Billiard Coach – Mike Fieldhammer

Thirty-One Tips: 22. Chalk To Help Your Rhythm

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by

Mike Fieldhammer
in ,

Chalk with your bridge hand.

I’ve always chalked this way and was always aware of the differences, but a recent video clip of “Mr. 400” John Schmidt made the reasons clear. If you use your bridge hand to chalk, it is easier to keep a more efficient rhythm. This technique seems to aid keeping your body and cue inline with your next shot too.  The grip hand doesn’t really need to move off the wrap area of the cue, so you kind of stay in touch with the cue. Getting into your stance can happen in the same motion as setting your chalk down on the rail.  For anyone who has caught a gear running balls, this kind of economical process of chalking with the bridge hand can be like a hypnotists swinging stopwatch- a harbinger of dead-stroke.

As a bonus, chalking this way also stops you from swinging your cue around excessively.  Grip hand chalkers can give a neighbor or a pool table an unfriendly rap with the butt of their cue as it swings about during their chalking procedure.

I’m in Fargo this weekend playing in the excellent Mid-Winter Shootout.  If anyone happens to know the link to Schmidt’s short video clip, please share it in the comments.  It’s worth a couple of minutes of your day.

Thanks,

Mike

Comments

3 responses to “Thirty-One Tips: 22. Chalk To Help Your Rhythm”

  1. Johnny Avatar
    Johnny

    I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone specifically suggest using the bridge-hand exclusively. I *have* heard plenty of using the chalk to control/establish a rhythm though. I try to use my grip hand more often than not simply because I’m right-handed and I feel the control a bit better. Also, it seems a lot easier for me to chalk properly using my grip hand, whereas if I don’t think about it – I’ll end up boring a hole with my left. Lastly, tables are dirty, bridge hand get chalky, transfers more dirt and chalk to the shaft (never doesn’t any testing on that, just a theory).

    That being said, when I’m in good or dead stroke, I almost never chalk with my grip hand – it takes too long. haha

  2. Mike Fieldhammer Avatar
    Mike Fieldhammer

    Take a look at this video and you’ll see what I’m talking about. I think it makes a lot of sense and anyone can get used to the technique with a little practice. I can chalk with either hand, and will still do it with my right hand and the bumper on the floor when I really want to apply chalk carefully and inspect the tip for an even coating before a key shot.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChNQbG3O8XQ

    P.S. This video is from PoolBum, a member of the blogging group we call PoolSynergy. Check my blog for P.S. articles and links to all the great authors that make up this group of billiard bloggers.

  3. Mike Fieldhammer Avatar
    Mike Fieldhammer

    Oh by the way Johnny, it is possible to chalk with your bridge hand without doing the “Paul Newman” method of twisting your cue with your grip hand. Proper chalking with either hand involves a brushing motion with the cube and a slow turning with the other hand. The “Drilling” move should never be done. Try it- or maybe I should make a video demonstrating all the ways to chalk. I’m going to be sick thinking about the old cube between the feet and start a fire move!

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