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Cueing Academy

Pool glossary · Stroke & Stance

Grip

How should you hold a pool cue?

The grip is how your back hand holds the cue. A correct pool grip is loose — mainly the thumb, index and middle fingers cradling the cue — with the hand directly under the elbow at contact so the cue swings like a pendulum.

In more detail

A tight grip is the most common hidden stroke fault: it tenses the forearm, makes the cue wobble and kills draw. Hold the cue just firmly enough that it does not slip; the back fingers can open slightly on the backswing.

Grip position along the butt sets your forearm angle. Too far back and the cue rises at contact; too far forward and the stroke gets short and cramped.

People also ask

Where should I grip the cue?

At the point where your forearm hangs vertical when the tip is about an inch from the cue ball. For most people that is a few inches behind the balance point.

Train it at the table

More guides on grip