The Grip
A relaxed grip that lets the cue swing freely instead of steering it.
Hold it like a bird
The classic image is holding the cue like a small bird: firmly enough that it cannot fly away, gently enough that you do not crush it. A tense, tight grip forces the wrist and forearm to fight each other and throws the cue off line. Let the weight of the cue rest in your fingers.
Let the cue pivot
Your grip hand is a hinge, not a driver. The cue should swing from your elbow like a pendulum while the wrist stays loose and neutral. Many players find that only the thumb, index, and middle fingers do the real holding, with the back fingers along for the ride.
Grip position and balance
Hold the cue a few inches behind its balance point so the tip travels level through the ball. Gripping too far forward shortens your stroke; too far back makes the cue feel heavy and unstable. The exact spot is personal — find where the cue hangs comfortably and your forearm is vertical at contact.