Different Ways of Holding a Pool Stick

With increased television coverage of tournaments, the game of pool has never been enjoyed more. From bars to recreation centers, players are cuing up to match skills with friends and strangers. The key elements to excelling at pool are how the player grips the cue and the style of bridge the player uses.

  1. Open Bridge

    • A player uses an open bridge.

      The hand at the tip-end of the cue is known as the bridge hand. A good bridge starts out with the hand placed firmly on the table with the fingers spread apart to form a steady base. The fingers are then drawn together slightly to elevate the knuckles. The cue is then placed in the V formed by the knuckles. A variation is to draw in the thumb to create the V.

    Closed Bridge

    • This player is using a closed bridge.

      The closed bridge creates a sturdier base and more accurate shooting than the open bridge. It starts with the same solid base. The player then moves his index finger over his thumb to create a loop through which the cue will pass. The loop is tightened until the fingers are firmly grasping the cue. The closed bridge may feel awkward at first, but the effort to learn this bridge will pay off in better overall cue control.

    The Cue Hand Grip

    • A loose grip is essential for consistency.

      The grip of the cue hand, the hand on the thick end of the cue stick ,which provides the power for each shot, must enable the player to make a smooth, consistent stroke. Variations on this grip are created by varying the curl of the fingers from a loose V to a fully enclosed grip. Most players will allow the fourth finger to lift off the cue on the back stroke. The key is a loose grip. Clamping down on the cue will cause the arm to move in a scooping motion, rather than the consistent horizontal stroke needed to create quality shots.