How to Hold a Snooker Cue

Snooker, billiards and pool are far more complicated than they first appear. One problem many amateurs have while playing snooker is that they unintentionally hold the cue incorrectly. When you hold the cue wrong, the aim and power of your shot can be compromised. There is no one "uniform" way to hold a cue stick while playing snooker. By using these tips, though, you can be sure that your grip will not hinder you.

Instructions

1. Beginning at the bottom of the snooker cue, move up about a third of the way and grab hold of the stick. A lower grip will give you more power and less aim, and a higher grip will increase your accuracy but take away some power.

2. Place your middle and index finger at the bottom of the snooker cue. The stick should rest comfortably in the middle of your two fingers.

3. Wrap your thumb around the other side of the snooker cue. Your thumb should come close to or even make contact with your index finger. Never extend your thumb or place it at the top of the stick. Otherwise, you could disrupt your swing.

4. Turn your hand so that your fingers and thumb are off to the side.

5. Loosen your grip slightly so that you are not clinching the snooker cue. There should actually be a little space (about the size of a quarter) between your hand and the snooker cue.

6. Keep your wrist loose until you make contact with the ball. Your stick really shouldn't make contact with your palm until this moment.

Tips & Warnings

• Start off using this method until you are more comfortable with the game. Eventually, you may wish to change some things, such as the positioning of your hand. Some people also use the entire hand to hold the snooker cue.