Quick answer: To hold a pool cue, grip the butt with your back hand loosely, using mostly your thumb, index finger, and middle finger. Your other fingers just rest on the cue. Place your hand so that your forearm hangs straight down, about at a right angle to the cue, when the tip is near the cue ball. Keep the grip relaxed, like holding a small bird, so the cue can swing freely.
How you hold the cue affects every shot you take. A tight grip makes the cue wobble and steer off line. A relaxed grip lets the cue move straight.
The Back Hand Grip
The back hand is the hand that holds the butt of the cue. If you are right handed, it is your right hand.
- Let your arm hang. Stand in your stance and let your back arm hang naturally.
- Cradle the cue. Rest the cue in your fingers, not deep in your palm.
- Use three fingers. Your thumb, index finger, and middle finger do most of the holding.
- Rest the others. Your ring and little finger touch the cue lightly or hang free.
- Leave a little space between your palm and the cue.
Where to Place Your Hand
A good starting point: when the cue tip is about an inch from the cue ball, your forearm should hang straight down. That puts your hand in the right place for most players.
| Hand position | What happens |
|---|---|
| Too far forward | Short backswing, cramped stroke |
| Too far back | Cue tip rises and dips during the stroke |
| Forearm straight down | Smooth, level stroke |
Taller players or players with long arms may need to adjust a little. The goal is a forearm that swings like a pendulum from the elbow.
How Tight Should Your Grip Be?
Loose. Many coaches compare it to holding a small bird: firm enough that it cannot fly away, but soft enough not to hurt it. On a scale of one to ten, aim for about a three.
A tight grip can cause:
- Steering the cue off line
- Jerky strokes
- Miscues
- Tired arms and wrists
Wrist Position
Keep your wrist relaxed and hanging straight down. Avoid cocking it in toward your body or out away from it. A bent wrist can twist the cue during the stroke.
The Bridge Hand Matters Too
Your front hand, called the bridge hand, guides the cue. A solid bridge and a loose grip work together. Learn more on our page about open bridge vs closed bridge.
Simple Grip Drills
- The empty bottle drill. Stroke the cue through the neck of an empty bottle on the table. A tight grip makes the cue hit the sides.
- Stop and check. Freeze at the end of your stroke and look at your grip. Did it tighten?
- Straight in shots. Shoot a ball straight into a pocket over and over. If the cue ball veers to the side, check your grip and wrist.
- Practice strokes. Take slow practice strokes and feel the cue swing back and forth by itself.
Common Grip Mistakes
- Squeezing the cue in the palm
- Gripping too far forward
- Tightening the grip right at contact
- Letting the wrist bend out or in
- Changing the grip from shot to shot
Put It Together
A good grip works with a good stance. Our page on pool stance for beginners explains how to set your feet and body. Before you play, try a short warm up from our guide on how to warm up before playing pool.
The Bottom Line
To hold a pool cue well, grip the butt loosely with your thumb and first two fingers, keep a little space in your palm, and place your hand so your forearm hangs straight down. Keep your wrist relaxed. Practice slow strokes and straight in shots until the loose grip feels natural.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Keep Your Head Down in Pool: 7 Simple Tips
- How to Line Up a Pool Shot: 7 Simple Steps for Beginners
- How to Warm Up Before Playing Pool: A 15 Minute Routine
- Open Bridge vs Closed Bridge in Pool: Which One Should You Use?
- Pool Stance for Beginners: 6 Steps to a Solid, Balanced Stance
- How to Chalk a Pool Cue: 6 Simple Steps and Common Mistakes
Frequently Asked Questions
How tight should I hold a pool cue?
Loosely. Hold it just firmly enough to control it, like holding a small bird.
Where should my hand be on the pool cue?
A good start is where your forearm hangs straight down when the tip is near the cue ball.
Should my palm touch the cue?
It is best to leave a little space and hold the cue mostly in your fingers.
Why does my cue wobble when I shoot?
A tight grip or a bent wrist often causes wobble. Relax your grip and keep your wrist straight.