The Grip

[JParrott1]

I'm currently trying to improve my grip and I find that using 3 fingers instead of 4 to grip and cradle the cue feels more comfortable to me as my little finger seems to restrict freedom of movement on the backswing. Is this something which doesn't have a great deal of importance or should you always use 4 fingers when gripping the cue?

Many thanks.

[felipecocco]

Well I can tell you that there's another player who uses three fingers, except.... it's the opposite one! If you look closely at pictures/footage of Ronnie (this one is particularly good: http://prosnookerblog.files.wordpres...08/12/ros3.jpg ), his index finger is further away from the cue than the other ones. I was told that the reasoning behind that is that it helps in keeping you from twisting the cue during the stroke and prevents you from gripping it too tightly. I have to admit, I've given it a shot and it feels VERY strange, but after playing with it for a while I think my overall cue action noticeably improved.

[lkomarci]

you should hold the cue with two fingers, your forefinger and the middle finger and the other two should be used just as a "bonus"

[JamesFoster]

I was always amazed that Alex Higgins gripped the cue with the index finger pointing down and yet he was such a great player.

[noel]

The Grip.
Gentlemen, it's a balancing act.
Lightness yet contol.
Held too tightly it restricts the smooth flow.
Held too loosely and you'll likely miss.
And we guys have a two legs up on the female players...
namely, the correct physiology and YEARS OF PRACTICE!
AND we can practise the exact right grip many times a day even if
away from the snooker table and all you need is to load up on a few pints and
visit the WC.


=o)

Noel

[joe.l]

grip ?

I think the grip should be made with the first 2 fingers and the thumb, on normal shots , however when the cue ball is near the rail , the grip should shift to using the rear 2 fingers , especially if you are hitting the cue ball low . the normal grip I think the cue should reat on the pads of all fingers , as the cue is brought rearward the grip should open , from watching some of the players on you tube it seems to me that they are opening thier hand too much (IMHO) I think this is to get pace or speed , but I think it can it can be brought bout with faster cue thrust at the white .slow back swing but delievery at a faster speed ( impact ) but never subsititude hitting harder for control or accuracy ...just my thoughts ...I'm sure John doesn't need my advice ......later Joe

[arumpoey]

arumpoey

i've always been amazed by mr.o'sullivan's grip. it looks different but obviously the best grip in the business. trying to copy him.

[samad]

Though it would be best to stick with whichever grip suits coz Ronnie's grip is intricate

[jonplayer]

I think the coaching guide is just the two fingers, thumb and first finger with the others just providing support. The main thing is that your not gripping to hard, this will tense the arm up and you won't get through the white ball as you should.

[eaoin11]

When watching Joe Perry and John Higgins play a few years back I noticed a huge contrast in their grips. Joe quite clearly was opening up the back two fingers and didn't move his wrist at all, whereas John Higgins seemed to have all four fingers closed and moved his wrist noticeably as he cued through.

I learned recently in a thread about John's cue that he has an unusual taper on the butt of his cue. It actually tapers back down to about 26 mm at the end of his cue.

I guess this must be what allows him grip the way he does and like Ronnie he seems to have innovated on the text book approach.

[RocketRoy1983]

How are you getting on with your grip?