Follow Massé Shots: Curving the Cue Ball Forward with Spin

The follow massé shot is an advanced technique in billiards that combines forward roll (follow) with a curve (massé). This shot allows players to navigate around obstacles while advancing the cue ball toward a desired position, making it a powerful tool for both scoring and positioning.

1. What Is a Follow Massé Shot?

A follow massé shot involves:

  • Striking the cue ball above center to apply forward spin

  • Elevating the cue stick to create a curving trajectory

  • Using the forward roll to maintain momentum and position control

This hybrid technique is particularly useful in 8-ball, 9-ball, and artistic billiards, especially when straight follow shots are blocked by other balls.

2. Technique Breakdown

  • Cue Elevation: Hold the cue at 30°–50° to generate a clean curve while maintaining forward roll.

  • Tip Contact: Strike slightly above center and slightly off-center for curve effect.

  • Stroke Power: Firm but controlled stroke ensures the cue ball follows the intended curved path.

  • Follow-Through: Smooth follow-through maintains consistent forward spin and curve.

  • Visualization: Plan the trajectory carefully to ensure the cue ball reaches the target zone.

3. Applications of Follow Massé Shots

  • Bypassing Obstacles: Curve around blockers while advancing toward the next ball.

  • Positioning Play: Move the cue ball to an ideal spot for subsequent shots.

  • Strategic Offense: Create angles that are otherwise impossible with straight follow shots.

  • Artistic Shots: Impress spectators with controlled curves and forward roll combinations.

4. Common Challenges

  • Incorrect cue angle, resulting in loss of curve or forward spin.

  • Poor tip placement, causing the cue ball to veer off course.

  • Too much or too little force, affecting both curve and follow.

  • Lack of visualization, leading to inaccurate positioning.

5. Practice Drills

  • Curve + Follow Drill: Set up obstacles and practice advancing the cue ball with a curved trajectory.

  • Target Zone Drill: Aim to land the cue ball in specific zones after the shot.

  • Angle Variation Drill: Experiment with cue elevation and tip placement to refine curve and forward spin.

  • Power Control Drill: Adjust stroke strength to see its impact on the combination of spin and curve.

Regular practice develops accuracy, control, and confidence in executing complex shots.

6. Equipment Considerations

  • Cue Shaft: Low-deflection shafts, such as BIZU Carbon Fiber Pool Cues, enhance accuracy for off-center strikes.

  • Cue Tip: Medium-hard tips provide a balance between forward spin and curve.

  • Chalk: Proper chalking prevents miscues on elevated, off-center strokes.

Using high-quality equipment improves precision and consistency, especially in advanced shots.

Conclusion

Follow massé shots allow players to curve the cue ball forward while maintaining momentum, providing a combination of offensive power and positional control. With consistent practice, careful visualization, and reliable cues like BIZU Carbon Fiber Pool Cues, this advanced technique becomes a versatile tool for both competitive and artistic billiards play.