How To Hold A Pool Cue

Knowing how to hold a pool cue takes little specialized knowledge but some experience and practice. Pool is a game of precision, requiring very accurate strikes on the cue ball. Improperly holding the cue—or stick—used to hit the ball can send you way off your mark. Getting the technique down, however, is a good step toward a consistent game.

You will need:

• Pool Cue

1. Where to grip it. To hold a pool cue, you need to know where on the stick to grab it. You should find the point on the stick where it balances, generally closer to the rear because the stick tapers to be thinner to the point. After finding that spot, move your hand back about four to five inches, or so that when you’re leaning forward to make a shot, it is about at your hip.
2. A bridge to a good game. Knowing how to make a good bridge is an important key to knowing how to hold a pool cue. A bridge is formed by placing your non-stick hand on the table and spreading your fingers apart. This bridge is the structure that the cue will slide on as it approaches the ball. You can slide the stick in between your index and middle finger knuckles or in the “v” formed between your thumb and index finger. Either way, make a smooth, steady place for the stick to slide. It is important to keep the bridge a consistent height form the table so you approach the ball the same way with each hit.
3. It’s not a club. To know how to hold a pool cue, you have to understand that it’s not a weapon and should not be held like one. At most, you should use your thumb and index and second fingers to grip the stick. Using too many, or wrapping your whole hand around it, will result in you losing finesse and direction.
4. Keep the stick level. To hold a pool cue properly you should keep in mind that it should be almost always level, parallel to the table itself. Holding it up high in the back and bringing it forward will result in the stick hitting the ball off of your target area. You may be tempted to do this when breaking or looking for a power shot, but in general, keep the stick nice and level, helping you strike the ball where you intend to.
5. Finish well. As with most strokes in most sports—golf, bowling, and tennis, to name a few—you should follow through. A “follow through” simply means that after striking the cue ball, you should continue your motion, at least slightly. While this has no impact on the movement of the ball, it is a psychological trick that will help you with your stroke, so that you not inclined to jerk it to a stop immediately upon striking the cue ball, which can affect where it goes. Hold a pool cue with a nice, steady drawback and follow through, keeping the club level, and it will help ensure your success in the game.