I hold the stick with my fingertips. Is this bad?

[Wazuela]

I have long fingers and ever since I started playing, I've held the stick with the tips of my fingers.

I'm not really improving any so I'm going back to my fundamentals, trying to work out any kinks in my stroke.

I'd like to know if this is fundamentally bad?

 

[Island Drive]

Yes, you need to cradle it, go to a pro event and take note of all their grips, tho ea is somewhat different they don't do the finger tip twinkle toes, I used to and could only get so good and had to play more to keep my speed but I definetely peaked, the only good player that I know still plays this way is Paul Wiggins Wichita.

 

[atthecat]

If you want to draw 12 feet you have to get out of the habit of using your fingertips.

 

[Wazuela]

Yes, you need to cradle it, go to a pro event and take note of all their grips, tho ea is somewhat different they don't do the finger tip twinkle toes, I used to and could only get so good and had to play more to keep my speed but I definetely peaked, the orlnly good player that I know still plays this way is Paul Wiggins Wichita.

I've been watching the race to 100 games between Shane and Alex. I bought it last year as a Christmas present to myself. I've been paying more attention to how they stroke shots, and lately, how and where they hold the cue.
I'm gonna work on it. Thanks for the post.

 

[Wazuela]

If you want to draw 12 feet you have to get out of the habit of using your fingertips.

I guess that's why my draw stroke sucks!

 

[Scott Lee]

Wazuela...I'm going to take the other side here. There's really nothing 'wrong', per se, with you holding the cue with your fingertips. The stroke is all about using the weight of the cue, and timing, anyway. It's not so much about how you hold on to your cue (although Island Drive's comment about 'cradling' the cue in your hand is the standard we teach), as much as it's about keeping your grip pressure light, and the same, throughout the range of the stroke. Many people hold the cue loosely on the backswing, but when they change direction, they clamp down with their grip. A fingertip grip, like you're using, would not allow for much grip pressure...so it might not be so bad. For most of us, it would simply 'feel' wierd...but that doesn't make it wrong. As far as draw, I'd guess your timing is off, your forearm is not perpendicular to the cuestick at the strike, or you're not striking the CB as low as you think you are...as responsible for why your draw "sucks".

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

 

[Wazuela]

Wazuela...I'm going to take the other side here. There's really nothing 'wrong', per se, with you holding the cue with your fingertips. The stroke is all about using the weight of the cue, and timing, anyway. It's not so much about how you hold on to your cue (although Island Drive's comment about 'cradling' the cue in your hand is the standard we teach), as much as it's about keeping your grip pressure light, and the same, throughout the range of the stroke. Many people hold the cue loosely on the backswing, but when they change direction, they clamp down with their grip. A fingertip grip, like you're using, would not allow for much grip pressure...so it might not be so bad. For most of us, it would simply 'feel' wierd...but that doesn't make it wrong. As far as draw, I'd guess your timing is off, your forearm is not perpendicular to the cuestick at the strike, or you're not striking the CB as low as you think you are...as responsible for why your draw "sucks".

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

I can draw the ball good when the object ball is a few foot away. But let's say the object ball is 5 or 6 diamonds away and I need to draw it back to where I'm shooting; I either miss the shot entirely or I guess I hit it too hard and kill the action on the cueball.

So really you don't think its a bad thing?
Do you know of any other players who shoot like this?
My next practice session I plan on working on it.

 

[muddawg]

speaking from experience: I used to hold my cue with my fingertips as well, and I could play well like that... the problem was that I wasn't very consistent with shot making, position play, or with being able to play my true speed day after day. Now that I've changed the way I grip my cue I am WAY more consistent in all areas previously mentioned.

 

[Scott Lee]

Wazuela...I don't know of any top players that use that kind of grip. The biggest problem may be keeping your wrist relaxed and straight. However, that doesn't mean you cannot play well with your kind of grip. You may want to pursue a lesson from a qualified instructor, just to take a look at your process (grip included).

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

I can draw the ball good when the object ball is a few foot away. But let's say the object ball is 5 or 6 diamonds away and I need to draw it back to where I'm shooting; I either miss the shot entirely or I guess I hit it too hard and kill the action on the cueball.

So really you don't think its a bad thing?
Do you know of any other players who shoot like this?
My next practice session I plan on working on it.

 

[Wazuela]

speaking from experience: I used to hold my cue with my fingertips as well, and I could play well like that... the problem was that I wasn't very consistent with shot making, position play, or with being able to play my true speed day after day. Now that I've changed the way I grip my cue I am WAY more consistent in all areas previously mentioned.

When did you realize you needed to change the way you gripped the cue. Did somebody tell you this was bad and you changed or were you like me and came to the realization that this was holding you back?
And how long did it take you to get used to the change?

 

[Wazuela]

Wazuela...I don't know of any top players that use that kind of grip. The biggest problem may be keeping your wrist relaxed and straight. However, that doesn't mean you cannot play well with your kind of grip. You may want to pursue a lesson from a qualified instructor, just to take a look at your process (grip included).

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Are you coming to Orlando any time soon? I'd like to take a lesson from you.

 

[muddawg]

When did you realize you needed to change the way you gripped the cue. Did somebody tell you this was bad and you changed or were you like me and came to the realization that this was holding you back?
And how long did it take you to get used to the change?

I was like you. I noticed that my stroke sometimes became errant when I was stroking. I really realized that I needed the change when I was playing this guy (can't remember his name) and some players told me to watch out for him (meaning that he was a good player) and I dominated him for 5-6 hours. The next day I was practicing by myself, and I was playing horrible. I went home and thought about what I was doing differently and I realized that when I was playing the guy, I was gripping differently than I normally did (w/ my fingertips) and when I was practicing, I was gripping with my fingertips (and playing badly). Then I watched some matches on youtube and noticed that a lot of the pros were gripping the same way (or similar to the way) I was when I played that guy. So I decided to make the change for good, and so far, I'm pleased with the results.

It didn't take me long to get used to gripping differently (maybe a couple of hours)... now I do it naturally.

 

[Wazuela]

I was like you. I noticed that my stroke sometimes became errant when I was stroking. I really realized that I needed the change when I was playing this guy (can't remember his name) and some players told me to watch out for him (meaning that he was a good player) and I dominated him for 5-6 hours. The next day I was practicing by myself, and I was playing horrible. I went home and thought about what I was doing differently and I realized that when I was playing the guy, I was gripping differently than I normally did (w/ my fingertips) and when I was practicing, I was gripping with my fingertips (and playing badly). Then I watched some matches on youtube and noticed that a lot of the pros were gripping the same way (or similar to the way) I was when I played that guy. So I decided to make the change for good, and so far, I'm pleased with the results.

It didn't take me long to get used to gripping differently (maybe a couple of hours)... now I do it naturally.

Thanks for the post. You've given me some inspiration. I'm gonna work on it and ill let you know how I do.

 

[Island Drive]

Thanks for the post. You've given me some inspiration. I'm gonna work on it and ill let you know how I do.

It should take you about 3 months to where you don't even notice it, what I noticed first, I could play less and improve quicker, also spot shot type shots were easier and you'll become more consistent, it's quite a change but one you wish you did long ago.

 

[Penrose Cues]

I have long fingers and ever since I started playing, I've held the stick with the tips of my fingers.

I'm not really improving any so I'm going back to my fundamentals, trying to work out any kinks in my stroke.

I'd like to know if this is fundamentally bad?

Do you pot all the balls you go for ?

If so, your technique is just fine for you...

If not, listen to Scott !

The only goal of the game is to pot all the balls needed, ain't it ?

Tom Penrose

 

[matta]

I have long fingers and ever since I started playing, I've held the stick with the tips of my fingers.

I'm not really improving any so I'm going back to my fundamentals, trying to work out any kinks in my stroke.

I'd like to know if this is fundamentally bad?

I'm with Scott Lee and Penrose.

Doesn't John Schmidt play like this? It has been many years since I have had the chance to see him play in person but I distinctly remember him gripping the cue this way in Mobile, AL in '01.

I play this way as well. I can play both ways without any hindrance in play. I can draw the ball just fine. Though, I teach beginners to do the cradle grip.

Here are some tips:
1. Just like the cradle grip, you want the pressure between the middle two fingers and thumb. The index and pinky fingers are just touching the cue to keep them from flapping in the wind. I would advise against trying to use just the index and thumb.
2. Your fingers should not be involved in the stroke. The stroke is in the elbow. My finger tips are just on the cue to keep it from falling on the floor.
3. Just like the cradle grip, hold the cue lightly. Harvey Penick, when talking about a golf club, said "Hold it like a live bird. Not so tight you strangle it, but not so light it escapes either." I think it applies to pool as well.


If you are doing those three things, I don't see how it is any different from the cradle grip.

matta

 

[SCCues]

I have long fingers and ever since I started playing, I've held the stick with the tips of my fingers.

I'm not really improving any so I'm going back to my fundamentals, trying to work out any kinks in my stroke.

I'd like to know if this is fundamentally bad?

A loose grip gives more action on the cue ball versus a death grip on your cue, but I think you may be holding your cue too loose.

James

 

[henho]

Has anyone seen Jarred Clowery, I think from GA, play? He holds the cue with his fingers and moves them as he strokes, its almost as though the cue action comes from him moving his fingers!

That being said, if your grip allows for alot of play from your fingers and wrist, you may be sacrificing accuracy. Cradling the cue and making sure your wrist only moves in the same plane as your stroke would seem to help.

 

[Banker Burt]

Not wanting to confuse things here but each of us are different, thus each of us have our own unique style. So is our perception of how to cue.

With this said, I recommend experimenting with all previous suggestions giving adequate time to evaluate each. Then based on your analysis go with what works best for you.

This will allow you to take control of your stroke. If all else fails, and like Scott said take a lesson from a professional instructor. If they are worth their salt you should improve rapidly. If you don't then find a different instructor.

 

[9ball mike]

If im not mistaken Barry Emerson from Dallas who is a very strong short stop holds the cue with his fingertips. I noticed his unusual grip when i was playing him in a tournamen.