Most beginners start off by gripping the cue too tightly. Your grip should be relaxed and yet controlled. Your body should be in line with the cue ball. This will help you aim your shot correctly. Hold the stick using your thumb and index finger and add your middle finger if you’d like a bit more power.
Keep your legs relaxed, slightly bent and at least a few inches apart.
For the open bridge, a bridge is formed by placing your hand on the table and spreading your fingers apart. Slide the cue between your index and middle finger knuckles or in the “V” that is formed between your thumb and index finger. The pool cue is supported by the “V” between the index finger and thumb. You can adjust the height of the cue tip by raising or lowering the arch of the hand. This allows the cue to slide as you aim it at the ball.
Make sure you can see a direct line between the cue ball and the object ball (the ball you’re aiming for).
Keep your body low to the table until you’ve finished taking the shot. Grip the pool cue in a loose and relaxed manner. Don’t tighten up during the shot. If the grip is too tight, the cue may jerk and change the direction of your shot. Hold the pool cue with your hand gripping it from the outside and use your thumb on the inside as support. This provides you with better control. Use your thumb, index and second finger of the other hand to hold the cue in place.
Place your front hand on the table while making a fist. Spread your pinkie, ring, and middle finger while leaving your index finger tucked. Lift your index finger and slide the thumb underneath it. Slide your index finger over your thumb to create a loop. Place your cue through the loop, while keeping the tip of your thumb pressed against the tip of your index finger.
Place your hand on the rail itself. Lift your index finger over your thumb and place it on the other side of the cue stick, so that your thumb is on one side of the stick and your index finger is on the other. Use the rail for bottom stability. Take your shot.
Place your palm against the edge of the rail. Place your index finger flat over the rail, guiding the cue on one side. Place the tip of your thumb on the other side to guide the cue on the other side. This time, your thumb and index fingers will be in their normal positions, with the cue in the middle. Take your shot, using the rail for bottom support.
Plant your index finger down on the table, almost perpendicular to it. Plant down your pinkie finger while tucking your middle and ring fingers under, forming a tripod. Lift your thumb upwards, forming a v-channel between your thumb and index finger in the air. Place the cue between your thumb and index finger and take your shot.
Place the bridge flat on the table, behind the cue ball. Place the cue in the groove that will give you the best shot. Hold the butt cap of the stick with your thumb, index, and middle finger. Place your head down into the line of the shot and take your shot.
