It looks like if finesse safety worked only because 13 ball was placed on a diamond. It whould travel away otherwise, opening a simple way to the 8 ball.
This is the exact video I was looking for... Bridge Length. A topic that is under rated and no one really talks about. Thanks for making a video on this Dr. Dave!
As soon as I saw the thumbnail with a measuring stick next to the pool cue, I knew it had to be a Dr. Dave video! Bringing the best quantitative analysis to billiards! 🔥 🎱
Thank you Dr. Dave for making all these quality videos. The straightforward detail and consistency of your content has and continues to help players of all skill levels level up their game. I’ve improved tremendously since I started practicing the techniques you’ve taught. We all really appreciate you!!!
I like how a short bridge length is a mental reminder for very soft shots. Every now and then the shooter doesn't have a choice of bridge length due to balls interfering with the bridge location, these kind of shots that force the player out of a natural shot position are often missed by the average player (like myself). So thanks for this video, it's a good reminder to practice various bridge lengths.
Hello, I'm Nakata from Indonesia. I really like your videos, I feel like I want to hone my billiard skills and be more enthusiastic about focusing on the world of billiards, because I really like playing billiards since I was 10 years old, but I am always hindered by equipment where I don't have billiard sticks. which is adequate which makes me feel very difficult to further improve my playing skills, if I may ask you to help me🙏🙏, because I believe asking for help does not mean we are weak or incompetent. This usually shows a high level of honesty and intelligence and I also believe A strong individual is one who asks for help when he needs it. and I apologize if I'm not good at English 🙏🙏🙏
I hope you can find better equipment to use. I don't send out free stuff, but maybe you can find a local supplier or pool room that might have something they can give you (or that you can work for). Good luck!
The only thing you gain from fixed bridge length on all shots is allowing your brain to learn how to adjust for your cue action flows, provided those are consistent. This works best for beginners, therefore is usually recommended in textbooks. If you can deliver the cue perfectly straight (very few people can), then using a variable bridge length (as short as possible given required shot speed, with tip touching bridge on backswing) is better, as it minimizes the back hand errors, and has no other drawbacks. Some snooker players do this, e.g. Kyren Willson. Also using shorter bridge on soft shots and longer on power shots is a common approach in pool.
Dave i have a issue, my coach is tellin me to go as level as possible because eventually i lift my left hand and im hitting cue ball with lifted cue, but issue is when i level cue, sometimes i hit the rail, can you make some sort of video with novice errors, like missing cue ball when trying front spin, or hitting the rail, or dont producing back and front spin because of body and stroke and bridge errors. It would be a lot of help for beginners. Thanks
I already have lots of videos and resources dealing with these issues. Having the cue as level as possible on every shot is very important, per the info and videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/elevation/ People who hit the rail with the cue are called "rail bangers." It is caused by dropping the elbow during the stroke into the ball. I have lots of info and help dealing with this issue here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/elbow-drop/ And lots of advice for improving one's stroke accuracy and consistency can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/technique/ I hope all this stuff helps.
Hey Dr. dave, I'm not sure if you did this one. What if in 9balls - 8 and 9 is the opposite end from one another. 8 closer to the rail near the corner pocket and 9 ball on the end rail toward the middle against the rail. While cue ball is in the middle of the table. What would you do?
I have not done that exact shot in video. Depending on the exact angles, I would probably go off 3 rails with outside draw. But if the natural angle is good, I might just roll it off 1 rail straight up table to either side of the 9.
Any opinion on all the different makers of carbon fiber cues? Do you really think some are way superior than others or just about all the same? What do you think?
They all share the same main advantages here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/carbon/ But some have less CB deflection than others (per the videos at the link). I prefer a cue with less CB deflection (like the Predator Revo) based on the info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/low-squirt/
Yeah well I will call absolute BS for this because one of the best players in the world plays with a short one so yeah I think this BS the only time I use one is when it's a long cut shot or longer straight in besides that I use a shot one because you are a lot more attractive and 🎯
Okay I stand corrected as far as the length of the bridge because I am 6 ft 1 therefore I definitely need a longer bridge I tried it and it worked 🤦 sorry for doubting you
Dr Dave, you and Sharivari are hands down the best teachers ive seen on TH-cam or anywhere else for that matter, question, for some reason while lining up shots from time to time I touch the cue ball with the tip, am I just a moron or is there some reason I get too close ?
I like to drop into my stance with my cue slightly retracted, and don't position the tip close to the ball until I am down and staring at the CB. That might help.
I remember reading from a book written by a pro, I think Freddy the Beard, that he recommended a shorter bridge length for a draw shot, a normal bridge length for a stop shot, and a longer bridge length for a follow shot. My memory isn't perfect so I hope I'm not mis-crediting the advice. I've noticed, in my own play, that using maximum side spin with a long bridge risks a miscue, especially with a flexible shaft like a Meucci Carbon Pro. I think, the more spin used, the shorter the bridge should be used to have a more accurate hit.
Obviously, based on the info and demos in my video, I don’t agree with the draw/stop/follow bridge length advice. A short stroke is OK for a short and slow-speed draw shot, but not for a long, power draw shot.
When you explained that too much elevation causes swerve on draw shots, why did you choose to test it with center ball hits? Any center and above hit, definitely causes swerve, but when you use draw, that isn't the case, or at least not nearly as much. Many pros recommend that you elevate for draw shots.
I have a short open bridge I stick with, it reduces errors hugely, I do move from it if pushed to by shot but practice is key. I am an intermediate player. With short bridge you need be mindfull to not snatch at shots.
As shown in the video, a very short bridge is very helpful for finesse safeties. Many top pros have very long bridge lengths, especially the Filipino players.
I know having a long bridge length is helpful for follow through and power shots like power draw but it does decrease accuracy. Although you covered the pros and cons for either long or short bridges so thanks Dr Dave.
@@DrDaveBilliards in my latest video I cover something that you missed about the long bridge - and that's the increased distance to the cue ball, making the cue ball and object ball more even in size. For many players this makes alignment easier.
Good question. I speculate it is due to entrenched tradition, and not due to any specific written rules... more of an unwritten rule, perhaps? (Similar to a 'no showboating' custom by not playing both right and left handed shots in a match? ...which is no longer enforced in modern Snooker, thanks mostly to Ronnie. LOL )
I suspect it is mostly tradition and comfort level. I suspect this will change over time. Carbon fiber offers advantages per the info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/carbon/
I am no novice, but long bridges throw my aim, so when I play, I have to remind myself to shorten my bridge to 8 inches or less. I'm hoping over time as I get more consistent I'll be able to lengthen my bridge to get the same results.
A very good video! I am the old guy trying to get better. I have been practicing my 8 ball break and am lucky if more than 3 balls below the side pockets. Occasionally I will make a ball on the break. I don’t know if I am hitting the head ball squarely or not. I use a practice cue ball for braking so I can tell where I am hitting it. I don’t seem to be enough power in my stroke and if I try I don’t always hit the cue ball exactly where I want. I studied your videos on breaking but I still don’t seem to get enough power. I have tried different bridge lengths without much difference. I use a Turtle Rack or a Predator rack so I am fairly sure I am getting a tight rack. Do you have any suggestions? I can’t use an open bridge because of my terrible tremor. Thank you Dr. Dave for listening to me. I watch a lot of your videos. One more thing, what are the best drills for a little better than a beginner? Thanks again.
Thanks. For lots of good general break technique advice, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/advice/ And for 8-ball break strategy, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/ I recommend the BU Exam I drills here: billiarduniversity.org/testing/exams/ RDS and PPC are also excellent. See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/drill/rds billiards.colostate.edu/faq/drill/ppc/
@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you Doctor Dave. I have a lot of work to do in order to make more power with consistent results. I really appreciate your skill and willingness to help.
I just had my table recovered with the second from the top cloth, as they said it is commercial cloth. How does that affect the break and the movement of both the cue ball and the object ball. Will it also affect ball spread during the break? Thanks again Doctor Dave.
@@jackslover107 If the cloth is faster than you are used to, you should get better spreads on the break. For other effects, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/table/cloth-effects/
@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks again!! My cloth is much slower than the old cloth. You have confirmed my suspicions so again I thank you. I hope you don’t get tired of my mundane questions. Have a blessed night.
*Contents:*
0:00 - Intro
0:17 - Recommended Length
0:46 - Stroking Errors
1:46 - Aiming
2:11 - Stroke Accuracy
---- 3:15 - cue elevation
4:59 - Speed Control
---- 5:30 - quarters
---- 6:53 - power shots
---- 7:51 - finesse safety
9:39 - Natural Pivot Length
---- 10:46 - BHE errors
---- 12:40 - power break
14:04 - Wrap Up
*Supporting Resources:*
- bridge length resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bridge/length/
- System for Aiming With Sidespin (SAWS): billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/aim/saws/
- speed control advice: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/speed/advice/
- midpoint-parallel-shift 2-rail-kick aiming system: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bank-kick/midpoint/
- back-hand english (BHE): billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/bhe-fhe/
- cue natural pivot length: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/natural-pivot-length/
*Subscribe to Dr. Dave's TH-cam Channel:*
th-cam.com/users/DrDaveBilliards
It looks like if finesse safety worked only because 13 ball was placed on a diamond. It whould travel away otherwise, opening a simple way to the 8 ball.
@@maxn.220 The donut definitely helped, but the technique is still valid.
This is the exact video I was looking for... Bridge Length. A topic that is under rated and no one really talks about. Thanks for making a video on this Dr. Dave!
Agreed
You're welcome. This has been on "my list" for a long time also. I'm glad I finally got around to it. The topic isn't "sexy," but it is important.
@@DrDaveBilliards 👍
As soon as I saw the thumbnail with a measuring stick next to the pool cue, I knew it had to be a Dr. Dave video! Bringing the best quantitative analysis to billiards! 🔥 🎱
That's what I do! :)
Thank you Dr. Dave for making all these quality videos. The straightforward detail and consistency of your content has and continues to help players of all skill levels level up their game. I’ve improved tremendously since I started practicing the techniques you’ve taught. We all really appreciate you!!!
Thank you, and you're welcome. I'm glad to hear my stuff has helped your game. It has helped mine also! :)
I like how a short bridge length is a mental reminder for very soft shots.
Every now and then the shooter doesn't have a choice of bridge length due to balls interfering with the bridge location, these kind of shots that force the player out of a natural shot position are often missed by the average player (like myself). So thanks for this video, it's a good reminder to practice various bridge lengths.
You're welcome. I aim to swerve (except when my cue is level). :)
Hello, I'm Nakata from Indonesia. I really like your videos, I feel like I want to hone my billiard skills and be more enthusiastic about focusing on the world of billiards, because I really like playing billiards since I was 10 years old, but I am always hindered by equipment where I don't have billiard sticks. which is adequate which makes me feel very difficult to further improve my playing skills, if I may ask you to help me🙏🙏, because I believe asking for help does not mean we are weak or incompetent. This usually shows a high level of honesty and intelligence and I also believe A strong individual is one who asks for help when he needs it. and I apologize if I'm not good at English 🙏🙏🙏
I hope you can find better equipment to use. I don't send out free stuff, but maybe you can find a local supplier or pool room that might have something they can give you (or that you can work for). Good luck!
Excellent video. Some of the bridge lengths just made a light bulb go off in my head. Thank you.
I'm glad you liked it and found it helpful.
The only thing you gain from fixed bridge length on all shots is allowing your brain to learn how to adjust for your cue action flows, provided those are consistent. This works best for beginners, therefore is usually recommended in textbooks. If you can deliver the cue perfectly straight (very few people can), then using a variable bridge length (as short as possible given required shot speed, with tip touching bridge on backswing) is better, as it minimizes the back hand errors, and has no other drawbacks. Some snooker players do this, e.g. Kyren Willson. Also using shorter bridge on soft shots and longer on power shots is a common approach in pool.
The only disadvantage of the short bridge for soft shots is not being able to see as much of the cue. Otherwise, this makes a lot of sense.
Wow! I just learned more about my game in 10 minutes than I can remember in decades of playing pool!
I hope that’s an exaggeration, but I’m glad to hear it.
Dave i have a issue, my coach is tellin me to go as level as possible because eventually i lift my left hand and im hitting cue ball with lifted cue, but issue is when i level cue, sometimes i hit the rail, can you make some sort of video with novice errors, like missing cue ball when trying front spin, or hitting the rail, or dont producing back and front spin because of body and stroke and bridge errors. It would be a lot of help for beginners. Thanks
I already have lots of videos and resources dealing with these issues.
Having the cue as level as possible on every shot is very important, per the info and videos here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/elevation/
People who hit the rail with the cue are called "rail bangers." It is caused by dropping the elbow during the stroke into the ball. I have lots of info and help dealing with this issue here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/elbow-drop/
And lots of advice for improving one's stroke accuracy and consistency can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/technique/
I hope all this stuff helps.
Hey Dr. dave, I'm not sure if you did this one. What if in 9balls - 8 and 9 is the opposite end from one another. 8 closer to the rail near the corner pocket and 9 ball on the end rail toward the middle against the rail. While cue ball is in the middle of the table. What would you do?
I have not done that exact shot in video. Depending on the exact angles, I would probably go off 3 rails with outside draw. But if the natural angle is good, I might just roll it off 1 rail straight up table to either side of the 9.
Alex Pagulayan switched to a short bridge recently. It seems to be working for him he beat Joshua Filler in a tournament recently.
That is surprising because he has always used a very long bridge, partly because he is short and it gives him more reach.
Any opinion on all the different makers of carbon fiber cues? Do you really think some are way superior than others or just about all the same? What do you think?
They all share the same main advantages here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/carbon/
But some have less CB deflection than others (per the videos at the link). I prefer a cue with less CB deflection (like the Predator Revo) based on the info here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/low-squirt/
Yeah well I will call absolute BS for this because one of the best players in the world plays with a short one so yeah I think this BS the only time I use one is when it's a long cut shot or longer straight in besides that I use a shot one because you are a lot more attractive and 🎯
What is your fargo Shepp?
Okay I stand corrected as far as the length of the bridge because I am 6 ft 1 therefore I definitely need a longer bridge I tried it and it worked 🤦 sorry for doubting you
How dare you doubt me. :)
Go watch top professionals play and see how much of this video applies. You'd be surprised. Thanks Doc.
Yep. Pros usually do what is best.
Dr Dave, you and Sharivari are hands down the best teachers ive seen on TH-cam or anywhere else for that matter, question, for some reason while lining up shots from time to time I touch the cue ball with the tip, am I just a moron or is there some reason I get too close ?
I like to drop into my stance with my cue slightly retracted, and don't position the tip close to the ball until I am down and staring at the CB. That might help.
@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you Brother
You're welcome. I aim to swerve (except when my cue is level). :)
Another great video. I will be passing this on to my teammates. Thank you Dr. Dave.
Thanks. I hope it helps your team.
I remember reading from a book written by a pro, I think Freddy the Beard, that he recommended a shorter bridge length for a draw shot, a normal bridge length for a stop shot, and a longer bridge length for a follow shot. My memory isn't perfect so I hope I'm not mis-crediting the advice. I've noticed, in my own play, that using maximum side spin with a long bridge risks a miscue, especially with a flexible shaft like a Meucci Carbon Pro. I think, the more spin used, the shorter the bridge should be used to have a more accurate hit.
Obviously, based on the info and demos in my video, I don’t agree with the draw/stop/follow bridge length advice. A short stroke is OK for a short and slow-speed draw shot, but not for a long, power draw shot.
Does swerve depend on amount if sidespin applied?
Yes, along with shot speed and distance, cue elevation, and cloth conditions.
When you explained that too much elevation causes swerve on draw shots, why did you choose to test it with center ball hits? Any center and above hit, definitely causes swerve, but when you use draw, that isn't the case, or at least not nearly as much. Many pros recommend that you elevate for draw shots.
Good point. Backspin delays the swerve and slight cue elevation increases it, so the effects tend to cancel (at certain shot speeds and distances).
I have a short open bridge I stick with, it reduces errors hugely, I do move from it if pushed to by shot but practice is key. I am an intermediate player. With short bridge you need be mindfull to not snatch at shots.
A short bridge is fine for most shots, but a longer bridge has the advantages discussed in the video.
Thank you that was very helpful.
You’re welcome. I aim to swerve. :)
Well, my being a novice was just exposed... Thank you Dr Dave, I will try to use longer bridges from now on!
A longer bridge is good only if it works. Don’t force it.
i found that long bridge give me more comfort with backspin and hard shot, while short bridge is easier for soft hitting shots like a defensive
That is a good approach.
Lots of players r gonna watch this one!!
The topic is not very “sexy,” but it is important stuff.
@@DrDaveBilliards U got that rite!!
“exagggerated" lol
I used very short bridge for close up safety's. i noticed Efren's long bridge and is flawless
As shown in the video, a very short bridge is very helpful for finesse safeties. Many top pros have very long bridge lengths, especially the Filipino players.
I've just noticed that bridging the cue further back on the shaft, I've been able to make those long straight shots a lot easier.
Seeing the extra length of cue probably helps.
Thank you Dr Dave, very useful, always been struggling with bridge length
You're welcome.
The GOAT does it again! Great video with practical tools for improving your game.
Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.
…..once again, good ‘stuff’ Dr. 🙌🏼 thank you 🎱
Thank you, and you're welcome.
I know having a long bridge length is helpful for follow through and power shots like power draw but it does decrease accuracy. Although you covered the pros and cons for either long or short bridges so thanks Dr Dave.
Yep. I think the video pretty much covers everything.
@@DrDaveBilliards yeah it does. Thanks for this video Dr Dave. It's a helpful one to all players
@@DrDaveBilliards in my latest video I cover something that you missed about the long bridge - and that's the increased distance to the cue ball, making the cue ball and object ball more even in size. For many players this makes alignment easier.
Good point. This could be helpful when the CB and OB are fairly close.
@@DrDaveBilliards yeah nonetheless a helpful video
Hi Dr Dave. Why do you think there's been little/no adoption of carbon fibre cues in snooker? Pros have tried but reverted back to wood
Good question. I speculate it is due to entrenched tradition, and not due to any specific written rules... more of an unwritten rule, perhaps? (Similar to a 'no showboating' custom by not playing both right and left handed shots in a match? ...which is no longer enforced in modern Snooker, thanks mostly to Ronnie. LOL )
I suspect it is mostly tradition and comfort level. I suspect this will change over time. Carbon fiber offers advantages per the info here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/carbon/
Good stuff thanks Dr. Dave.
Thank you, and you're welcome.
Excellent as always! Some of this stuff I never thought of!
Thanks. I’m glad you found it interesting.
Tuyệt quá bạn ơi
Thank you, and you're welcome.
I am no novice, but long bridges throw my aim, so when I play, I have to remind myself to shorten my bridge to 8 inches or less. I'm hoping over time as I get more consistent I'll be able to lengthen my bridge to get the same results.
8” is a little short for accurate and controlled power shots, but it is fine for most shots.
Sounds like your stroke is novice
@gapingshanus very true. Bad habits playing bar pool for a decade.
@DrDaveBilliards currently, I prefer to shoot softly and follow simply because I am still struggling with cue ball control.
Fantastic video
Thanks. I'm glad you liked it.
thank u
yw
A very good video! I am the old guy trying to get better. I have been practicing my 8 ball break and am lucky if more than 3 balls below the side pockets. Occasionally I will make a ball on the break. I don’t know if I am hitting the head ball squarely or not. I use a practice cue ball for braking so I can tell where I am hitting it. I don’t seem to be enough power in my stroke and if I try I don’t always hit the cue ball exactly where I want. I studied your videos on breaking but I still don’t seem to get enough power. I have tried different bridge lengths without much difference. I use a Turtle Rack or a Predator rack so I am fairly sure I am getting a tight rack. Do you have any suggestions? I can’t use an open bridge because of my terrible tremor. Thank you Dr. Dave for listening to me. I watch a lot of your videos. One more thing, what are the best drills for a little better than a beginner? Thanks again.
Thanks. For lots of good general break technique advice, see:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/advice/
And for 8-ball break strategy, see:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/
I recommend the BU Exam I drills here:
billiarduniversity.org/testing/exams/
RDS and PPC are also excellent. See:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/drill/rds
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/drill/ppc/
@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you Doctor Dave. I have a lot of work to do in order to make more power with consistent results. I really appreciate your skill and willingness to help.
I just had my table recovered with the second from the top cloth, as they said it is commercial cloth. How does that affect the break and the movement of both the cue ball and the object ball. Will it also affect ball spread during the break? Thanks again Doctor Dave.
@@jackslover107 If the cloth is faster than you are used to, you should get better spreads on the break. For other effects, see:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/table/cloth-effects/
@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks again!! My cloth is much slower than the old cloth. You have confirmed my suspicions so again I thank you. I hope you don’t get tired of my mundane questions. Have a blessed night.
And once again I had noo idea!
Learned so much!
I’m glad to hear it.
I bet Dr Dave's Fargo easily be 750
I don't have a FargoRate because I play only in VNEA events, but it is probably closer to 650.
Very nice
@@mariodonan6245 I’m glad you liked it.
Excellent
Thanks!
Really good episode. I learned a lot.
Thank you. I’m glad to hear it.
Looking forward to trying this.
I hope it helps.
Dr. Dave is a pool legend.
That might be an exaggeration, but thank you.
Great break down. Great video.
Thanks. This one was a lot of work, but I think it was worth the effort.
More good info Dave.👍
Thanks again!
Thank you, Dr.
You're welcome.
Thanks Dr Dave
You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)
thank you
You're welcome.