Tom Bolton's

Bridging the Full Massé

The QuickTime Movie above illustrates how to form the bridge while executing the full massé. The term "full" in this description refers to the extent of cue elevation. The fact that the bridging hand is not supported by the table will depend on a player's ability to physically form a bridge. For example, a player with long fingers and shooting close to the rail may be able to utilize the table for support. A third element could also be considered in the use of the term full-- namely the degree of arc taken by the cueball. A complete reversal of cueball direction would be the most radical example; however, the massé in the movie on this page did not require it. Here is a more detailed explanation of what takes place:

-Address the shot by facing the initial path the cueball will take.

-Elevate the butt of the cue until it is almost perpendicular.

-Your forearm is held firmly against your side, hip, or leg depending on your height and position or stance.

-Look down at the cueball at the same angle as the elevated cue.

-Select a place on the cueball to aim--this shot was aimed slightly below and right of center when looking down from the top.

Preliminary strokes are taken while you make last second mental adjustments--these final preparations are usually done automatically from many hours of practice, but most players will want to:

-Visualize the desired path cue ball will take to the object ball.

-Firm up bridge and adjust bridge height if necessary.

-Decide how much force is needed. Factors to be considered include . . .

-Distance from object ball.

-Required arc.

-Is object ball a combination?

-Position.

-How solid is table bed and slate--the above table has 1 1/2" slate. Tables for home use may absorb some of the force if the slate vibrates on impact. Commercial tables should sound "solid."

-What is the condition and type of table covering?

-Will your cue tip and ferrule withstand the abuse from a powerful Massé ?

-Determine when to stop the cue when following through. (The uncontrolled massé shot will damage the table cloth--even well-executed massé shots stress the cloth fibers.)

-Concentrate on point of aim.

-Regulate breathing and make sure body is under control--good balance, motionless.

-Deliver a quick, short final stroke.

-Lift cue so it doesn't interfere with other ball movement.

Lastly, respect the signs in billiard establishments. Massé shots are usually forbidden in most public and private billiard rooms except for demonstrations by accomplished players.