How to hold an FPV controller: thumbs vs pinch

There are two main ways to hold an FPV controller: thumbs (the pad of each thumb resting on top of a stick) and pinch (each stick held between thumb and index finger). Thumbs is easier to learn and fine for cinematic flying. Pinch gives finer control, which is why many racers and freestyle pilots use it. Many pilots settle on a hybrid: pinch on one stick, thumb on the other. The right grip is the one that lets you make small, smooth moves without tensing up.

Thumbs

• Rest the pad of your thumb on top of each stick, not the tip.
• Hold the radio in your palms, with index fingers free for switches.
• Pros: natural, like a game controller. Easy to reach switches.
• Cons: large moves can feel coarse, and your thumb can slip on hard flips.

Pinch

• Hold each stick between the thumb and index finger, from the sides or the top.
• Rest the radio on your other fingers, or use a neck strap or lanyard to carry the weight.
• Pros: very precise, with the most stick travel under control.
• Cons: harder to reach switches mid-flight, and your hands can tire.

Hybrid

The most common hybrid is pinching the throttle/yaw stick (left in Mode 2) and using the thumb on the pitch/roll stick, or the reverse. Try both and keep what feels steadier.

Tips for any grip

1. Relax. Tension causes jerky inputs. Rest your wrists or elbows when you can.
2. Small moves. Most smooth FPV footage comes from tiny stick changes.
3. Use a strap to take weight off your hands, especially for pinch.
4. Adjust stick tension and centering if your radio allows. A looser throttle with no spring-back is common for Manual (acro) flying.
5. Stick ends: longer or textured stick ends can help both grips.
6. Practice in a simulator before Manual mode. DJI's FPV Remote Controller 3 manual names Liftoff, Uncrashed, DRL and DCL as supported simulators.

Mode 2 in one minute

Most pilots fly Mode 2, the default on DJI controllers:

• Left stick: throttle (up/down) and yaw (turn).
• Right stick: pitch (forward/back) and roll (sideways).

What about the DJI RC Motion 3?

The RC Motion 3 isn't a stick radio. You hold it in one hand and point it where you want to fly, and the drone follows your hand's direction, with an accelerator trigger for speed. There's no thumbs-vs-pinch decision. Hold it comfortably, keep your wrist relaxed, and make slow, deliberate turns. It's the easiest way to start FPV with the Avata 2 or Neo. For Manual mode on the Avata 2, DJI requires the FPV Remote Controller 3, which uses sticks.

Practice plan

1. Pick a grip and stick with it for a week.
2. Fly a simulator every day: hover, figure-eights, then smooth turns.
3. Move to real flights in Normal mode, then try Sport, and only then Manual.

More technique: how to fly an FPV drone, FPV flight modes and FPV flying techniques.

New to FPV? The DJI Avata 2 with the DJI RC Motion 3 is the gentlest way in.

Related guides

• DJI Avata 2 controllers: RC Motion 3 vs FPV Remote Controller 3
• FPV flying techniques: orbits, dives, sharp turns and landing
• How to fly an FPV drone: a beginner's guide
• Best FPV drone for beginners (2026)
• Can you fly the DJI Avata 2 without a controller or goggles?
• DJI Avata 2 vs DJI FPV: cinewhoop or speed machine?

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