Another useful way to hold a pencil is in the extended tripod grip. This pencil grip uses the same hold as the basic tripod grip, with a triangle formed by the thumb, forefinger and middle finger, but further up the pencil. Because it is similar to the basic grip, this is a comfortable way to hold a pencil for drawing, while allowing more freedom.
When you hold the pencil in the extended tripod grip, small movements of the fingers can produce a much larger movement of the pencil-tip, so it is an economical and efficient grip for sketching. For best results, make sure you keep a relaxed grip on the pencil - a tight, vicelike grip is tiring and restricting.