Many new players playing Billiards or pool will incorrectly hold the stick for the pool (or the cue). This is a simple mistake to make as it’s difficult to spot for newcomers.
The correct way to hold a pool stick is vital as it helps you to achieve precision and consistency. On the other hand, an improper hand position, hand bridge, or Stroke could cause damage to shot making abilities of players.
The correct way to hold a pool stick can be broken into two pieces. Your GRIP and HAND BRIDGE. There’s a BONUS section at the end that will cover the Stroke.
Scenario for right-handed persons (Switch around if left-handed). Lefty)
The Hands’ position:
The right hand is to the bottom of the pool (bottom part of a stick for the pool) on which you GRAB
The left hand is placed on the table, where your hand makes a BRIDGE for the pool stick
You’ll completely ruin your shot if you do anything wrong with one of these components. You may miss the shot you’ve tried thousands of times because you hit your ball hard enough because of your grip.
There is no exact spot for the hand’s position on the stick, but this is an acceptable range to stay in. In the end, it’s all about the player’s preferences.
The pool is a highly energetic sport where players must exert the right effort to achieve their goals. That means you can only hold a tight grip as you will lose the fine aspect. The most comfortable grip you can get is a loose one. You’re trying to get only enough to hold your fingers so that you can move the stick between your fingers.
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The wrong method of gripping:
Please do not use the term “DEATH GRIP” to please the gods of the pool. Using a Death Grip or Tight Grip when cueing can cause an incorrect shot. It is unnecessary to put all five fingers or place your palm against the butt of the pool throughout every shot. It’s not necessary and is a bad habit to adopt.
Exception:
If you can keep the stick within the line of shooting, you can shoot.
Certain shots might need it:
Shot Nip Draw (to not be a foul)
Preferred Loose Grip:
Playing with finesse with a tight grip can be the most effective way. A loose grip lets the stick move naturally without turning across different directions. It will help you avoid what I call “the “chicken wing,” where you grasp, and your Stroke turns in a different direction. I guarantee everything will function better when you grip a loose hand.
My grip for me is one where the index, middle fingers, and thumb touch the butt of the pool. My pinky and ring finger do not touch, except perhaps at the last Stroke, when I’m speeding into my shot, and they happen to be touching.
Bridge:
The hand bridge could be one of the most difficult aspects to master at the beginning of your in the pool. There are various variations to the hand bridge; however, the two main types are closed and open bridges.
A hand bridge is your hands that are not dominant placed upon the table (palm on the table), pressing your fingers together, and pressing the thumb of your finger’s index (or middle) finger to form a “V.” This is where you’ll put the cue. Make sure that your bridge is sturdy and cannot be moveable to provide a ‘bridge’ that is secure so that your cue can slide across.
Bad Hand Bridge (The stick rests on the thumb, and the knuckle is in the fleshy, moist area)
Open Bridge:
Benefits of an Open Bridge:
You can view further details about the ball below.
It is easier to construct than the Closed Bridge. It is easier to form than the Closed.
Closed Bridge:
Benefits of a Closed Bridge:
Secure Pool Cue Place the cue in the correct location
During the shot, it is less likely to move from side to side or side to side.
Remember that a Closed Bridge is still forming the V-shape using the Thumb and Middle Finger (instead of the index finger)
You must learn how to bridge properly to get past an initial level. Bridges that need to be properly constructed are likely to have uneven hits. A reliable hand bridge is an essential element for a player to get.
If you’re a right-handed player, putting your right hand in the heavy bottom piece of a cue for the pool (the butt of the pool) is recommended. It would help if you didn’t place it too close to the rubber piece at the bottom but at least a few inches from it.
Stroke:
It’s only possible to discuss the topic of Stroke since when you hold a stick for the pool correctly and how you grip it, and create your hand bridge, you are directly connected to your Stroke.
If you use the pool stick properly and have a solid hand bridge, you must focus on your Stroke. The Stroke that a player uses is the one that has the biggest influence on their performance. It is because it impacts numerous things, including the shot-making process, applied English or Spin, and many others.
The reverse is also true. A bad Stroke can interfere with an individual’s natural movement of a great Stroke and cause a mess on the player’s shot. A hard hit to the ball, ignoring, applying English, or Spinning to the ball, even though you didn’t intend to do so, are all possible consequences of a bad stroke.
I will discuss the most effective pool stroke you can use briefly; however, shortly, I’ll write a detailed article specifically on the strokes in the pool.
Stroke:
It’s difficult not to talk about the topic of Stroke because if you are holding a stick for the pool correctly, the way you hold it and how you make your hand bridge is directly connected with your Stroke.
When holding the stick properly, with a sturdy hand bridge, you need to focus on your Stroke. The Stroke, the player, is using will have the greatest influence on their ability. It is because it impacts various things like the shot-making process, applied English or Spin, and many others.
The reverse is also true. An unsound stroke could alter your natural swing strong stroke and ruin a player’s shot. Striking the ball too hard or missing it and then applying English/Spin to the ball even though you didn’t intend to do so – are all possible negative effects of a poor stroke. I will discuss the most efficient pool strokes to be aware of; however, shortly, I’ll write a detailed article on the strokes in the pool.
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