Keeping a controled hand help

[Mr Man]

Whenever i draw with a pencil or any tool i find it hard to keep my hand straight, i get squigely lines. Is it because i hold too tightley? Also do you always draw from top to bottom rather than from the bottom upwards?

[WoodenWorkhorse]

mr. man,
i'm not sure exactly what you mean by "pencil tool." if you're talking about digital work, ex photoshop, then it's pretty tough with a mouse. if you want a perfectly straight line, you can simply hold down shift in most applications, while drawing the line. otherwise, most artists use a tablet and stylus for their drawing, as it is far more like a real pencil and paper, and more hand control is possible.
if, however, you're having trouble drawing with an actual pencil and paper, or with a stylus, then there are some basic suggestions, namely, use your whole arm in the motion, keeping your wrist firm, and focusing on a smooth flow of line. as an alternative/addition, many artists work quickly, making lines quickly with swift hand movements. either of these will help you get straight lines.
besides these, i reccomend that you warm up before you begin a drawing. if you sketch broad loose shapes to warm up your wrist and hand, then you won't be as tight when you're doing your actual drawing.
-best of luck

[Avetice]

the main thing is you have to relax while your drawing, don't get tense over your drawing, because when you get tense your hand starts getting shaky, if your relaxed youll have better control. You might not start drawing accurately to where you want your lines at first, but the more you practice drawing while relaxed the easier it will get.
Now in terms of practice outside of the mental realm(which is the most important to work on because the rest of your skills will follow once your mind is in the right place) draw two dots on a page and try and draw a straight line from point to point, if you dont hit the other point in a straight line the first pass leave it alone and draw two more lines and repeat. Use your elbow, DO NOT move your wrist or fingers, ONLY your elbow. Also you can draw 3 dots to practice drawing curves and try to draw a curved line through all 3 points, same rule applies as with 2 points.
Other than that little thing just draw and practice relaxing your mind.