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"Pool is very simple. Just sink one ball after another, and make sure each time that your cue ball stops where you have an easy shot!" - Ray Martin - BCA Hall of Famer

Open V-shaped Bridge

In order to be a good pool player, you need to have a good solid bridge hand to stabilize your cue as you shoot. The bridge hand will assist you in hitting the cue ball accurately and applying the appropriate English.

There are two basic bridges:

(1) The Open V-shaped Bridge
(2) The Closed Bridge
Open V-shaped Bridge
Closed Brigde

 

Regardless of which bridge option you choose, remember that your bridge hand is always made with your non-dominant hand and must be firm!
Firm V-shaped Bridge

The Open V-shaped Bridge is the easier of the two bridge styles. However, as you become a more proficient player, you will find yourself using both bridge styles depending on the shot.


The following visual guide is for beginning pool players who want to know how to form an Open V-shaped Bridge:

Fist
  1. Make a fist on the surface of the table with your non-dominant hand
Hand Elevation
  1. Without losing the elevation of the knuckle area of your hand, spread your fingers out
Thumb
  1. Raise your thumb up and pinch it against the first finger/knuckle area
V-shape Formation
  1. You should see the formation of a "V" shaped groove
V-shaped Groove
  1. This "V" shaped groove will form a stable bridge for your cue stick to glide over your hand

 

For a printable version, click here.