How to Hold a Pool Cue: 6 Simple Grip Tips

If you want to make more balls, start with how you hold the cue. A bad grip makes the cue move off line. A good grip lets the cue go straight back and straight through. In this page, you will learn how to hold a pool cue the simple way.

I have played pool for over 50 years, and I have played in leagues and tournaments for over 38 years. These are the basics I go over with new players.

Which Hand Holds the Back of the Cue?

If you are right handed, your right hand holds the back of the cue. Your left hand is the bridge hand in front. If you are left handed, it is the other way around. Your back hand is called the grip hand.

Tip 1: How Do You Find the Balance Point?

Every cue has a balance point. To find it, rest the cue across two fingers and slide it until it stays level. That spot is the balance point.

Your grip hand goes a few inches behind the balance point. That is a good place to start. You can move a little forward or back until it feels right for you.

Tip 2: How Tight Should You Hold a Pool Cue?

Hold it loose. Think of holding a small bird. You want to keep it in your hand, but you do not want to squeeze it. A tight grip makes the cue twist and jerk when you shoot.

Most of the hold comes from your thumb and first two fingers. The other fingers just rest on the cue.

Tip 3: Why Should Your Forearm Hang Straight Down?

When you are down on the shot, look at your grip arm. Your forearm should hang straight up and down. Then your arm can swing straight back and forth, like a pendulum.

If your hand is too far forward or too far back, your forearm will tilt. That can pull the cue off line. Move your grip hand until your forearm is straight down when the cue tip is near the cue ball.

Tip 4: Should Your Wrist Be Stiff or Loose?

Keep your wrist relaxed. Let it hang. A stiff wrist can make the stroke choppy. A relaxed wrist helps you get a smooth stroke and a good follow through.

Tip 5: How Do You Keep the Cue Level?

Try to keep the back of the cue as low as you can. A level cue helps you hit the cue ball where you aim. If you lift the back of the cue a lot, the cue ball can curve or jump.

Tip 6: How Do You Check Your Grip?

Here is an easy check. Take a few slow practice strokes. Watch your cue tip. If the tip moves side to side, your grip may be too tight, or your forearm may not be straight down. Fix one thing at a time.

What About the Bridge Hand?

The other half of how you hold a pool cue is your bridge hand. That is the hand in front that guides the cue. Read our new blog post on the pool bridge hand to learn the open bridge and the closed bridge.

How Do You Practice Your Grip?

A good grip shows up in a straight stroke. Our billiard drills page has stroke drills you can do. Our billiards fundamentals page covers the other basics.

You can also get my free pool drills and fundamentals training by email. Sign up on our pool tips page.

Once your stroke is straight, you are ready for how to aim in pool and cue ball control.

Ready to Win More 8 Ball Games?

A good grip helps you make balls. Winning takes a plan. My book 8 Ball Winning Strategies shows you how to think through a rack and play smart 8 ball. See what is inside on the 8 Ball Winning Strategies page.

Quick Recap

1. Your back hand is the grip hand.
2. Hold a few inches behind the balance point.
3. Hold the cue loose.
4. Let your forearm hang straight down.
5. Keep your wrist relaxed.
6. Keep the cue as level as you can.

Want more help? Visit our pool lessons page or go back to the Pool Billiards Game home page.