank you for the clear and detailed reply!