In cue sports, where precision and control are everything, your grip might seem like a small detail—but it’s the foundation for a stable stroke, accurate aim, and smooth cue delivery. Many beginners unknowingly develop poor grip habits that not only affect performance but are difficult to correct later.
This article breaks down 5 common grip mistakes beginners often make, along with the correct techniques to help you build solid fundamentals from the start.
Mistake 1: Gripping Too Tightly — Like Holding a Hammer
Many beginners are afraid of dropping the cue or believe that power comes from strength, so they instinctively hold the cue tightly. However, this restricts the natural movement of the cue tip and stiffens the wrist, disrupting smooth cue action.
Correct Technique:
Hold the cue loosely—as if gently holding a toothbrush at the end. Leave a small space in your palm, let your fingers loosely wrap around the butt of the cue, and keep your wrist relaxed and hanging naturally. This allows for a smoother stroke and better cue ball control.
Mistake 2: Holding Too Far Forward — Limiting Stroke Room
Some new players hold the cue too far forward toward the center, restricting their cueing space and resulting in short, jerky strokes.
Correct Technique:
Grip the cue 10–15cm from the end of the butt. This gives you ample room for follow-through and a longer, more controlled stroke.
Mistake 3: Tight or Twisted Wrist — Causing Inaccurate Shots
A tight grip with a wrist that’s overly bent inward or outward will cause the cue to drift during the stroke, leading to missed shots.
Correct Technique:
Keep the wrist relaxed and the back of your hand facing upward. Your forearm should be parallel to the cue or at a slight angle. During the stroke, let the wrist move naturally—don’t force it to twist.
Mistake 4: Poor Stance Affecting Cue Angle
An improper stance—standing too upright or too sideways—can throw off your grip, make cueing awkward, and lead to shoulder interference or misalignment.
Correct Technique:
Use a proper stance to support your grip: Stand sideways to the table, lead foot forward, grip hand pointing down vertically, and torso slightly leaning in. This aligns your cue naturally and comfortably.
Mistake 5: Using Fingers to Push During the Stroke
Some beginners unconsciously “push” the cue with their fingers at the moment of contact, breaking the flow of the stroke and compromising control.
Correct Technique:
From setup to follow-through, keep your power coming from the shoulder and elbow. Your fingers should not actively push—just guide. The cue tip should glide forward like it’s on a rail, not forced forward.
Conclusion: A Proper Grip Secures a Proper Stroke
Grip is one of the most basic yet most overlooked elements in pool. A proper grip enhances accuracy, improves consistency, and lays the groundwork for more advanced techniques.
If you recognize any of the mistakes above in your own game, take a moment to correct them—fixing one small detail could make a big difference in your progress.
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