The correct grip is very important at all billiard games and must be mastered if the player is to make progress. One way is to play with an all finger grip where all five fingers remain in constant contact with the butt all the way through the stroke and never alter except for perhaps a slight squeeze on contact with the cue ball. This method requires the cue arm to be perfectly vertical at address of the cue ball or the cue will lift on the backswing causing a scooping motion. Most pros use a different grip, only the thumb and first finger remain constant , the others flex open on the backstroke and close on the forward stroke. This has the effect of tracking the cue and keeping it on line, also greatly increasing cue ball control and cue power. On the final backswing the little finger practically comes off the cue altogether, this allows the cue to remain flat , on the follow through the fingers all close and return to the original position. Most top pros use this method to a greater or lesser extent of flexing the fingers.To get a good idea watch Ralph Souquet, Oliver Ortman, or snooker players Steven Hendry, Steve Davis or Ronnie O'sullivan. They all use the same principle. Makes for more accurate cueing.
