If you want to be good at billiards or just want to impress your female partner on a date, the first thing you need to know is how to hold a stick, or cue, properly. If you don't hold it properly, you may end up hitting the ball far from the target or even off the table. So, it's best to understand the basics first before becoming a professional player.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Learning the Basics
Step 1. Hold the stick next to your hips with your dominant hand
Place one hand on the point on the back of the stick that maintains balance. Generally wrapped with some kind of tape. Place your hands at a distance of about 10-12 cm from the back end of the stick. Ideally, the hands behind the back form a 90-degree angle with the stick.
- Most beginners start by gripping the stick too tightly. The grip should be relaxed but still manageable.
- The position of the body must be in line with the cue ball. This will help in aiming the shot correctly.
- Hold the stick with your thumb and index finger, and add a middle finger if you want a little more power.
Step 2. Bend over towards the table
Once you've gripped the stick in your dominant hand and are ready to hit, bend over toward the table so that you're looking at the cue ball's trajectory. You won't be able to hit if your body is stiff and straight.
Keep your legs relaxed, slightly bent, and at least a few centimeters apart
Step 3. Create an open bridge with the other hand
Place your other hand about 15-20 cm from the cue ball on the table. The closer you are to the ball, the more accurate the shot. When placing your hands on the table, make a bridge or support with your hands to balance the stick in your hand and hit the ball. While certain bridges are better suited in certain situations, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the most common bridge, the open bridge:
- For an open bridge, the bridge is formed by placing the hands on the table and spreading the fingers.
- Slip the wand between the knuckles of the index and middle fingers or in the "V" formed by the thumb and index finger.
- The stick is held in place by a "V" between the index finger and thumb.
- You can adjust the height of the tip of the stick by increasing or decreasing the curvature of the hand.
- This will make the stick slide when aiming it at the ball.
Step 4. Hold the stick firmly as you “aim” at the target ball
Lean forward and imagine the point you will hit the stick on the cue ball. The technique of hitting the cue ball at the right point for certain strokes can be mastered later. Ideally, you hit the center of the cue ball or at the ball's "fit point," so that the ball rolls in the right direction.
Make sure you can see a straight line between the cue ball and the object ball (the ball that you are aiming for)
Step 5. Hold the stick evenly and hit the ball
Slide the stick while aiming steadily. If you're not sure if you're going to shoot, it's better to move the stick gently back and forth on the bridge to feel more steady and balanced before hitting than to try hitting straight away. Remember, you want to hit the ball, not poke the ball. Follow through by continuing your movement slightly after hitting.
- Keep your body low on the table until you're done hitting.
- Hold the stick in a relaxed manner. Don't tighten your grip when hitting. If the grip is too tight, the stick can jerk and change the direction of the stroke.
- Hold the stick with your hand gripping the outside and use your thumb to hold the inside of it. Controls will be better. Use the thumb, index, and middle fingers of the other hand to keep the stick from moving.
Part 2 of 2: Mastering Various Bridges
Step 1. Use a closed bridge
Closed bridge is an advanced technique that can be used for more pressing strokes. Moreover, this bridge can also help you look like a professional player, but it should be done correctly. Here's what needs to be done:
- Place your front hand on the table while clenching it.
- Extend your little, ring, and middle fingers and keep your index finger bent inward.
- Lift your index finger and tuck your thumb under it.
- Make a circle by sliding your index finger over your thumb.
- Place the stick into this circle, keeping the tip of your thumb resting against the tip of your index finger.
Step 2. Use the rail bridge when the cue ball is 10-15 cm from the side of the table (rail)
This bridge can be helpful when you don't have enough room to make a traditional bridge because the ball is too close to the inner edge of the table. Here's how to do it:
- Place your hands on the sides of the table.
- Lift the index finger over the thumb and place it on the other side of the stick. So, the thumb is on one side and the index finger is on the other side.
- Use the rails to stabilize the bottom of the stick. Do a punch.
Step 3. Use a rail bridge if the cue ball is only 2.5-5 cm from the side of the table
If the ball is very close to the side of the table and it's impossible to use a traditional bridge, you'll need to use a different rail bridge to hit. Here's what can be done:
- Place your palms on the edge of the rail.
- Place your index finger flat on the rail, guiding one side of the stick.
- Place the tip of the thumb on the other side to guide the other side of the stick.
- This time, the thumb and forefinger are in their normal position, with the stick in the middle.
- Perform the stroke, using the rail to hold the bottom of the stick.
Step 4. Use the elevated bridge to lift the stick over the ball
This bridge can help hit a cue ball that is almost blocked by another ball. Here's what you have to do to make this punch:
- Place your index finger on the table, almost perpendicular.
- Place your little finger in the same way, while your middle and ring fingers are bent inward, forming a kind of tripod.
- Lift your thumb up, forming a “V” path between your thumb and forefinger that is raised in the air.
- Place the stick between your thumb and forefinger, then strike.
Step 5. Use a mechanical bridge
Mechanical bridges are most suitable for hitting balls that are too far to reach. This bridge is far more useful than forcing yourself to reach out and failing to hit because you lose your balance. Don't be discouraged by other names, crutch or granny stick. No need to be ashamed of using a mechanical bridge! Here's how to use it:
- Place the bridge flat on the table, behind the cue ball.
- Place the ball into the groove that best fits your shot.
- Grasp the back end of the stick with your thumb, index, and middle fingers.
- Lower your head in line with the stroke of the stroke and strike.
Tips
- Make sure the weight of the stick is right for you. The wand should feel light in the hand and balanced, and not too heavy to use.
- When using a bridge, keep the height of the table consistent for better accuracy. The slightest lift of the stick can change the direction of the blow.
- Pay attention to those around you as you back your stick to hit so you don't get hurt.
- Keep the stick clean by rubbing it with a cotton cloth. Do this every time you finish playing. There are also various other cleaning methods, such as using a pool cue burnisher or a pool cue smoother, which provides more thorough cleaning.
