How to Hold a Pool Stick (And Why Proper Grip Is Important)

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Billiards expert Michael Lin explains how to properly hold a pool cue for control and accuracy

Co-authored by Michael Lin and Marcus Pruitt, BS

Last Updated: January 22, 2026 Fact Checked

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Basic Hold

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Mastering Different Bridges

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Why is grip important?

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If you want to be a pool shark (or maybe just impress someone with your skills on a date), then the first thing you have to know is how to hold a pool cue properly. If you don't hold it correctly, you can end up hitting the ball way off the mark or even off the table, so it's important to get the basics down before you become a pro. That’s why we spoke to billiards expert Michael Lin to show you exactly how to hold a pool cue and use different bridges. Keep scrolling to learn more!

How to Properly Hold a Pool Cue

Billiards expert Michael Lin says to put your hand flat on the pool table with an arch in the center between your index finger and thumb. Place the cue in between them and pinch your thumb to your pointer finger knuckle for a closed bridge (more control). Or, keep your fingers open for an open bridge (standard shot).

Section 1 of 3:

Basic Pool Cue Hold

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1
Hold the pool cue at your hip with your dominant hand. Place one hand near the rear of the stick where it is balanced. There will usually be tape there to indicate where you should hold. Place your hand approximately 4 or 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) back. Ideally, your back hand should be at a 90-degree angle with your cue.^{[1]
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- Most beginners start off by gripping the cue too tightly. Your grip should be relaxed and yet controlled.
- Your body should be in line with the cue ball. This will help you aim your shot correctly.
- Hold the stick using your thumb and index finger. Add your middle finger if you'd like a bit more power.
- Choose a cue that’s comfortable for you. Wood cues tend to be natural and comfortable to grip. Wraps are typically used to improve grip, and cues with composite materials are non-slip and moisture-resistant.
Meet the wikiHow Expert

Michael Lin is a billiards expert and the owner of Billiard Breakdown pool hall in Rochester, NY. He also creates content centered on competitive pool, pool analysis, trick shots, and live match coverage.
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Lower yourself to the table. Once you grip the cue with your dominant hand and find your shot, you should lower your body toward the table, so you're staring down the line of the cue ball. You won't be able to make your shot if you're stiff and upright.^{[2]
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- Keep your legs relaxed, slightly bent, and at least a few inches apart.
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3
Make an open bridge with your other hand. Place your other hand about 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) away from the cue ball down on the table. The closer you are to the ball, the more precise your shot will be. Once your hand is down, make a bridge or a cradle with it to balance the cue on (or in) your fingers. Though certain bridges work better in certain situations, it's best to be familiar with the most common bridge, the open bridge, first:^{[3]
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- For the open bridge, form a bridge by placing your hand on the table and spreading your fingers apart. This allows the cue to slide as you aim it at the ball.
- Slide the cue between your index and middle finger knuckles or in the "V" that is formed between your thumb and index finger.
- The pool cue is supported by the "V" between the index finger and thumb.
- You can adjust the height of the cue tip by raising or lowering the arch of the hand.
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Hold the cue steadily as you "eye" up the target ball. Lean forward and mentally place the cue on the spot on the cue ball that you want to hit. Techniques for hitting the cue ball in the right spot for specific shots can be perfected later. Ideally, you should hit that cue ball in its center, or on the "sweet spot" of the ball, so it goes where it needs to go.
- Make sure you can see a direct line between the cue ball and the object ball (the ball you're aiming for).
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Hold the pool cue at the balance point and take your shot. Slide the cue forward while aiming steadily. If you feel uncertain about the shot, Lin suggests gently moving the cue back and forth on your bridge to feel steadier and balanced before you take your shot, instead of trying to take your shot right away.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Michael Lin
Billiards Expert and Owner of Billiard Breakdown

Expert Interview} Remember that you want to strike the ball, not poke it.^{[5]
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- Follow through with your shot by continuing your motion after taking the shot.
- Keep your body low to the table until you've finished taking the shot.
- Grip the pool cue in a loose and relaxed manner. Don't tighten up during the shot. If the grip is too tight, the cue may jerk and change the direction of your shot.
- Hold the pool cue with your hand gripping it from the outside and use your thumb on the inside as support. This provides you with better control. Use your thumb, index, and second finger of the other hand to hold the cue in place.

Section 2 of 3:

Mastering Different Bridges

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1
Use the closed bridge for more control. The closed bridge is a more advanced technique that can be used for more accented, controlled shots.^{[6]
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Research source} Needless to say, it will also help you look more like a pro, but it's important to do it right. Here's what you need to do, according to Lin:^{[7]
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Expert Source

Michael Lin
Billiards Expert and Owner of Billiard Breakdown

Expert Interview}
- Place your front hand on the table while making a fist.
- Spread your pinkie, ring, and middle finger while leaving your index finger tucked.
- Lift your index finger and slide your thumb underneath it.
- Slide your index finger over your thumb to create a loop.
- Place your cue through the loop, while keeping the tip of your thumb pressed against the tip of your index finger.
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Use a rail bridge when the cue ball is 4-6 inches (10-15cm) from the rail. This bridge can be helpful when you don't have enough room to make a traditional bridge because the ball is too close to the end of the table.^{[8]
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Research source} Here's how you do it:
- Place your hand on the rail itself.
- Lift your index finger over your thumb and place it on the other side of the cue stick, so that your thumb is on one side of the stick and your index finger is on the other.
- Use the rail for bottom stability. Take your shot.
3
Use a tighter rail bridge when the ball is 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) from the rail. If the ball is so close to the rail that even the traditional rail bridge is not possible, then you can use a different version of the rail bridge to make your shots. Here is what you can do:
- Place your palm against the edge of the rail.
- Place your index finger flat over the rail, guiding the cue on one side.
- Place the tip of your thumb on the other side to guide the cue on the other side. This time, your thumb and index fingers will be in their normal positions, with the cue in the middle.
- Take your shot, using the rail for bottom support.
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Use an elevated bridge to elevate over a ball. This can help you hit that cue ball when it is nearly blocked by another ball.^{[9]
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Research source} Here is all you have to do to hit this shot:
- Plant your index finger down on the table, almost perpendicular to it.
- Plant down your pinkie finger while tucking your middle and ring fingers under, forming a tripod.
- Lift your thumb upwards, forming a V-channel between your thumb and index finger in the air.
- Place the cue between your thumb and index finger and take your shot.
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Use a mechanical bridge for hard-to-reach balls. The mechanical bridge is perfect for shots where the ball is too far out of reach, as it provides you with more control than trying to overreach and missing that shot because you're off-kilter.^{[10]
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Research source} Don't be discouraged by the alternative names, "crutch" or "granny stick"—there's absolutely nothing shameful about using a mechanical bridge! Here's how you use it:
- Place the bridge flat on the table, behind the cue ball.
- Place the cue in the groove that will give you the best shot.
- Hold the butt cap of the stick with your thumb, index, and middle finger.
- Place your head down into the line of the shot and take your shot.

Section 3 of 3:

Why Your Pool Cue Grip Is Important

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Having a proper grip gives you easy control, accuracy, comfort, and power. When you hold the pool cue correctly, you have more control over where the cue ball goes, how fast it goes, and how it spins, as you’re keeping it in place. This control makes way for better accuracy and power, as you know exactly where you want to hit.
- On top of all this, having a proper grip also makes holding the cue much more comfortable, avoiding unnecessary strain on your hand.
- The more you practice properly gripping a cue, the more consistent you’ll get with effectively striking the ball, as you’ll build up your muscle memory.

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What's the best way to improve my skills?

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Play as much as you can. Practice makes perfect.

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Is there any rule that says you can't push your cue stick but must use a striking motion?

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Yes. Pushing it classifies as a push shot and this is a foul, which, in snooker, grants your opponent four points.

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Will using a pool glove improve my game?

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A glove helps reduce the amount of friction between the cue and the player's bridge hand, allowing the cue to glide smoothly along the player's bridge hand. It is the alternative to using hand talc, which could make a mess on the table if too much is used.

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Tips

Keep a consistent height from the table for greater accuracy when using a bridge. Raising the pool cue even slightly can alter the direction of your shot.

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Keep your pool cue clean by wiping down the shaft with a cotton cloth. Do this each time you finish playing.

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Be mindful of others around you when bringing the pool cue back to shoot to avoid injuries.

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