Holding the pen properly is essential for easy writing and drawing. An important part of this is how you hold the pen, which can be done with 3 or 4 fingers. After you find a grip that feels comfortable, practice writing to maintain a comfortable grip while moving the pen efficiently. Even if you already have experience using pens, learning the correct way to hold them can improve your writing.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Learning the Tripod Grip
Step 1. Pick up the pen with your thumb and index finger
The tripod grip uses 3 fingers. The thumb and forefinger are used to hold the pen in place. Let the back of the pen rest in the groove of the skin between your fingers.
- Use your free hand as needed to place the pen in the writing hand. This can help when you are learning the grip for the first time.
- The tripod grip is ideal for learning, as it will allow you to easily use all types of pens.
Step 2. Grip the pen about 3/4 of the way
It doesn't matter which hand you write with, squeeze the pen between your thumb and forefinger. Keep your fingers level but on opposite sides of the pen. Hold it with a light but firm grip. If you squeeze too hard, your fingers may get tired or sore after a while.
Adjust the grip on the pen as needed until you feel comfortable. You don't have to place your fingers exactly ⅓ along the pen
Step 3. Rest your middle finger on the pen
Bring your finger down the pen. The middle finger is the third finger that grips the pen, although it is only the upper half of the tip that touches it. Place the ring and little finger under the middle finger, without touching the pen.
- The middle finger should grip the pen more gently than the thumb and forefinger. Use it to hold the pen still.
- Make sure the back of the pen rests against the top of your hand. Hold the pen at an angle rather than upright.
Step 4. Rest the palm of your hand on the page
Move your hand down as if you were about to start writing. Place the back edge, which is the part just above the doll, on the paper. Let the ring finger and the little finger rest on the page as well. Adjust your hand until you feel comfortable enough to type.
- The pen should stay at the correct angle so that you can press the tip into the page.
- Your wrist should be raised slightly to allow you to move the pen. Avoid lifting it too high, as it can cause cramps due to tension.
- If your hand slides off the page, you may be holding the pen too hard.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Quadripod Grip
Step 1. Place the pen between your thumb and index finger
The quadripod grip is very similar to the tripod grip. The pen will rest against the hand, between the thumb and forefinger. Start by using the 2 main fingers to hold the finger and control it.
The quadripod grip is less common than the tripod, but if you feel better, you can continue to use it
Step 2. Hold the pen with your middle finger about 3/4 of the way from the tip
Squeeze the pen between your thumb and forefinger near the tip of the pen. Bring your middle finger down and place it on the pen. Like the index finger and thumb, the middle finger is used to control the pen. Maintain a firm and even grip with all 3 fingers.
You may need to adjust the grip a bit. Move your fingers until you feel comfortable. Make sure all 3 fingers keep a light but firm grip on the pen
Step 3. Rest the pen on the ring
Slide the ring ring under the pen. The ring finger should be just below the middle finger. Grab the pen with the top half of the tip of the pen. Hold the pen gently with this finger.
- The hand may look slightly claw-like in this position. Bend your fingers slightly so that you can maintain control of the pen.
- If your fingers are bent uncomfortably, hold the pen closer to the tip.
Step 4. Rest the palm of your hand on the page
Tuck your pinky under the ring finger as you move your hand toward the page. Use the bottom edge of your hand and your little finger to support your hand as you write. The pen should be at an angle where only the tip touches the page.ref>
- Loosen your grip if your hand leaves the page.
- Avoid holding the pen upright in the air. Maintain a gentle incline to avoid tiring your fingers.
Method 3 of 3: Improve your grip
Step 1. Sit up straight with your feet on the floor
Good posture is important to improve posture and avoid injury. Sit in the chair with a firm back rather than a comfortable recliner. Place your feet firmly on the ground. Sit down so you can look over the paper, but don't hunch over it. If your posture is wrong, you may end up holding the pen the wrong way, so be sure to practice good posture whenever you can.
- Feeling comfortable while writing is the most important part. You should also as if your arms have a free range of motion.
- If you maintain poor posture, you may start to notice stiffness in your back. Your arms may also tire faster while you type.
Step 2. Loosen your grip to avoid finger pain
You may be tempted to curl your fingers over the pen, pressing so hard that your fingers start to cramp. You don't have to press so hard that your knuckles turn white and the pen breaks the blade. Place your fingers near the tip of the pen, holding it firmly but gently.
- If your hand looks like a claw or fist, you are probably holding the pen too tightly. Stretch out your fingers, letting the pencil rest on your hand.
- To practice your grip, place a small object such as a handkerchief, rubber ball, or coin in your hand. Holding the object in the writing hand ensures that your hand remains more open, keeping the grip loose.
Step 3. Use your arm and shoulders to move the pen
Most people write with their fingers. They fully tense their arms and use their fingers to control the pen. Instead of doing this, try to keep your fingers still and move your arms and shoulders. You may find that the grip on the pen relaxes as you practice.
- Writing this way engages the forearm muscles, which are larger and less likely to tire than the fingers.
- Using your arms and shoulders can be awkward at first, especially if you're used to typing with your fingers.
Step 4. Practice writing in the air to increase mobility
You don't need to waste paper to write invisible words in the air. Hold the pen in the desired grip, then raise your arm in the air. Move it as if you were writing sentences. Since you're not limited to a desk and paper, you'll likely feel more free to loosen your grip and move more.
This is the perfect way to practice using your arms and shoulders, but it also works to perfect your grip
Step 5. Practice writing sentences on paper
Lay a sheet of paper on a flat surface, such as a desk. Hold the pen so that it is comfortable for you, then start writing. You can write any word you can think of. Try to write full paragraphs, writing from one side of the page to the other.
- Start by writing slowly. Once you feel comfortable holding and moving the pen, you can start writing faster.
- Practice can also help you refine your writing to make it clearer. Practice makes a master!
Advice
- You may find a different way to hold the pen. As long as your grip is comfortable, you can keep using it.
- Maintain a balanced grip on the pen. If you feel tension in your fingers, something is wrong. Adjust your grip to avoid pain.
- Ballpoint pens are more difficult to use than fountain pens. Generally, you need to hold a pen tighter and vertically while pressing harder on the page.
- Pencils and other writing implements hold the same way as pens, so you can also use them while you practice.