stick grip

X

xrbbaker

Registered
I've been playing for about 6 years in apa, currently a 4, down from a 5. After about a year of really looking at my basics, and adjusting my stroke, and dropping rank in the process, I've made some fundamental changes and am back on track and shooting well. One thing that I've noticed that I haven't been able to correct is that I put too much "hand" in my hand that grips the stick. When I shoot at home I always pause after each miss and try to figure out why I missed. Many times my grip hand tensed up or the fingers did, or the wrist lifted slightly - enough to miss the shot. I'm experimenting with different grips like no thumb, or make the "OK" sign with first finger and thumb. I'm curious if any instructors out there have any particular grips or tricks to help solve my problem - as I imagine I'm not the only one with this issue. Thank you!
 
Grip sounds way too tight, let's refer to it as the Cradle.

If you back hand is not at 90 degrees then your Cradle will probably turn into a grip. When your cue tip is at the cueball, check your back hand for perpendicular.

randyg
 
xrbbaker...I agree with Randyg. It's not so much "how" you hold onto the cue, as much as training yourself not to "clench" the stick as you strike the CB. Easier said than done, but here's a tip I use for folks who grab the cue too tightly. Take your forefinger completely off the cue. It should be pointing straight down at the floor, when you're at ball address (forearm perpendicular, relaxed wrist, tip at CB), using your natural bridge, stance and timing. If you're using a pendulum swing, then when you finish your stroke, your finger will be pointing forward (just as it will point backwards at the end of your backswing). If your finger is still pointing straight down at the end of your stroke, you're definitely still gripping too tightly. Hope this helps. BTW, this is only meant as a "training" fix...not a way that you'll normally cradle the cue, when playing. :grin:

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
 
Hi guys - sorry for the late response. Stupid email had dropped the notification into spam... Scott I like the finger point down train technique. I'll give it a try. It is a problem that sounds simple to fix, but elusive. Particularly if I'm trying to get a lot of draw on a shot, my brain is convinced that somehow I need to squeeze the stick. Thanks gentlemen!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top