Holding a pool cue correctly is one of the most important skills for beginners. The right grip improves accuracy, control, and consistency. Many new players struggle because they hold the cue too tight, too loose, or at the wrong angle. This guide shows you the correct way to hold a pool cue.
Using a pool cue glove can also make your grip smoother and more consistent.
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart
Position your dominant foot slightly back
Keep your body relaxed, not stiff
Your stance should feel balanced and comfortable. This helps with smooth strokes.
Hold the cue loosely, about 4–6 inches from the butt end
Avoid gripping too tightly—too much tension reduces accuracy
Your back hand should guide the cue, not force it
Wearing a glove helps reduce friction and keeps your grip consistent, especially for longer sessions.
Place your front hand on the table to create a stable bridge
Common bridge types:
Open bridge: Fingers on the table, thumb raised to guide the cue
Closed bridge: Wrap your thumb around the cue for more control
A stable bridge keeps your cue straight and improves shot accuracy.
The cue should be roughly parallel to the table
Avoid lifting your back elbow too high
Aim naturally by lining up the shot from your eye level
Keeping the cue level ensures a smooth stroke and reduces miscues.
Use a slow, straight back-and-forth motion
Don’t push or jerk the cue
Follow through naturally after striking the cue ball
Practicing slow, controlled strokes builds muscle memory and accuracy.
Relax your body tension reduces control
Practice holding the cue without shooting at first
Use a cue glove to improve consistency
Check your bridge hand often for stability
Start with simple shots and gradually practice harder angles
A good pool cue glove reduces friction between your hand and the cue. This allows smoother strokes, better accuracy, and less fatigue. It is especially useful for beginners learning proper technique.
Stance: Feet shoulder-width, dominant foot back
Back Hand: Loosely grip 4–6 inches from butt
Front Hand: Stable bridge (open or closed)
Cue Level: Parallel to table, eye-level aiming
Stroke: Smooth and controlled
Accessory: Use a pool cue glove for better grip
Holding a pool cue correctly is simple but takes practice. Follow these steps, keep your body relaxed, and consider using a pool cue glove to improve consistency. With practice, you’ll notice more accurate and confident shots, making pool more enjoyable.
A: Hold the cue loosely with your back hand 4–6 inches from the butt. Use your front hand to form a stable bridge. Keep the cue level and your stance balanced for better control and accuracy.
A: Yes. A pool cue glove reduces friction, keeps your grip smooth, and helps you maintain consistent strokes, which is especially helpful for beginners.
A: Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, dominant foot slightly back. Keep your body relaxed, with your weight evenly balanced to maintain stability during shots.
A: Open bridge: Fingers on the table, thumb raised to guide the cue; offers flexibility and easy adjustments.
Closed bridge: Wrap your thumb around the cue for more control; preferred for precise shots.
A: Grip the cue lightly. Too tight can cause tension and reduce accuracy. A relaxed grip ensures smooth, controlled strokes.
A: Yes. Keeping the cue roughly parallel helps deliver a straight stroke and prevents miscues.
A: Practice slow, smooth back-and-forth strokes. Follow through naturally after striking the cue ball. Using a cue glove can also make your stroke more consistent.
A: Definitely. Using a pool cue glove helps maintain smooth strokes and reduces friction, making shots more accurate.
