How to Hold a Pool Cue? Tricks You Never Know

How would you describe holding a pool cue? Is it something you’ve done before? If yes, then you probably already know the basics of holding a pool cue. But if not, then you might want to read this article.

Holding a pool cue is essential to playing pool. Many new players who want to play billiards often have the pool cue incorrectly, and a wrong hand bridge/ hand position or stroke can ruin the entire game.

How you hold a pool cue determines whether or not you’ll get good shots.

The three major elements involved in holding the cue stick are:

Hand Position – Where to Hold the Pool Cue?
Hand Grip – How to Grip the Pool Cue?
Hand Bridge – How to Form a Hand Bridge?

Also Read: How Long Does Pool Cue Last?

To Hold the pool cue correctly, it is essential to master all these techniques. So, let’s get started:

Hand Position – Where to Hold the Pool Cue?

Rule: While hitting the cue ball, always keep the forearm at 90 degrees of the cue ball.

According to Mark Selby, 2021 World Snooker Champion, “The first step to understand how to hold the pool stick is to figure out the proper place you should hold it .”It all comes down to the hand position.

Beginners tend to hold their stick too far to the left or too far back to the cue’s butt.
Finding the perfect spot to place your hand could seem like a challenge, and it’s quite simple.
Go with this principle in figuring out the best place to hold the stick. Your forearm must be parallel to the pool stick whenever you contact your cue ball.
For a quick check of your hand’s placement, place your cue in a line to ensure the point is in the direction of the cue ball.
Ensure you get the tip as close as possible without striking the cue ball.

Also Read: How To Replace Pool Cue Tip?

Does your forearm lie perpendicular towards your stick up to this moment?

If not, adjust your hands in the same direction.

Allow your forearm to rest straight to your elbow, keeping your wrist in place.
It keeps your cue low, which aids in the overall alignment and shot’s accuracy.
If your arm moves slightly forward when hitting your cue ball, it’s okay.
But your forearm must not be turned back when you touch the cue ball.

Also Read: How Long Is Pool Cue?

Hand Bridge: How To Grip The Pool Cue?

Rule: Keep your grip relaxed, natural, and light to avoid holding the cue tight.

The Hands’ position for Right-Handed Persons:

The right hand is to the butt of the pool (bottom portion of a stick for collection), on which you can GRIP
The left hand will be placed on the table, where your hands create a BRIDGE for your pool stick

GENERAL TIPS

If you do anything wrong with one of these areas and mess up any of these parts, it can completely ruin your shot. You may miss an easy shot that you’ve hit thousands of times because you hit the ball too hard because of your grip.

One of the biggest mistakes pool players who are new to the game is to grip their sticks too tight.

A tight grip results in pushing the ball far off
New pool users often strike the ball with higher force.

Yes, it’s tempting to attempt to hit an object ball into the pocket in a powerful manner.

There’s no doubt that you can’t go wrong adding a bit of extra oomph to certain shots. However, that doesn’t mean you have to hold the stick with white fingers.

Also Read: How To Clean A Pool Cue?

It is the case for the most experienced players.

If you’re trying to create an aggressive shot, it’s normal to become tense.
Your palm is wrapped around the cue and then grip tight, believing this will allow you to exert greater control and precision.
However, it’s not the right method to hold a stick in a pool, whether you’re hitting delicate shots or trying to make an extreme breaking point.
If you hold the cue in a tight grip, the pool’s stick will move upwards and downwards when you swing.
This effect causes a seesaw, making it difficult to maintain the sticks at a level.
If you attempt to make it lower and parallel while using a firm grip, you’ll use greater muscles within your shoulder and arm.
It means that you’ll lose control of your pendulum swing based on the basic back and forth motion using your forearm and elbow. The shot could suffer.
If you’ve been holding your pool stick with too much force, making the switch to a more light and loose grip will greatly improve.
However, there is some disagreement on what the slackness of your grip needs to be.
Certain players shoot with an extremely loose grip using their fingers. Others prefer resting the stick on their palms slightly to improve control. It might appear that their hands are covered with the stick.
One way to achieve the natural balance between comfort and control is to put the stick of the pool on the table. Then, pick it up using the least effort you can, and it is the way to keep the stick!
If you think that’s too easy, you can look for a few specific tips that can assist.
Then, put the cue on the fleshy side of your hand, between your index and thumb.
Then, wrap your thumb and your first three fingers in the direction of the stick. The pinky finger may remain loose if it feels more comfortable.

You May Consider Reading: How To Buy A Pool Cue

WRONG-WAY OF GRIP

A death Grip or a tight Grip at the cue can lead to an inaccurate shot. It is not necessary to press all 5 fingers and place your palms on the butt of the pool throughout the shot. It’s not needed and is a bad habit to adopt.

Exception:

If you can keep the stick of your pool straight while shooting, you can shoot.

Certain shots could need it:

The Nip Draw Shot (to not be a foul)

HAND BRIDGE – How to Form a Hand Bridge?

A hand bridge is your hands that are not dominantly placed at the table (palm on the table), pressing your fingers together and pressing the thumb of your middle (or middle) finger to form a “V.” This is the place where you’ll set the cue. Be sure that the bridge you choose to use is sturdy and cannot be easily moved to create the safety of your bridge that your cue can slide across.

In addition to other than the “V” finger bridge, there are a variety of bridges you can learn to help improve your game in the pool.

1: Finger Rail Bridge

It is possible to use this bridge when you are just six inches from the ball and close to the rail. Just place your finger on the rail. It is recommended that your middle finger be placed on the table. Utilize your thumb to hold the cue stick, and then place your index finger on the surface of the cue stick.

2. Palm Rail Bridge

This bridge occurs when you have only one or two inches of space between your Cue Ball and the Rail. Rest your palm against the rail. Proceed with the shot by keeping on your fingers on the table.

3: Natural Elevated Bridge

With your pinkie finger and index finger, raise your hand and then close your middle and ring finger, ensuring they’re tucked beneath your palm. Move your thumb up or down while sliding the cue stick over the open bridge to create your shot.

4. Closed Bridge

Instead of using an open bridge, the closed bridge is where you place your index finger directly over your cue stick. The index finger needs to be placed on the table, and the cue stick can slide smoothly between the table and your fingers.

5: Mechanical Bridge

The mechanical bridge is used in situations where the ball from the cue is far away that it becomes too difficult to create shots. The bridge is put on the table while it is held by a hand and then adjusted to its height. Place the stick in the groove, and then line up your shot like normal.

What is Bad Hand Bridge?

When the stick rests between the knuckle and the thumb, it is considered a bad hand bridge position.

Open Bridge Vs. Closed Bridge – Which one is better?

A closed bridge is an advanced technique that you should consider for accented shots. It makes you look pro, but you must follow the right technique. It would help if you practiced both techniques until you become comfortable with each one.

How to Hold Pool Stick Properly?

There are many ways to hold a pool stick. The most common way is called the Death grip. It is when you grab the shaft of the stick with your four fingers (index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger). Your thumb is wrapped around the end of the stick.

Conclusion

You need to know how to hold a pool cue properly. If you don’t, you may get injured. There are different types of bridges that you can use, and choose the best one for you.