Bridge To A Better Game by Max Eberle

The importance of the bridge hand in playing great pool cannot be overstated. Your bridge hand is one of only two body parts that touch the cue while you are shooting. All the knowledge and aiming in the world cannot make up for a sloppy bridge. The bridge has a similar function to that of the front end of the barrel of a rifle. If the front end of a rifle is jarred during a shot, the bullet will not hit the target. Likewise, if your bridge moves in mid stroke your cue will veer off the stroking line and your tip will not hit the intended spot on the cue ball. Sounds fun, huh? Not really.

It is astounding to see so many pool enthusiasts and freaks who pay little attention to the solidity of their bridge. It is not only necessary to design a solid and functioning bridge, you must also keep it there throughout the execution of your stroke.

The weight of your arm should be sufficient enough to plant your hand onto the table, so that it digs in nice and snug. However, you do not want so much weight on your bridge hand that if it were to move it, you would fall on your face. I like to plant my palm as well as my pinkie, ring, and middle finger onto the table. This gives me stabilization, increased feel for the cloth, and brings me down to the level of the balls. Sometimes I lift my palm and support my bridge solely with my fingers. This is helpful for follow shots so I don't have to squeeze my hand to elevate the cue. It is also comfortable because my hand is in line with the forearm, creating a very stealthy and sleek approach.

It is ideal to have your fingers conform to the shape of the shaft within your closed bridge. This will ensure that your cue will not drastically deflect off the cue ball and/or miscue. This is especially important on draw shots. Make sure you do not squeeze the cue so much that the friction hinders your smooth stroke.

Your bridge should be finalized simultaneously with your stance, so you can now focus on your strokes. DO NOT EVEN SLIGHTLY MOVE ANY PART OF YOUR BRIDGE HAND UNTIL THE END OF YOUR ACTUAL STROKE! MAKE YOUR BRIDGE LIKE A ROCK!

Max Eberle is a world-class professional pool player and instructor. He is a four-time West Coast 9-ball Champion, two-time ACU-I National Collegiate 8-ball Champion, and former BCA Junior National 8-Ball Champion. He is a former WPA World Straight Pool Championship Bronze Medallist, top five-ranked UPA touring professional for two years, and has high runs of 196 in straight pool and ten consecutive racks of 9-ball on a regulation table. An in-demand private instructor and film/television performer, his students include celebrities and pool players of all ages and skill levels. He has traveled the world competing, entertaining, and teaching. An artist for life, he resides wherever inspiration, and his cue, take him. Mention PoolBum for a $5 discount on his DVDs. You can find out more at: Max Eberle