Use your free hand as needed to position the pen in your writing hand. This can be helpful when you are first learning the grip. The tripod grip is the ideal grip to learn, and it will allow you to easily use all sorts of pens.
Adjust your grip on the pen as needed until you feel comfortable. You don’t have to place your fingers exactly ⅓ of the way along the pen’s length.
Your middle finger should grip the pen more lightly than your thumb and index finger. Use it to hold the pen still. Make sure the back end of the pen rests against the top part of your hand. Hold the pen at an angle rather than vertically.
The pen should be at an angle, enough so that you can press the tip to the page. Your wrist may rise slightly to allow you to move the pen. Avoid lifting it too much, since that can end up causing cramps due to to tension. If your hand comes up off the page, you may be gripping the pen too hard.
The quadropod grip is less common than the tripod grip, but if it feels natural to you, you can continue using it.
You may need to adjust your grip a little. Move your fingers until you feel comfortable. Make sure all 3 of your fingers maintain a light but firm grip on the pen.
Your hand may look slightly claw like in this position. Bend your fingers only slightly so you are able to maintain control of the pen. If your fingers are bent uncomfortably, hold the pen closer to the tip.
Loosen your grip if your hand comes up off the page. Avoid holding the pen straight up in the air. Keep it at a gentle angle to avoid wearing out your fingers.
Feeling comfortable while writing is the most important part. You should also feel like your arms have a free range of movement. If you maintain bad posture, you may begin to notice stiffness in your back. Your arms may also tire out quickly as you write.
If your hand looks like a claw or a fist, you are likely holding the pen too tightly. Straighten your fingers, letting the pen rest on your hand. To practice your grip, place a small object, such as a tissue, rubber ball, or coin, in your hand. Holding an object in your writing hand ensures your hand stays more open, keeping your grip loose.
Writing this way engages muscles in your forearm, which are larger and less prone to tiring out than your fingers. Using your arms and shoulders can feel awkward at first, especially if you are used to writing with your fingers.
This is the perfect way to practice utilizing your arms and shoulders, but it is also helpful for developing your grip.
Start out writing slowly. Once you feel comfortable holding and moving your pen, you can begin writing more quickly. Practicing can also help you refine your writing so it is neater. Practice makes perfect!
