Ideal Grip or to put it in simple manner, a correct grip is the central focal point in the billiards game. It is one single point, which needs to be mastered in the billiards game, and the success lies truly here. There are two ways of making a correct grip with the butt of the stick. In the first method, the five phalanges remain in touch with the butt constantly, while making the stroke, except, when the tip of the stick touches the cue ball during which the phalanges squeeze slightly. In this method, the player should see that cue arm remains in vertical position while hitting the cue ball or otherwise, there will be a back swing, which could result in a scoop.
In the second method of correct grip, pros make the position where the thumb and the first phalange are in constant touch with the butt, and the other phalanges flex open in the action of the backstroke and the same phalanges close during the action of forward stroke. All this helps in cue tracking, keeping the ball in line, besides, giving enhanced traction to cue ball movement. During the playing of billiards and final back swing, the little finger gets away from the cue, making it flat and in final forward swing, the phalanges close and return to its initial place.
The second method of gripping is ideally used by world-renowned pros such as Ralph Souquet, Oliver Ortman, or snooker players Steven Hendry, Steve Davis or Ronnie O'sullivan. This is the principle for winning cue.