Proper Grip placement on the cue?

[klockdoc]

I was practicing a straight-in draw shot about 2/3rd's of the length of the table the other night. On some shots, I noticed that I had a tendency to "push" the cue ball off line because of the force used. (OB 1/2 way between the side pocket and the corner - CB, 1 1/2 diamonds off the end rail)

I tried moving my grip hand (experimenting) forward and backward to see if that made a difference in the pocketing consistency. I discovered, that if I move my grip hand up slightly above (towards the tip) the balance point, I consistently pot the ball [dead center of the pocket].

I know that I automatically adjust my grip hand on most shots because of the placement of the cue ball in relationship to the OB, but, I never thought about if I am properly placing my grip hand correctly when shooting certain shots.

For sake of discussion here, how many people knowingly use different "grip" positions to shoot specific shots on the table, or, does your grip hand just "automatically" adjust for the shot at hand?

 

[av84fun]

I was practicing a straight-in draw shot about 2/3rd's of the length of the table the other night. On some shots, I noticed that I had a tendency to "push" the cue ball off line because of the force used. (OB 1/2 way between the side pocket and the corner - CB, 1 1/2 diamonds off the end rail)

I tried moving my grip hand (experimenting) forward and backward to see if that made a difference in the pocketing consistency. I discovered, that if I move my grip hand up slightly above (towards the tip) the balance point, I consistently pot the ball [dead center of the pocket].

I know that I automatically adjust my grip hand on most shots because of the placement of the cue ball in relationship to the OB, but, I never thought about if I am properly placing my grip hand correctly when shooting certain shots.

For sake of discussion here, how many people knowingly use different "grip" positions to shoot specific shots on the table, or, does your grip hand just "automatically" adjust for the shot at hand?

Just to be sure we are on the same page, by "grip hand" I assume you mean the hand on the butt end not the bridge hand.

That being the case, I am curious where you balance point is. In my experience, most balance points are forward of the front edge of the wrap.

In that case, I can't imagine a shot with the grip hand that far forward and certainly not the one you describe.

Please correct any misunderstandings I might have.

But with respect to the butt end grip, "classic theory" suggest that the forearm and upper arm should form a right angle with the cue tip almost touching the cb.

A more forward grip position will restrict the length of your backstroke (without pulling the tip back out of your bridge altogether). And on the power draw, you need as much backstroke distance as you can get to allow room for the stroke to develop full speed just at cb contact.

If you are "pushing" the cb off line, there are a number of possible issues that I wouldn't comment on without seeing your stroke.

Just a two hour session with a top instructor solely on set up and stroke mechanics would pay huge dividends. Some will accept a video shot from various angles for very little money and I guarantee you that they would spot your "push out" issue in a heartbeat.

Regards,
Jim
(I have no affiliation with any instructor or school)

 

[pdcue]

I was practicing a straight-in draw shot about 2/3rd's of the length of the table the other night. On some shots, I noticed that I had a tendency to "push" the cue ball off line because of the force used. (OB 1/2 way between the side pocket and the corner - CB, 1 1/2 diamonds off the end rail)

I tried moving my grip hand (experimenting) forward and backward to see if that made a difference in the pocketing consistency. I discovered, that if I move my grip hand up slightly above (towards the tip) the balance point, I consistently pot the ball [dead center of the pocket].

I know that I automatically adjust my grip hand on most shots because of the placement of the cue ball in relationship to the OB, but, I never thought about if I am properly placing my grip hand correctly when shooting certain shots.

For sake of discussion here, how many people knowingly use different "grip" positions to shoot specific shots on the table, or, does your grip hand just "automatically" adjust for the shot at hand?

Maybe I'm being Captain Obvious here, but IMHO moving your hand
forward is not the direct cause you started making the shot.

1. you were pushing it off line because of force<assume you mean
you hit the shot harder than your usual speed>

2. when you moved your hand forward - you made the ball.

Pushing the ball off line is related to sideways movement in your stroke,
not how hard you swing. Granted, a harder swing will magnify any error.
But there has to be something different in the stroke at greater speed.
Somehow, moving your hand forward seemed to solve the problem, but
IMHO - you could have solved it without moving your hand.

AS to your question - this is one of the reasons why we practice.
If you have discovered something that works for you, I would expect
it to be a concious thought process, untill it becomes your 'natural'
method, at which point, you will do it without thinking.

Specificaly, I don't make concious decisions to hold the cue at
a certain point for a certain shot.

Back to the shot you described.
Few things are more important than the 'progressive' method
recomended by Bob Jewett.

Start with the OB 1 foot from the pocket and the CB 1 foot from
the OB. shoot the shot several times.
Gradually increase the distances for each ball. You should be able to pinpoint where your stroke is breaking down, ie, becomming inaccurate.

Hopefully, you will also be able to tell why it is inaccurate.

Dale

 

[pooltchr]

The ideal grip position would have your grip arm at a 90 degree angle at impact with the cue ball. If I move my grip hand forward or backward, I also have to shorten or lengthen my bridge distance the same amount. This keeps the actual arm movement consistant, regardless of bridge length.

If you are pushing off to the side of the shot, it's most likely something other than your grip hand position. Find a good instructor who can evaluate your mechanics and help you determine the cause.
Steve