lead ins for Wing Chun

[Anthong]

I love learning Wing Chun regardless of how immediately applicable it is, but I'm always looking for ways to use it in sparring and ways it might be combined into an overall strategy.

For a while now, I do a lot of back handed jabs to get my Wing Chun on (High Reference point). But last time I did a little stand up sparring I found that a simple bridge arm worked pretty well to stick out in front of me like a feeler. I was careful not to extend my arm too straight, and to keep my elbow pointed beyond the opponents shoulder. In general it seemed to work well to block some strikes early and be close for quick strikes as well. Like all ideas, I like to have them debated and validated.

So has anyone else tried this strategy? What do you think of it?

Are there other good lead in strategies to start using Wing Chun in stand up sparring?