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Question:
"How and where do you grip the butt of your
cue and what are the pros and cons of having an open vs. closed
hand bridge?"
Answer:
Holding your pool cue in the proper place is important because
that is how your cue travels in a straightforward motion. Everyone’s
arm spans are different so it’s hard to tell you on paper
where to hold your cue exactly. But with the tip of your cue almost
touching the cue ball, you should have 6-8 inches between your bridge
hand and the cue ball. And most importantly, when you do achieve
that distance make sure your arm is straight up & down and it’s
perpendicular to the ground.
The goal is to make your cue go in a straightforward motion back
and forth with no hiccups side to side. Whoever throws their cue
the straightest, pockets the most balls. A good practice technique
is to stroke your pool cue alongside a pool table, where the rail
and cloth meet, and make sure your cue is going in a smooth &
straight line. When I was a kid I used to stroke my cue into a Coke
bottle that was lying on a table without hitting the edge of the
bottle - try it, it’s harder than you think…
As for an open vs. closed hand bridge: Its okay to use an open
hand bridge ANYTIME as long as you don’t have to do too much
with the cue ball; like a stop shot. But it’s when you DO
have to travel a far distance with the cue ball I recommend that
you use a closed hand bridge. It’s all about controlling the
cue ball!! Most of the time you will use a closed hand bridge. Another
rule of thumb: when you are having a hard time seeing the cue ball
because your first knuckle is visually in the way, use a solid open
hand bridge.
Your best bet is to join my open clinic at the Wynkoop - the next
one is scheduled for Saturday, August 6th, 2011. Visit www.melissalittle.com
for more information. Till next month, practice practice and more
practice…
Best of luck to you,
Viper
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