121SnookerCoaching
THE GRIP
The grip is going to be slightly different for different players and you only have to look at the professionals to see that they all have slightly different grips. However they are all fairly loose and this allows the cue to do the work and to go through the white in a straight line. Many club players make the mistake of gripping the cue too tight.
As a guide I would say lay the cue on the table. Next, pick up the cue with just enough strength to lift the butt off the table. The tip end of the cue can stay on the table as you lift it up. You will see that this is quite a light grip.
Most of the actual grip will be in the first finger and thumb. Try and make sure that the cue just rests on the pads of the other fingers. Many players will grip the cue with all the fingers but really the cue should just be held between the first finger and thumb. The other fingers can touch the cue but just let the cue rest on them without them applying pressure. This will allow the back of the hand to open as the cue goes back. If the grip is too tight then you will get a scooping action and you will also struggle to keep the cue online as it goes backwards and forwards.
A typical grip. Notice how the grip is in a vertical line below the elbow.
© Gavin York 2009
