Your pool stick, or pool cue, is probably the most personal piece of equipment in the game. It is your connection to the table and the balls, and if your grip is awkward or you aren't comfortable holding it, your chances of winning a game are slim. You should watch other players to see how they hold their sticks, and try out their techniques. You might have to experiment a bit before you find a grip that is comfortable for you, but once you do, it will be as natural as holding a spoon.
Regular Play
Step 1
Grab the butt end of the pool stick in your dominant hand, formed in a loose fist. It should be a few inches from the end of the cue; some cues have cloth or leather grips to guide you. Your thumb should curl around one side of the cue, and your fingers around the other. Don't hold it too tightly, and keep your fingers loose. Some players even uncurl their index and pinkie fingers to make sure the grip isn't too tight.
Step 2
Bend over the table, putting your face as close to the felt as is comfortable. You should bend at the waist as well as at the knees.
Step 3
Plant the heel of your nondominant hand on the felt of the table, splaying your fingers out as widely as possible without feeling awkward. Choose one of two configurations for your fingers:
Tent your hand slightly and pull your thumb in to press against your hand below the index finger. The front end of the cue should slide back and forth in the groove formed between your thumb and your hand. The amount you "tent" your hand depends on the angle of the shot. If there are balls in the way, you may have to lift the heel of your hand off the felt entirely, leaving just the splayed fingers for support.
Alternatively, slightly tilt the heel of your hand so your thumb is higher than your pinkie. Lift your index finger and form a modified "OK" sign with your thumb. Put the cue in the circle. The tip of your thumb should touch the first joint of your index finger, but the middle of the thumb should be touching your middle finger.
When the Cue Ball Is Close to the Rail
Step 1
Grip the butt of the cue in your dominant hand as described in Section 1.
Step 2
Rest your hand on the rail of the pool table, with the heel on the wooden part of the rail and your fingers curling over the edge of the felt.
Step 3
Lift the heel of your hand and put the stick under it, between your index and middle fingers. Use them to guide your shot.
Using the Bridge
Step 1
Hold your pool stick in your dominant hand and the bridge in the other hand. Position the end of the bridge where you want it to make your shot.
Step 2
Place the tip of your cue in the notch of the bridge.
Step 3
Hold the butt of the pool stick and the butt of the bridge as you would a pencil. This allows for very delicate control of the shot. Don't hold them too close to the ends; the best place to hold the stick is near the top part of the cloth or leather. Hold the bridge in the equivalent spot. Take your shot.
Step 4
Lift the bridge straight up as soon as soon as you have taken your shot, to prevent it from interfering with the balls.
Tips and Warnings
- Try playing with a glove specially designed for playing pool. It can help your stick glide smoothly despite body oils or sweat on your hands. On most cues that are used in bars and pool halls, there is no cloth or leather to guide your hand placement. However, the ideal area for holding the butt end of the cue is usually a different color: for example, dark brown on a light tan stick.
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