Is there some sort of device to help you create the proper form on your left hand?

Question

I used four fingers to write when I was in grade four and they gave me a thing with three groves to put on the pencil so I would learn the proper technique. Now, in pool, I slide the cue between the beginning of my thumb (some might even still call it hand) and hand, thus making the cue wobble as I shoot. I tried doing it the proper way but it just doesn't feel right, especially since that area of my thumb is generally fairly sweaty.

Answer 1

I'm not aware of such a device that would help you make a bridge. There are some that you just hold and the cue runs through a groove.

If you're having stickiness problems, you can use talc powder to try to absorb the sweat or use a glove. Sometimes, the problem is in the finish and cleanliness of the cue too. If you're using house cues, there's a lot of uncertainty there, so a glove is reliable.

Answer 2

In pool and billiards, the bridge is what supports the cue shaft when taking a shot. It's important to have a good, solid bridge to ensure that the cue tip doesn't have any sideways movement that will adversely affect your aim.

There are several types of bridge - open, closed, rail, and what I call the over-the-ball bridge. For shots on the table that you have trouble reaching, there is also the mechanical bridge.

The easiest bridge to use, and probably the most popular, is the open bridge. This is formed by laying the bridge hand on the table with the fingers spread, pulling the four fingers back to form an arch with the knuckles in the air, and tucking the thumb up against the index finger. The cue shaft is supported by the "V" between the index finger and thumb. The height of the cue tip to the cue ball can be adjusted by raising or lowering the arch of the hand.

The closed bridge provides a more secure grip on the cue shaft and is preferred by more advanced players. This bridge is formed in a similar way to the open bridge, with the difference being that the tip of the index finger and the tip of the thumb are held together to form a circle or loop. Some shooters hold the fingers tip to tip, while others will overlap the thumb nail with the index finger. The cue shaft is held in this loop, and the index finger and thumb are squeezed around the shaft to support it securely, as the shaft slides through when shooting.

The rail bridge is used when the cue ball is so close to the rail that there is no room to place the bridge hand on the table. The bridge hand is held a couple inches over the rail and the tips of the index and middle fingers are placed on the rail, the width of the cue shaft apart. The thumb is tucked up out of the way. The cue shaft is place directly on the rail between the two fingers and the stick is stroked in this manner.

When Sweaty use a glove

Answer 3

They do exist - I shoot against a guy who lost his thumb and he has one... go to a good pool store and ask.

Answer 4

Just make a fist and put your index finger over the cue, if you practice like this long enough you will relax and your fingers will naturally spread out to a more traditional bridge. took me about 2 monthes playing a couple times a week.  You dont want a "device" to do it for you, you will become dependent on it.