In billiards, pocketing balls is important—but what truly defines the quality of your run is how well you control the cue ball after contact. The Follow Shot and Draw Shot are two of the most fundamental and powerful position play techniques. Mastering them not only improves your cue ball control, but also enables you to build a more proactive and strategic rhythm in your game.
This article will break down these two shots from three angles: principles, stroke technique, and training methods, helping you execute precise and consistent Follow and Draw Shots.
I. The Physics Behind Cue Ball Movement: What Makes It Go Forward or Backward?
The direction the cue ball takes after contact depends mainly on where you strike it vertically, and the spin state at the moment it contacts the object ball.
Follow Shot: By striking the upper third of the cue ball, you create forward/top spin. If the cue ball is rolling at the moment of contact, it continues forward after hitting the object ball.
Draw Shot: Striking the lower quarter of the cue ball creates backspin. If the ball is still spinning backward at the moment of impact, it pulls back toward the shooter after contact.
Both shots rely on delicate control of spin and timing between cue ball rotation and object ball contact.
II. Cueing Technique: How to Execute Follow and Draw Shots Properly
1. Follow Shot Technique
Key Points:
Cue Tip Position: Upper third of the cue ball
Stroke Tempo: Smooth and controlled, with follow-through
Power: Light to medium—ensure the cue ball rolls, not slides
Common Mistakes:
Too much power causes the ball to slide instead of roll
Striking too high can lead to miscuing or jump shots
2. Draw Shot Technique
Key Points:
Cue Tip Position: Lower quarter of the cue ball
Stroke Path: Straight, smooth, and level to avoid sidespin or swerve
Power: Medium to firm, ensuring backspin is active at impact
Common Mistakes:
Dropping the cue too much causes miscue or unintentional jumps
Too little power means the backspin fades before contact, ruining the draw
III. Training Methods: Build Reliable Cue Ball Control
Drill 1: Static Follow/Draw Test
Place the cue ball and an object ball in a straight line
Pocket the object ball, then observe whether the cue ball follows forward or draws backward to a preset zone
Track the accuracy of each attempt and adjust your tip placement and stroke speed accordingly
Drill 2: Positional Target Practice
Simulate a common layout where the next shot depends on cue ball position
Use Follow or Draw to land the cue ball in a targeted zone for your next shot
Visualize the intended cue ball path before every stroke—don’t shoot blindly
Drill 3: Distance Variation Control
Practice Follow and Draw shots at short, medium, and long distances
Notice how cue ball distance affects spin retention and adjust stroke strengthAim to make your spin shots effective regardless of table positioning
Conclusion: Cue Ball Rhythm Starts with Control
Many amateur players struggle with consistency not because they miss shots, but because they can't control where the cue ball goes next. Follow Shots and Draw Shots form the foundation of positional play—and they reflect whether you have a “next-shot mindset.”
To achieve high-level runouts, feel isn’t enough. You need consistent training in tip placement, stroke mechanics, and spin judgment. It all begins with mastering these two essential moves.
If you’re looking for a cue stick that enhances your spin control, try the BIZU Carbon Fiber Cue Series. With its lightweight build and clean feedback, every push and pull feels more accurate and effortless.
BIZU – Make Cue Ball Control Simple.