How to Hold a Billiard Cue

One of the more important aspects to the game of billiards is properly holding the cue. After all, the cue will execute your shots, and a good technique will help further your game. Finding what works best for you when it comes to holding the billiard cue can build confidence in your billiards game.

Things You'll Need

• Billiard Cue
• Billiard Table

Instructions

How to Hold a Billiard Cue

1. Hold out your hand like someone is about to place something in your palm. Take that position, rotate your hand and lay it onto the billiard table a couple of inches away from the cue. This will be the hand the holds the small end of the cue. If you are left-handed, then place your right hand on the table since you will want to use your dominant hand to control the cue.

2. Take your other hand and grab the shaft. Hold the shaft close to the end.

3. Place the cue between your thumb and index finger. Do not grasp it as the cue should freely move. The cue will have to pass through the fingers on its way to strike the cue ball.

4. Lean slightly over the cue so that you are in a comfortable position. Most of the time you will be able to shoot from the side of the table but sometimes you might have to lean over the table to get closer to the cue ball.

5. Use the end of the cue to guide where you will hit the cue ball. Pull back the cue and then push it forward, striking the cue ball.

Tips & Warnings

• For shots where the cue ball is not close to the edge of the table and you can't use your front hand, use a billiard cue bridge.

• Some people prefer to make a fist to hold their cue or to place the cue stick between the index and middle finger. Use what feels most comfortable to you.

• Holding the cue closer to the middle will mean less control when striking the cue.