GRIP MISTAKES: How to Hold a Pool Cue Correctly [VIDEO]

Hey, I'm Thomas Hart resident pro here at Cue Pros. I'm taking over for Andy today to talk about proper grip technique. I've spent thousands of hours at the table competing, coaching, and yes, making my own share of grip mistakes along the way.

Players always ask me about the best cues. And while there are some great ones we recommend for beginners, the truth is that even an elite cue won’t save you from holding it incorrectly. Most players don't realize that they grip too tightly, drop their elbows, or lose the horizontal line right after contact. They just blame their equipment. 

In this article, I'm breaking down the exact grip fundamentals I teach every student, from beginners to advanced league players. Just want the gist? You can also check out this short video: 

Have a Relaxed, Loose Grip

One of the most common mistakes I see at every skill level is gripping the cue too tightly. A relaxed, loose grip allows the cue to swing freely through the ball. It reduces unwanted wrist movement, improves accuracy, and helps you deliver consistent speed and spin.

The more muscles you involve, the more that can go wrong. Ideally, the stroke should function almost like a pendulum with movement primarily happening at the elbow. You want gravity and timing to work for you instead of forcing the cue through the ball.

Try this: Before each shot, take a breath and consciously loosen your last three fingers (ring and pinky especially). Let the cue rest mainly against your thumb and index finger. 

Form Your Bridge

The most common and stable bridge for beginners is the open bridge. Advanced players may use a closed bridge for power shots, but start with the open bridge.

Lay your hand flat on the table, fingers spread slightly apart for a wide, stable base. Your hand should be about 6–8 inches behind the cue ball, depending on the shot length.

To form the open bridge “V” shape, keep your palm and the base of your thumb pressed firmly on the table. Press the base of your thumb against the fleshy part of your palm (just below the index finger) to create a raised "V" groove between your thumb and index finger. Curl your other three fingers (middle, ring, pinky) naturally so they rest on the table. Don't lift them.

Finally, lay the pool cue into the V-shaped groove formed by your thumb and index finger. The cue should slide easily but without side-to-side wobble. The groove should be just tight enough to guide the cue, not pinch it.

Increase the arch of your palm for higher tip placement, or press your hand flatter or sliding thumb downward to lower the cue. Keep fingers and palm in solid contact with the cloth for stability.

Create a 90 Degree Angle

Once your grip is relaxed, the next checkpoint is your elbow position. When you bend down into your stance (aka “get down on the shot”), create a 90-degree angle between your elbow and the table surface as shown in the image below:

At cue ball contact, your forearm should ideally hang close to a 90-degree angle. If your grip hand is too far forward or back, the cue naturally starts rising or dipping through the stroke instead of traveling on a straight horizontal plane. 

Check your stance in a mirror or record a quick video of yourself from the side. Adjust your grip hand position along the wrap until your elbow hits that perfect right angle at address.

Maintain Loose Grip After Contact

Don't tighten up the moment the tip hits the cue ball. Many players squeeze right at impact, which throws the cue off line. Keep your grip just as relaxed after the shot as it was during your practice strokes.

If you find yourself gripping harder after contact, slow down your stroke and focus on staying soft through the entire motion.

Keep Your Stick on a Horizontal Line

After you strike the ball, make sure your cue is still straight and level, not dipping down or lifting up. Think of your tip traveling along a railroad track that keeps it locked in a straight line as it moves forward. 

If your stick rises or falls post-contact, you're either dropping your elbow or tightening your grip. A level cue after contact means you delivered the ball cleanly, with no unwanted spin or deflection.

FAQs About Holding a Pool Cue

Still have questions about grip and form? Here are some of the most commonly asked ones. 

What is the best grip for a pool cue?

Maintaining a loose grip throughout the stroke is the best way to grip a pool cue. That includes before and after your stick makes contact with the cue. 

How do professional pool players grip?

When it comes to grip, the biggest thing separating pros from amateurs is tension. Great players maintain an extremely loose grip throughout the entire stroke. Amateurs tend to tense up immediately after contact, introducing unnecessary movement into the stroke.

Some other subtle things great players do are:

- Staying extremely still after contact

- Maintaining a consistent pre-shot routine

- Chalking every shot

- Bringing the cue tip very close to the cue ball during warm-up strokes

- Visualizing the entire shot before getting down on it

Visualization is massively underrated by new pool players. Great players are often seeing the entire shot happen before they ever take it — from the stroke, to the object ball dropping, to the cue ball path afterward. Pool is a mental game, and visualization helps your subconscious execute more confidently.

Are heavier pool cues better?

Heavier cues are not better, and cue weight is entirely a matter of personal preference. For instance, I prefer 19oz. 18oz feels just a little too light for me, and anything heavier than 19oz tends to require more muscle tension throughout the stroke, making it difficult for me to maintain a loose grip. But you may prefer a different size as long as it allows you to break hard while still keeping your grip loose.

For break cues specifically, I think heavier is overrated. You should only break with as much power as you can control. A smooth stroke with no tension will transfer momentum far better than trying to muscle the rack apart. Most players don’t need more power, they need more efficiency and better timing.

What pool cue is best for breaking? 

For break cues, the Cuetec Cynergy Breach is probably my top recommendation right now (check out my Cynergy Breach demo here). The feel is incredible, and the transfer of energy and momentum between the cue and cue ball feels extremely comfortable and controlled. It almost has a springiness to it that I really like.

The Breach can generate a ton of momentum transfer into the rack without having to break nearly as hard. It feels much more efficient and controlled, especially with a “pop” break where you want the cue ball to stay near the center of the table, which gives you the best chance at a shot after the break.

Check out the Cynergy Breach in our shop! 

Play Like a Pro at Any Level

We’ve covered the grip mistakes that were probably holding you back, and the fixes that'll set you right immediately. Loose grip, that 90-degree elbow, level cue after contact. Master those, and you're already playing better than most casual players. 

But if you’re investing time into honing your game, I have to ask, does your equipment match your new skills? You wouldn't put cheap tires on a race car. Same goes for your pool cue. The right weight, wrap, and tip will give you the right feedback, making it much easier for you to focus on fundamentals.