Do you want to give a shot at the game of billiards? Are you finding ways to master your billiards skills? Well, you have landed at the right spot. Here you will get complete knowledge about the first and foremost aspect that will begin your training, i.e., holding a pool stick.
Whether you are just starting with billiards or an intermediate player, proper hold and control over your cue are pretty essential. Both accuracy and consistency in delivering a perfect shot depend on how you hold your pool stick. Lack of proper control over cue sticks is a common reason behind many players failing to achieve a perfect shot.
Here are some advanced ways and forms to holding a pool stick that can bring out the full potential of your shooting skills. So let’s dive in!
Note: Holding a Pool Cue in the right way will improve your gameplay but having a Perfect Pool Cue will take your next level; Hence I recommend checking out: How to Choose a Pool Cue.
Start with the basics of holding:
The right way to hold a pool cue stick is to place one hand at the rear point, which balances the whole stick. If you are a lefty, you can use your left hand for a good grip over the stick. Modern pool cue sticks come with tape, which indicates your hand should be approximately 5 inches from it. Here are some tips for holding the pool cue properly
- The ideal way of holding the cue is to place your hand at a 90-degree angle with the cue. This will be approximately 5 inches back.
- It is better to hold the cue in a relaxed and controlled way other than gripping it too tightly.
- To ensure a good shot, it is good to align your body with the cue ball
- It is better to use your index finger and thumb to hold the cue, but for long striking, you can also add your middle finger
How to position your body for better control?
Maintain proper body posture:
Once you have a good grip over the cue with your hand, i.e., left for the “lefty” and right for the “righty,” now you can find your shot. The best way to find a proper shot on the cue ball is to lower your body towards the table. It is challenging to take a shot if you are upright and straight.
The ideal way to lower your body is to align your head with the cue stick. So, you can now look at the ball and the targeted area as well.
Try and keep your body relaxed and loose with more range of motion so that you can focus on the shot. It is crucial to keep your legs comfortable, and if needed, you can also bend your legs a few inches apart.
How to use your other hand to shoot the cue ball?
Making an open bridge:
Now that you are in the proper position with a good grip use the other hand. The ideal way is to place your other hand 6 to 8 inches away from the cue ball. You can take proper control over your cue by getting closer to the ball.
Once your hand is in position, now you have to place the cue and balance it on your hand to hit the shots. There are several bridges, but an open bridge is the easiest yet typical way to shoot. Here are the steps to make a perfect bridge to place the cue on your hand
- An open bridge is formed by spreading your fingers apart while placing your hand on the table.
- Now, slide the cue between your middle and index finger, making a “V” to place the cue.
- Place your hands on the table and change the height based on the shot you want to take
- Don’t hold the cue between your fingers; just place the cue on the “V” shape formed.
How to take the shot through an open bridge?
Time to take the shot:
The universal way to take the shot through the fingers is to slide the cue forward steadily while aiming the ball. But, the trick lies in aiming a specific point of the ball to hit the target straight away. To deliver a proper striker, you can balance the cue unless you feel steady with your hands. Here is the ideal way to take the shot in an open bridge mode
- Ensure your body is comfortable in the bent position and keep it in the same position until you finish taking the shot.
- Maintain a loose and relaxed grip of the cue backside. If you are holding it tightly, the change of force can change the direction of your shot.
- Once you get a good and steady hold, strike the ball by pushing your hand in the back position. There is no need for any motion to the front hand, which is in V-shape.
Professionals also use closed bridges, Rail bridges, and elevated bridges for different purposes. For instance, a closed bridge is for accented shots. Similarly, Rail Bridge is for situations where you don’t have enough space to make an open bridge. However, an open bridge is a universally accepted way to hold the pool stick. Once you have mastered this way of holding the pool cue, you can easily transition to other ways.