The recommended method of holding a pool stick depends on the two key factors of the grip and the bridge. Your dominant hand plays a critical role in forming the grip. The wrap section of the cue stick is the spot for the grip. The bridge spot is generally a few inches above the Ferrule.
The bridge is for providing stability to the cue, while the grip is for delivering the optimum strike force and angle to the cue-ball and controlling the cue.
Body Position
Keep your body position along the cue-ball line. It helps you get the best possible view and aim to shoot. You have to keep the lower body straight and bend the upper body towards the table. Make sure your view passes through the cue-ball line.
Choosing the Right Wrap
Selection of the right wrap is very important for getting a good hold over the cue. Rubber is the best material for sweating hands. Leather gives you better hold than rubber. Irish linen is the best material if you wish to get the top sliding effect.
Grip Types
The V grip gives you the freedom to fully go through with the shot. The tip makes full contact with the cue-ball and the follow through is smooth. Hold the cue with a soft grip by keeping the cue on the index finger. Extend the thumb to form a V shape and keep the cue under control. The remaining three fingers should be in gentle contact with the cue to keep it stable.
The bridge shape for the V grip could be different, depending on the nature and intensity of shot you wish to execute. You need to open up the three fingers fully and exert pressure on the cue during the shot to get the best possible impact. Extend the index finger forward to give added push to the cue.
Thumb On-Top Grip
The cue rests on the four fingers while the thumb wraps around to form an O shape. Hold the cue with a soft but firm grip to push it with the optimum force. It is the most recommended grip for the beginners to get a good hold onto the cue in the initial stage.
Finger On-Top Grip
The grip gives you better accuracy than the thumbs on top. There is no much difference in the way you hold the cue, except that the index finger plays the lead role and the thumb plays the second role. The other three fingers push the cue with the little finger applying the maximum pressure. The tightness will be more than the soft grip, but not too tight to choke the cue stick’s free flow.
Bridge Types
Bridge is the way you position and grip the cue nearer to the ferrule on the shaft. You may place the bridge on top of the rail, behind the rail, or on the table.
Open-hand Bridge (On Rail)
Place the four fingers of your bridge hand parallel to each other on the rail. They should extend and point towards the cue-ball. The thumb should slightly curve away from the rail and up. Place the cue shaft on your thumb so that it slides parallel to the index finger.
Open-hand Bridge (Behind Rail)
Place the forefinger behind the rail pointing down and the thumb facing up. The rest of the three fingers are on the rail pointing towards the cue-ball with a distance of few millimeters between them. Place the cue between your index finger and the bottom of the thumb so that it slides smoothly. This bridge is helpful when the cue ball is very close to the rail.
Two-Finger Bridge (On Rail)
Hold the cue stick between your index finger and the thumb which goes beneath the middle finger that touches the cue. The little and the ring fingers form a support. The cue should flow freely beneath the index finger. Make sure all the fingers are facing towards the cue-ball.
Elevated Bridge (On Table)
The elevated bridge is helpful when you wish to avoid a ball that is just behind the cue-ball. It is a form of open-bridge where you place the index and the middle fingers (no gap) on the table behind the obstructing ball. Fold the ring finger inwards and place the little finger on the table. Lift your thumb up and place the cue between the index finger and the thumb. This bridge gives a free flow to the cue over the obstructing ball.
Closed Bridge (On Table)
Place your hand flat on the table with all the five fingers close to each other (no gap). Place the cue over the thumb in such a way that it extends over the ring finger nail. Open the index finger and wrap it around the cue, while the thumb forms support. Lock your elbow and keep the cue stick straight. Turn your hand towards the stick and loosen the index finger tightness to allow free flow for the cue. It may be difficult to learn this bridge in the initial learning stages. Consistent practice can give you the perfection for generating the optimum impact strokes.
Open-Hand Bridge (On Table)
This bridge is similar to the one you make on and behind the rail, except that your hand is resting on the table. Start by placing your hand flat on the table with the palm down. Place the cue over the thumb in such a way that it extends over the ring finger nail. Close the three (Index, middle and ring) fingers while extending the thumb and little finger out. Place the cue between the thumb and the closed index finger so that it follows freely. This bridge is useful for generating the maximum impact on the cue-ball.
Professional Training
Professional training from the expert can help you master the pool stick holding position and vary it according to the required shots. Consistent practice can condition your mind to select the best grip and the bridge for getting the best results.Looking for more info checkout Pool Cue Guide Here