How to Hold a Cue Stick

Knowing how to properly hold and wield your pool cue will go a long way to improving your billiards game. Holding the cue improperly can add variables that lead even the easiest shot astray. Each person is unique, and so is each cue. It's important to know where to hold the cue and how to grip it to get the straightest, most consistent shot.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find the balance point of your cue. The balance point will vary depending on the weight of your cue and its length. Holding the cue horizontally, place your index finger under the cue, and move your finger until the pool cue balances, teetering on your index finger. This is the balance point for this cue.

    • 2

      Move your hand back from the balance point about 4 inches. This occasionally varies depending on the kind of shot you are making, but for most shots, this is where you want your back hand (power or gripping hand) to be. When you need more stability, you will move your hand forward to shorten the distance between your front hand (bridge hand) and the power hand.

    • 3

      Place your bridge hand down on the table at the point of your cue. This stabilizes the tip of your cue. Rest the cue on your thumb and lightly wrap your index finger over the cue. When stroking, the cue should rub lightly against your forefinger to prevent it from wavering and making an inaccurate shot.

    • 4

      Use a loose grip. Your power hand should be gripping the spot several inches from the balance spot, but that grip should be very loose. It should be supporting and guiding the cue, not grasping it tightly. If it is too loose, you will lose control of the shot. If it's too tight, you won't control the shot either.

    • 5

      Follow through. When shooting the ball, keep your hands in place and follow through with the cue for the entire shot. Don't poke at the ball. Your stroke should be a fluid movement.