I'm from Indiana, but I had the opportunity a few years ago to visit Southampton and play some British pool. My opponent commented on my closed bridge. I hadn't noticed that British players use open bridges before and I had no explanation of why the difference. Thanks for your wonderful and quite obvious answer! Recently, I've switched to an open bridge on many shots and find it has helped my game. I love the more open view of the shot and the ability to get lower on the cue ball. It has helped my accuracy quite a bit! I love your videos!
@@columbiantoad Thanks for the advice and the lesson. I didn't know that Portsmouth was often called "Pompey." I was in England for only 2 weeks and walked from my hotel near the Southampton airport to a pub in Eastleigh to play. I did get a chance to visit the museum ship area in Portsmouth one day though.
@@RadioTom103 outside coming in, they're both beautiful cities. But when you're from either one, you tend to dislike the other 🤣 But yes, the historic dockyard at Pompey is a great visit, especially if you get the full tour from action stations.
I appreciate the clear explanations and descriptions of the physics involved. I do feel that most beginner players don't consider the fact that they aren't striking the cue ball accurately and consistently, and instead think they aren't good at hitting the object ball.
I played for years and never was told to follow through on shots...videos like this are great for improving your game a little and being more precise in shooting
I’ve been playing pool for over 20 years and this was still really informative for me! I appreciate the quality of video with all the angles and advise too. I feel like I don’t even want to use closed bridge anymore! Going to try to go to an all open bridge game instead of mixed and see how it goes! Great work 👍
Around 3 minutes, that's interesting to me as an American because I played open handed when I first started and then closed after a time. After that I would go back and forth. I dunno why, but I suspected it had to do with me being a lefty- you're always having to come up with creative ways to operate in this right handed world 😋 Cheers mate! 🍻
It's interesting; I'm an American who has only recently started playing pool and trying to get better, yet I naturally prefer the British open bridge hand. Even when playing with an American style cue. I've tried the closed bridge hand and get too much friction on the cue, even when loosening my fingers. I'm still very new to the game and the whole finger raising to adjust the cue idea never occurred to me. I'll have to try it out next time I play. Good video, glad I watched.
Another excellent concise video. My major weakness is not being able to confidently use any bridge other than the open hand version. So when a ball is fairly near the cushion my bridge is too high as you observed. I know I should just play with the closed position until I get used to it but just feels like there is too much resistance when the cue passes through the closed loop!!
same... i mostly only use open bridge, as you had said, there's just too much resistance and much worse on a not that maintained stick. I sometimes modify my bridge to get to different angles without resulting to a closed bridge.
Took me a while to find a video that really gave me a good idea of the different positions and physics involved with different types of shots. This was awesome, thank you!!
Thank you for the demonstration. I’ve always used an open bridge & got called out on it. I did what was comfortable for me & I was made to think I was doing it wrong. I wanted to whack the ball! I was getting anxiety😆
Used to play snooker with snooker cues and had massive problems with wrapping my index finger round the cue. Watching this makes sense. Never had rolled my index over my cue on the cushion either come to think of it
Another top video one thing to note is with US pool bridge they tend to use more power then uk pool so it gives more support for the power shots as opposed to open bridging
My game has been plagued by missing the odd pot when I should have used the closed bridge instead of the open one. After just a few hours of using the closed bridge (when appropriate) my potting has noticeably become more consistent and it actually has started to feel natural. I am now using the closed bridge for the break off (although my table is 8ft) and again there is a noticeable increase in power and a better spread. I would definitely recommend studying this video closely as it is likely to make a significant difference to your game!!
Thanks. Just out of interest you say your table is 8ft, is that an English style table (rounded pockets) or American (sharp angled pockets)? And what size balls are you using?
Mine is the 8ft princes supreme english pool table. So the one they previously used in the world 8ball pool championships until it became a two table final format☹️. For the most part I play with your pro cup aramith balls but sometimes use a 2inch cue ball! I usually warm up playing with the larger standard full size snooker set of aramith pool balls to improve accuracy and concentration!! BTW really enjoying deploying the one piece Pearson break cue - it is so smooth and resistance free! Keep up the good work. Genuinely improving my game!!
I've never come across an 8ft english table, all the pool halls and pubs I play at have 7ft. Is it much different to play on? Break cue sounds nice, might look into one myself.
Ironically I have hardly played on any 7ft tables! Would you consider doing some coaching (paid, of course) via zoom or by assessing via an uploaded video? I have seen some snooker coaches offering this. Cheers
It's not something I've done before, but I have noticed a few other people doing it and have had other requests as well. I couldn't do face to face stuff as I have too many other things on but I might look into offering something online. Just need to work out the logistics of how to do it (and what to charge, I wouldn't really know?). Maybe send me a private message through facebook and we could discuss it further?
Please can you do a video on predicting angles when using more than one cushion for either positioning/to get out of snooker Thanks, your Videos are great
th-cam.com/video/PW_pSnZ1BAk/w-d-xo.html this is a great video for American pool regarding this, I didn't know if there was something similarly logical for English pool? :)
Not really because we don't have the diamonds to work with. You could estimate without but then it's probably easier just to look at angles in and out and work it out yourself.
Great pointers and videos, do you have any advice on buying a table I have the room for a 7ft table just so many out there I can not pick one out of the crowd
I don't use open or close bridge, I use one that I have not seen before, it's a semi close bridge with the cue going between the two middle fingers, and my thumb hooking under the cue to complete the hold on the cue.
When I first started playing pool I wanted to only use the open bridge because i wanted be as consistent as I could...Now I use both bridges I use the open bridge on basic and soft-medium hits, and I switch to the closed bridge whenever I'm shooting a hard-power shot with applied English...Idk if everyone else does that but if it works it works I guess...
For closed bridge use ur middle finger as a guide so as u put pressure with ur index ur middle finger will push the cue in the opposite direction ur cue is being pulled by ur index cause if 2 points of pressure both pressing in on each other giving I a super stable shooting platform
I play American pool and I use open V. I just found I have more control that way and I can make more consistent shots. That and the cue dragging on the index finger drives me nuts
same here. i have sweaty hands and i find i get a smoother shot with an open V. when i first started doing it, i didn’t even know it was considered strange for American pool… it just felt more comfortable 🤷♂️. it was just something i played for fun after all…
I don’t have one because I don’t believe in “pivoting” the cue. The “pivot aiming system” and “parallel aiming system” don’t work and are flawed at different speeds. When you use side (or English) you should get down ready to Sue through the side of the ball, not pivot once in position. However there are lots of factors you need to consider which mean you will probably also need to adjust your point of aim. I do have a video about aiming with side.
I use a 9mm tip. You can get more spin on the ball with a smaller tip but personally I find it comes at the expense of my straight cueing. If you are even slightly off with a very small tip you will notice it. If you have a perfectly smooth and straight cue action then the smaller tip does allow you to get a little more action on the cue ball.
The only reason I see for using a closed bridge is if you have flaws in your cueing especially on shots that require quite a lot of cue power. For example if you hold the cue tight as you go through the ball then the cue is gonna fly off your bridge hand. I use an open hand bridge always even when playing the american game I also tried a shot on the American table where the cue ball is on the breaking line and the object ball is hanging over the pocket and I used an open hand bridge and I was able to screw the ball all the way back down to the cushion and also did It without the cue flying off my bridge. So I don't see the point in it just use an open hand bridge and heal your stroke flaws instead of working around them
😎Instead of roasting my friends and family at pool I'd rather roast the ones who don't like me period and could learn a crap load of respect from this guy,amen
The wrapping around the cue used to be how I used to shoot. Since I was a kid, I was better shooting that way too and was good. For some reason I stopped play and now shoot using the way we usually see people shooting. I feel awkard now shooting the way I used to, I don't get why, is it better shooting with the finger wrapped around the cue. Or does it really matter?
It’s a little bit of personal preference, but there are mechanical reasons why the loop bridge is not great for English pool cues. As I described in the video, if you cue has a reasonable taper, then the loop bridge is not ideal. With an American cue which has a far more subtle taper it’s not an issue. An open bridge works for both.
It’s because of the cue ball size. In English pool it is only 1 7/8ths “ whereas in American pool it is 2 1/4”. So relative to the ball the tips are fairly similar.
Try it. It's best chalk in world. Reasons why: Doesn't mess cloth and balls, no kicks, no miscues, best grip, last 2 times longer than any other chalk. I have been taom user for 2 years, because it's simply the best chalk. I'm snooker player, I play on my own 12-foot table.
It’s definitively better but the price difference is is quite big. About 50p for normal and £1.80 for pro. Just looked up Taom though and it’s ridiculous, about £15 for 1 piece!!!!!
My friends have been destroying me at pool all week😭😭. I had to bring in reinforcements
Same with me😢
Bruh same here 😂 I just had a worst play with my bro cuz I can’t hit the right angle of the pools on the same a while ago so I am here for this video😂
How’s it going
Same here
lmao my father is destroying me at pool hes a real pro😂
I'm from Indiana, but I had the opportunity a few years ago to visit Southampton and play some British pool. My opponent commented on my closed bridge. I hadn't noticed that British players use open bridges before and I had no explanation of why the difference. Thanks for your wonderful and quite obvious answer! Recently, I've switched to an open bridge on many shots and find it has helped my game. I love the more open view of the shot and the ability to get lower on the cue ball. It has helped my accuracy quite a bit! I love your videos!
Also from Indiana😁
@@leviathian6trik6bitch30 same lol
Southamptons awful, should've come to Pompey instead 😉
@@columbiantoad Thanks for the advice and the lesson. I didn't know that Portsmouth was often called "Pompey." I was in England for only 2 weeks and walked from my hotel near the Southampton airport to a pub in Eastleigh to play. I did get a chance to visit the museum ship area in Portsmouth one day though.
@@RadioTom103 outside coming in, they're both beautiful cities. But when you're from either one, you tend to dislike the other 🤣
But yes, the historic dockyard at Pompey is a great visit, especially if you get the full tour from action stations.
I appreciate the clear explanations and descriptions of the physics involved. I do feel that most beginner players don't consider the fact that they aren't striking the cue ball accurately and consistently, and instead think they aren't good at hitting the object ball.
I played for years and never was told to follow through on shots...videos like this are great for improving your game a little and being more precise in shooting
This technique really improved my game and the grip thanks sir👌
Great to hear!
I've been playing pool in a vague manner for years. You've given me answers to the most basic questions, and shown what questions are worth asking.
I’ve been playing pool for over 20 years and this was still really informative for me! I appreciate the quality of video with all the angles and advise too. I feel like I don’t even want to use closed bridge anymore! Going to try to go to an all open bridge game instead of mixed and see how it goes! Great work 👍
Never been so teased in my life! I really wanted you to hit the ball
🎉😢
2:06 you're welcome
Thanks. I have been needing this video.
Hope it's helpful?
Around 3 minutes, that's interesting to me as an American because I played open handed when I first started and then closed after a time. After that I would go back and forth. I dunno why, but I suspected it had to do with me being a lefty- you're always having to come up with creative ways to operate in this right handed world 😋
Cheers mate! 🍻
It's interesting; I'm an American who has only recently started playing pool and trying to get better, yet I naturally prefer the British open bridge hand. Even when playing with an American style cue. I've tried the closed bridge hand and get too much friction on the cue, even when loosening my fingers. I'm still very new to the game and the whole finger raising to adjust the cue idea never occurred to me. I'll have to try it out next time I play. Good video, glad I watched.
Another excellent concise video. My major weakness is not being able to confidently use any bridge other than the open hand version. So when a ball is fairly near the cushion my bridge is too high as you observed. I know I should just play with the closed position until I get used to it but just feels like there is too much resistance when the cue passes through the closed loop!!
same... i mostly only use open bridge, as you had said, there's just too much resistance and much worse on a not that maintained stick. I sometimes modify my bridge to get to different angles without resulting to a closed bridge.
Took me a while to find a video that really gave me a good idea of the different positions and physics involved with different types of shots. This was awesome, thank you!!
Him: ( explaining how to bridge)
Cue ball waiting to be hit : 👁️👄👁️
Thank you for the demonstration. I’ve always used an open bridge & got called out on it. I did what was comfortable for me & I was made to think I was doing it wrong. I wanted to whack the ball! I was getting anxiety😆
Used to play snooker with snooker cues and had massive problems with wrapping my index finger round the cue. Watching this makes sense. Never had rolled my index over my cue on the cushion either come to think of it
I like the tip with the over bridge for stability. Cheers pal
Cheers
Awesome, fantastic instructions, and I think you covered every question I could have.
Another top video one thing to note is with US pool bridge they tend to use more power then uk pool so it gives more support for the power shots as opposed to open bridging
Cheers. Yep definitely another reason it is used.
Thank you for this video. I'm new at playing pool but I enjoy it. You showed some great hand techniques which I will be using!!
My game has been plagued by missing the odd pot when I should have used the closed bridge instead of the open one. After just a few hours of using the closed bridge (when appropriate) my potting has noticeably become more consistent and it actually has started to feel natural. I am now using the closed bridge for the break off (although my table is 8ft) and again there is a noticeable increase in power and a better spread. I would definitely recommend studying this video closely as it is likely to make a significant difference to your game!!
Thanks. Just out of interest you say your table is 8ft, is that an English style table (rounded pockets) or American (sharp angled pockets)? And what size balls are you using?
Mine is the 8ft princes supreme english pool table. So the one they previously used in the world 8ball pool championships until it became a two table final format☹️. For the most part I play with your pro cup aramith balls but sometimes use a 2inch cue ball! I usually warm up playing with the larger standard full size snooker set of aramith pool balls to improve accuracy and concentration!! BTW really enjoying deploying the one piece Pearson break cue - it is so smooth and resistance free! Keep up the good work. Genuinely improving my game!!
I've never come across an 8ft english table, all the pool halls and pubs I play at have 7ft. Is it much different to play on? Break cue sounds nice, might look into one myself.
Ironically I have hardly played on any 7ft tables! Would you consider doing some coaching (paid, of course) via zoom or by assessing via an uploaded video? I have seen some snooker coaches offering this. Cheers
It's not something I've done before, but I have noticed a few other people doing it and have had other requests as well. I couldn't do face to face stuff as I have too many other things on but I might look into offering something online. Just need to work out the logistics of how to do it (and what to charge, I wouldn't really know?). Maybe send me a private message through facebook and we could discuss it further?
This was the video I needed! Thanks a lot, explained it great 👍👍
thank you, I always used close bridge and then I saw my friends using open bridge. I was confused. This was helpful
Glad it helped!
I found this video really useful ☺️ gave me loads of tips thanks
This was amazing, really helpful thank you. Excellent guide for beginners 👍🏼
Thank you
@@PoolSchoolwhat is the best way to bridge with sweaty hands? cue rubs against my hand instead of sliding
Thank you sir, it really helped and also you cleared doubts thanks♥ keep creating more
This really help me thanks😎👍
This video got my subscription 👍👍👍
I just started playing pool this been so helpful thank you 😊
Great video mate!
Cheers
This was extremely helpful. Thank you Sir!
This video really helped me ❤️
Thank you 🎱😎
No problem, glad it helped.
excellent vidéo : keep up the good job !!!
Thank you
Cool video
Thanks for sharing 😊
Wow great tutorials and great to see some with in depth information. I haven't come across any tutorials with as much in depth information
Please can you do a video on predicting angles when using more than one cushion for either positioning/to get out of snooker
Thanks, your Videos are great
th-cam.com/video/PW_pSnZ1BAk/w-d-xo.html this is a great video for American pool regarding this, I didn't know if there was something similarly logical for English pool? :)
Not really because we don't have the diamonds to work with. You could estimate without but then it's probably easier just to look at angles in and out and work it out yourself.
thanks man its just what i needed
I was waiting for him to hit the ball the whole video
Your hand looks like “Thing” from The Adam’s Family, and it’s very impressive sir.
Awesome video! Thanks!
Thanks
Great pointers and videos, do you have any advice on buying a table I have the room for a 7ft table just so many out there I can not pick one out of the crowd
Found ur video talking about ur table
Very helpful video thanks.
I don't use open or close bridge, I use one that I have not seen before, it's a semi close bridge with the cue going between the two middle fingers, and my thumb hooking under the cue to complete the hold on the cue.
When I first started playing pool I wanted to only use the open bridge because i wanted be as consistent as I could...Now I use both bridges I use the open bridge on basic and soft-medium hits, and I switch to the closed bridge whenever I'm shooting a hard-power shot with applied English...Idk if everyone else does that but if it works it works I guess...
Got a pool table, I’m excited to see how good I get
For how much?
Remember that progression is a slow process. Master the fundamentals and I’m sure you’ll be great
Lucky
@@blurr1517 if you want a full sized one you are looking at LEAST 1500.
U should have learned first
Best channel
great vid
I can’t wait to try it today’s,though my sister so very good in the games 😢
For closed bridge use ur middle finger as a guide so as u put pressure with ur index ur middle finger will push the cue in the opposite direction ur cue is being pulled by ur index cause if 2 points of pressure both pressing in on each other giving I a super stable shooting platform
Really useful 😃
Thank you. 😊
Good 👍 explanation
Thank you 🙂
I play American pool and I use open V. I just found I have more control that way and I can make more consistent shots. That and the cue dragging on the index finger drives me nuts
same here. i have sweaty hands and i find i get a smoother shot with an open V. when i first started doing it, i didn’t even know it was considered strange for American pool… it just felt more comfortable 🤷♂️. it was just something i played for fun after all…
So, you're saying American's shafts are bigger..?
Hahaha thank you for the lesson can't wait to implement in my game!
i'm somewhere in between closed bridge. I classify myself as a semi-closed bridge grip.
I’m looking for your video on when to pivot the cue for english.
I don’t have one because I don’t believe in “pivoting” the cue. The “pivot aiming system” and “parallel aiming system” don’t work and are flawed at different speeds. When you use side (or English) you should get down ready to Sue through the side of the ball, not pivot once in position. However there are lots of factors you need to consider which mean you will probably also need to adjust your point of aim. I do have a video about aiming with side.
Thanks 👍❤️
Sir can I ask about the open bridge the hand that will be guiding the cue must I keep it soild or weakend while doing the strokes
Take a look at this video where explain it th-cam.com/video/MOP_peIHWno/w-d-xo.html
@@PoolSchool okay sir thanks
Thank You
What size tip do you recommend for a cue mate? I can’t decide wether to get a 8mm 8.5mm or a 9mm 🤔
I use a 9mm tip. You can get more spin on the ball with a smaller tip but personally I find it comes at the expense of my straight cueing. If you are even slightly off with a very small tip you will notice it. If you have a perfectly smooth and straight cue action then the smaller tip does allow you to get a little more action on the cue ball.
The only reason I see for using a closed bridge is if you have flaws in your cueing especially on shots that require quite a lot of cue power. For example if you hold the cue tight as you go through the ball then the cue is gonna fly off your bridge hand. I use an open hand bridge always even when playing the american game I also tried a shot on the American table where the cue ball is on the breaking line and the object ball is hanging over the pocket and I used an open hand bridge and I was able to screw the ball all the way back down to the cushion and also did It without the cue flying off my bridge. So I don't see the point in it just use an open hand bridge and heal your stroke flaws instead of working around them
Good tutorial broo
cheers
😎Instead of roasting my friends and family at pool I'd rather roast the ones who don't like me period and could learn a crap load of respect from this guy,amen
My brother hadi said u are a fool but i dont agree ur amazing thank u
Hey how much did you buy this pool table?
The wrapping around the cue used to be how I used to shoot. Since I was a kid, I was better shooting that way too and was good. For some reason I stopped play and now shoot using the way we usually see people shooting. I feel awkard now shooting the way I used to, I don't get why, is it better shooting with the finger wrapped around the cue. Or does it really matter?
It’s a little bit of personal preference, but there are mechanical reasons why the loop bridge is not great for English pool cues. As I described in the video, if you cue has a reasonable taper, then the loop bridge is not ideal. With an American cue which has a far more subtle taper it’s not an issue. An open bridge works for both.
Guess I shouldn't be surprised the American cue is bigger, fatter and less elegant.
😂
Didn’t get my hand bridge from here just curious if my hand bridge would be on this list, I get told it looks very professional.
so was your hand bridge on this list or no
@@jq1683 no but it’s okay what ever works, works.
Do I hold my thumb tight? On the bridge
Tight to your hand on the open bridge, yes.
why do they use a bigger diameter cue in america? surely the smaller tip gives you better control of the white
It’s because of the cue ball size. In English pool it is only 1 7/8ths “ whereas in American pool it is 2 1/4”. So relative to the ball the tips are fairly similar.
my friends always be forcing me to play this game and I hate it so imma practice in my free time sometimes
He didn’t take a single shot lol
Im so bad at pool hope this helps
Why you don't use taom chalk?
Not tried it. Quite happy with my Triangle Pro chalk though.
Try it. It's best chalk in world. Reasons why: Doesn't mess cloth and balls, no kicks, no miscues, best grip, last 2 times longer than any other chalk. I have been taom user for 2 years, because it's simply the best chalk. I'm snooker player, I play on my own 12-foot table.
The pro chalk is so much more expensive than normal triangle chalk
It’s definitively better but the price difference is is quite big. About 50p for normal and £1.80 for pro. Just looked up Taom though and it’s ridiculous, about £15 for 1 piece!!!!!
@@PoolSchool yes it's not cheap, but it's worth it. I'm Finnish🇫🇮
He did'nt miss a single shot
I'll always love to watch jason stathem teach me pool
😂
True
What size is that cue ball
It's a standard British cue ball which is 1 + 7/8th Inch
@@PoolSchool where you find that
@@PoolSchool can you send any link where to buy it
@@obedreyes7395 You can get just the Pro Cup cue ball here amzn.to/3qg5YAB or the whole set of Pro cuos balls here amzn.to/2YDAGmp
3:23 🤔
I hate that I don't have octopus levels of control with my fingers. I can't bend my pinky without bending ring fingers
I don't have a hitch hiker thumb
👍👍👍
I am the 500 one to like
1:50
My hand moves alot tho
playing pool is easy
Really good fuckin teacher
Now I won't look like such a twat down at the pub
yes yes but you hit the window man i saw you
Yea thats right, the british have thin shafts and the americans have big, thick shafts 🇺🇲🇺🇲
Just me or does anyone see the bridging hand as a little person trying to hold up a stick??
😂
Pool 🎱
hit the ball already.I am having ADHD
Lol😂😂
My girl just beat me ….😢 need to clear my head
Need to find a new girl mate 😢
I have lost 11 games😭
So you’re telling me Americans prefer a larger shaft than the British? Interesting…
Yep and bigger balls! 😉 Although the British do prefer to take their time, the American game is often over pretty quickly!!
A lot of Americans also play "slop." I assume this is popular with Germans as well, but I might be stereotyping.
@@PoolSchool lol
Rack em
cue bridge🎱
i have a billiards date with a guy later i hope i don't look like an idiot
snuff
Not a PRO here! My opinion....never be too far from the cue ball. It allows wobble, and an inaccurate shot. Once again.....NOT a pro!