Is a loose grip important?

BRussell

BRussell

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have a fairly tight grip, with little space between the cue and the crotch of my grip (i.e., there is no V). I've been working on loosening up and holding the cue closer to the tips of my fingers rather than in the V of my grip, but it feels very different and has really screwed up my stroke.

Most of the good instruction I've seen recommends the loose V grip, but I also see many good players using a tighter grip - is it worth taking the steps backward necessary to learn this grip?
 
Its helped me to prevent unwanted cue movement. Thats just how its helped me. Ill let the professionals explain it to you.
 
I think it's rather important to hit the cue ball with only the weight of the cue. Doing this (in my opinion) helps you get the proper feedback from the cue for developing a feel for the correct speed needed on shots. If you grip the cue tightly, you are effectively adding weight (mass) to the cue, which will require a different stroke speed and follow-through than is "natural" with a loose grip.

Also, as another poster said, a loose grip is more forgiving of little alignment errors like slight wrist twists and such.

Roger
 
I have been experimenting with cradling the cue with a single finger only.

Thought you should know. I don't.
 
Agreed. I think the perfect swing is not unlike a pendulum which will travel in a straight line. If you grip the cue tightly whether you know it or not you're not always gripping it with the same amount of strength. Stressed? Difficult shot? Mental pressure? Caffeine? All those things will change how tightly you're gripping it vs. a looser grip which won't be as effected by those same elements. Consistency is the key......repeatability.
 
it's the amount of touch generated in each shot that separates the champions from...

I don't teach "loose or tight," it's better described as CONTROLLED.....like your hand is when eating or even brushing your teeth.

You want to FEEL the food and your teeth so you want to conform to the pressure needed to achieve this sensation and feedback. So too is the feeling we pros strive for in our pool grips....controlled, so we can feel the sensation of the tip contacting the cue ball for maximum TOUCH.

At the end of the day it's the amount of touch and feedback generated in each shot that separates the champions from the shortstops. 'The Game is the Teacher'


BRussell said:
I have a fairly tight grip, with little space between the cue and the crotch of my grip (i.e., there is no V). I've been working on loosening up and holding the cue closer to the tips of my fingers rather than in the V of my grip, but it feels very different and has really screwed up my stroke.

Most of the good instruction I've seen recommends the loose V grip, but I also see many good players using a tighter grip - is it worth taking the steps backward necessary to learn this grip?
Click to expand...
 
Roger Long said:
I think it's rather important to hit the cue ball with only the weight of the cue. Doing this (in my opinion) helps you get the proper feedback from the cue for developing a feel for the correct speed needed on shots. If you grip the cue tightly, you are effectively adding weight (mass) to the cue, which will require a different stroke speed and follow-through than is "natural" with a loose grip.

Also, as another poster said, a loose grip is more forgiving of little alignment errors like slight wrist twists and such.

Roger
Click to expand...


Very good advice, especially when you're trying to develop a consistent stroke.
Just using the "weight of the cue" also helps me when I get nervous.
I think it took me a couple weeks to really understand the concept, but it has helped me develop a better stroke for sure.
 
BRussell said:
I have a fairly tight grip, with little space between the cue and the crotch of my grip (i.e., there is no V). I've been working on loosening up and holding the cue closer to the tips of my fingers rather than in the V of my grip, but it feels very different and has really screwed up my stroke.

Most of the good instruction I've seen recommends the loose V grip, but I also see many good players using a tighter grip - is it worth taking the steps backward necessary to learn this grip?
Click to expand...

I think you need to make a distinction between "a tight grip" and "gripping tightly". I have come to believe over many years of having an extremely loose grip with lots of space between my hand and cue, and now recently using a somewhat closed off grip, both very effectively, that it doesn't matter.

What does matter a LOT is that you shouldn't be gripping the cue tightly with tensed muscles. If your knuckles on your hand are white, you are way tensed up and will probably have pretty crappy cueing action.

So my point is that how closed off your hand is on the cue is not too important, but how much muscle you use to grip the cue is very important. Your hand should be *relaxed* for best accuracy, and power (speed).

KMRUNOUT
 
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