Читать книгу The Sport of Pool Billiards 1 - Ralph Eckert - Страница 18

18

before the first shot

A lot of people feel more comfortable with an open bridge at the beginning. I do understand this, but a closed bridge is still the most effective in pool billiards, as opposed to snooker where the open bridge is the norm. Since shooting techniques in pool billiards are more complex, but actually hitting the ball is easier, it goes without saying that in pool billiards you have to use a closed cue bridge to guide the cue, especially if you have to stretch out further across the table or if you want to add a bit more side spin to your shot. Players who use an open bridge tend to raise the cue during the shot which is not at all desirable and often leads to miscued. What I am trying to say is that with a closed bridge, not only can you have a greater effect on the ball, but you can also control it better. So the earlier you get used to the closed bridge, the better.

If you still refuse, then we‘ll do a deal! You make an honest attempt and I‘ll accept your decision at the end of it. An honest attempt must last for at least two weeks! That means for two weeks you play every ball with a closed bridge – however unpleasant you find it.

The excuse I hear time and time again is that even a lot of the top players play with an open bridge occasionally. Well, yes. That may be true but these players have all played with a closed bridge for years and can cue in a straight line whenever necessary. There‘s no way out of it! If the cue doesn‘t glide through your fingers smoothly, try putting a bit of talcum powder on it. Not body or baby powder – that‘s too fine and perfumed and will just make your cue dirty in the long run! My tip: just use talc from the drugstore. It‘s very cheap and perfectly adequate!