The Ideal Snooker Cue Grip: Tips for Beginners

When it comes to cue sports, there’s one detail that's often overlooked by beginners, but it makes all the difference: your grip. It might seem like just a small part of your game, but truth be told, the way you hold your cue stick can make or break your shot.

You wouldn’t hold a pen like a hammer, would you? The same goes for your billiards cue. The grip is the bridge between your body and the cue ball—get it right, and the rest begins to fall into place.

In this article, we’ll take you through the essentials of an ideal cue grip and provide practical tips, gentle advice, and helpful phrases to help you master it. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just want to get rid of some bad habits, you’ve come to the right place.

Why Grip Matters More Than You Think

The billiard snooker cue might look like an ordinary wooden stick, but it's your tool for precise shots - call it a "magic wand". And just like any tool, the way you hold the billiards cue affects how it works. A proper grip gives you:

l  Control over the speed and spin of the cue ball

l  Maintain consistency in your cue action

l  Accuracy in shot delivery

l  Feel and finesse for delicate positional play

On the other hand, an improper grip is like driving a car with the handbrake half on. You'll eventually get there, but it won't be smooth.

1. Grip It Light—Not Like You’re Hanging Off a Cliff

A common mistake beginners make is to hold the English pool cue far too tight, as if letting go would send it flying. In fact, the tighter you grip, the more nervous you become—and that tension can spread into your cue action, causing wobbles, jerks, and frustrating misses.

The ideal cue grip should be light but secure—think of it like holding a bird. You want to keep hold of it, but not squeeze it to death.

Let your fingers wrap gently around the butt of the cue stick. It should sit in your fingers, not be buried in your palm. This allows the cue to move freely and naturally during your swing.

In short: firm, not forceful.

2. The Cue Is a Dance Partner, Not a Sledgehammer

Treat your snooker cue with care, like a trusted dance partner. You lead, it follows. Your grip should guide the pool stick, not manhandle it.

When your grip is too rigid, you lose all sense of feel—and in snooker or English pool, feel is everything. It makes the difference between a nice shot and a magical one.

Keep your wrist and forearm relaxed. The cue should be moving with you, not against you. If you have trouble getting that "floating" stroke, your grip likely is too much.

3. Let the Fingers Do Their Natural Work

The mechanics of the grip are simpler than you’d think. Here’s how most players hold the snooker cue stick correctly:

l  The thumb and index finger gently wrap around the cue. This loop should be relaxed, not pinched.

l  The Middle finger provides support and stability.

l  The Ring and pinky finger are naturally bent and rest—they don't carry the weight. 

The butt of the pool cue stick shouldn’t press hard against your palm. Instead, it should hang slightly in the air, especially on the backswing.

If your hands tend to sweat (we’ve all had them), consider using a towel or glove—but don’t let the sweat unconsciously make your grip tight. 

4. Pay Attention to Your Elbow and Shoulder

A good grip goes hand in hand with a good arm position. Your gripping hand should hang vertically, elbow bent at roughly 90 degrees, with the cue held horizontally and parallel to the ground.

Make sure your elbow doesn’t tilt outward like chicken wings—this is a classic beginner's fault that puts your snooker cue line out of sync.

Keep your shoulder loose, your forearm swinging straight, and your cue in a straight line with the target. Imagine you’re drawing a line across a table—you want the brush (your cue) to stay level and smooth.

5. Match Your Grip to a Proper Cue

Not all cues are created equal. If your cue feels awkward, heavy, or unbalanced, it could be messing with your grip without you even realising.

This is where equipment becomes crucial. A well-balanced, well-crafted cue lets your grip feel more natural. You shouldn't have to fight the snooker cue stick; it should feel like an extension of your arm.

At Mark Richard, you’ll find cues designed with balance and control in mind—ideal for beginners and seasoned players alike. Their billiard snooker cues are handcrafted for pinpoint precision, helping players build proper technique from the very first frame.

Investing in a snooker cue that feels good is one of the smartest decisions you can make. It’s like buying your first decent pair of hiking boots—suddenly everything just fits.

6. Build Muscle Memory Through Practice

Let’s not kid ourselves—grip isn’t something you master overnight. It takes practice, feedback, and a bit of trial and error. Here’s what helps:

l  Film yourself cueing to check for tension or weird angles

l  Practice slow cue actions in front of a mirror to feel how your grip affects movement

l  Do ghost shots (cueing without hitting a ball) to perfect your backswing and follow-through

Over time, your grip will become second nature. You’ll stop obsessing about it—and that’s when your game will open up.

7. Stay Relaxed, Stay Confident

Your grip is a reflection of your mindset. A relaxed grip means a relaxed player—and a relaxed player can see the pool table better, make smarter decisions, and play with more freedom.

Don’t worry about looking “professional”. Focus on feeling in control. If your grip is working, your cueing will feel smooth, your shots will start to land, and your confidence will grow frame by frame.

Remember: tight hands make tight shots. Let it flow.

Grip Is Just the Beginning

Learning the ideal cue grip might seem trivial, but it’s a game-changer. It’s the starting point for consistency, feel, and trust in your game.

Take the time to get it right. Don’t overthink, don’t overgrip, and most of all—don’t rush the process. Because once your grip feels right, everything else becomes that little bit easier. Your stroke will improve, and your stance will be more precise. Most importantly, you'll enjoy the game more.

So next time you step up to the pool table, check your grip, take a deep breath, and cue with confidence. You’ve got this.