LearnToPlayPool.com
The Mechanics of Playing Pool
by BCA Certified Instructor Chris O'Donnell
Getting a Grip - Cradle the Cue in Your Fingers
Copyright 2003-2010 Chris O'Donnell All Rights Reserved
There are many ways to grip the cue. Some work very well, while others won't let you play very well at all. This is because a good grip promotes a great stroke, while a poor grip typically prevents one. That's why some instructors consider the grip a more crucial fundamental than the stroke itself. To say the least, a good grip should be a top priority.
Most players grip the cue too tightly, like when grabbing the handle of a heavy suitcase. They wrap their palm, thumb and all four fingers firmly around the cue. The simple fact is that if you can lift your cue up off an open bridge with just your grip, it's way too tight. The only time you want to grip that tight is when you are chalking the cue.
The inclination to squeeze or "choke" the cue is probably, to some extent, a result of calling it a "grip" in the first place. It's a term that makes you think about holding onto the cue firmly. Whatever the reason, most people just intuitively think a tight grip is best to control the motion of the cue. So, it's not really too surprising that so many untrained players make this mistake. Some intructors refer to this grip as the "rigid clench." Others call it the "death grip" due to the near certaintly that it will kill your stroke.
Grip the cue firmly, but lightly. Your grip must be just firm enough to control the movement of the cue backward and forward, and to prevent the cue from turning (or rotating) inside the grip, especially at impact with the cue ball. But a grip also needs to be light enough at the outset to avoid tightening too much during the stroke, thereby restricting the natural pendulum motion of the cue. This requires a delicate balancing act, but one that is very rewarding when performed well.
Your grip will automatically tighten just before impact wih the cue ball. This tightening occurs instinctively, and is a natural and unavoidable physical reaction to the impending impact between the cue tip and the cue ball. The tighter your grip at the outset, the more it will tighten before impact. If it is too tight, the muscles in your upper arm will engage and become tense, preventing a smooth, evenly-timed stroke. A light grip allows you to stroke with your forearm only, keeping your upper arm motionless and its muscles relaxed.
Three-finger cradle with pinky not involved
Cradle the cue in your first two or three fingers. The number of fingers is purely a matter of personal preference. Curl your fingers and let the cue rest in them. Do not wrap the palm of your hand around the cue. Your palm can make light contact with the cue, but should lose some, if not all, contact during the backswing, then come back into contact near impact with the cue ball. This allows you to keep the cue as level as possible as your grip moves not just forward and backward, but up and down, all in a pendulum-like motion.
Some players like to cradle on the index finger alone, just letting the other fingers ride along. Other players simply place more emphasis on the index finger than the others, especially players who like some forward tilt in their forearm when the cue hits the cue ball. Doing so tends to give their grip a natural, spring-like action that helps propel the cue into the cue ball with some extra zip. It may also allow more "feel" or "touch" that is so important when it comes to developing good speed control. Again, this is purely a matter of personal preference.
Your thumb should rest lightly against the side of the cue and/or your index finger. Some players prefer to leave the thumb off the cue entirely. Whatever you do, don't wrap your thumb around the cue as when making a fist or holding a baseball bat. Nor should you rest your thumb on top of the cue as it will restrict your follow through. As far as the pinky is concerned, if you can't keep it off the cue comfortably, just try not to let it interfere with the natural movement of the cue as you stroke.
Skin between index finger and thumb in
contact with cue, wrist hangs loosely
Let your wrist hang loosely in its natural alignment with your forearm. Don't cock it inward or outward. A supple wrist increases the whipping effect of your follow through without any "extra effort" that might throw your shot off line. Cocking the wrist also creates tension in your upper arm and puts english (or side spin) on the cue ball, both of which can make your shot go off line and miss. A loose wrist, on the other hand, helps you follow through fully without putting too much upward pressure on the shaft of the cue.
Test the pressure of your grip. Loosen your grip by bowing your thumb outward so that the thumb and palm no long exert any pressure against the cue. Then, start stroking your forearm forward and backward so quickly that the cue won't go along with the cradle. After three or four such strokes, slowly reapply your thumb and palm against the cue until you have just enough pressure to make the cue go along with your grip two or three times. This is sufficient grip pressure. To be sure you aren't applying too much pressure with your thumb, stop stroking and grab the shaft firmly with your bridge hand, jerking the cue forward. If the cue slides out of your grip with only the slightest, momentary resistance, your grip pressure is just right.
Where you locate your grip depends mostly on your height and wingspan. With any cue, you just need to experiment a bit until you find the ideal gripping location that balances the cue for medium-length and longer shots using your regular bridging distance (for a beginner using an open bridge, the vee on the bridge should be about six to eight inches behind the cue ball; for experienced players about nine to 12 inches). This is a grip location you will use on the majority of your shots.
To find your ideal grip location, start by getting into your stance and placing the cue tip directly behind the cue ball. Then, pull the cue tip back half way to the front of your bridge (about four inches for an eight-inch bridge). Then, adjust your grip until your forearm is vertical (pointing straight down). Slide the cue back into the set position and you're ready to shoot. Try some spot shots from the kitchen (object ball on foot spot; cue ball behind the head string). If the balance feels good after trying a few shots, you're all set.
Forearm vertical half way through back swing
If it doesn't feel quite right ( i.e. you are missing), try sliding your grip back an inch or so at a time until it does, but not too far. You don't want to grip behind vertical (forearm pointed straight down) at impact since it promotes a stabbing-type stroke. For really short, delicate shots which call for moving your bridge closer to the cue ball, move your grip forward about the same distance. This will keep the cue balanced while allowing for greater accuracy.
Good luck!
