Shot #3 For Improving Your Billiards Skills
Applying Draw
Shot #3: Applying "draw" to the cue ball (using a cue ball with the red dots all over it will show exactly what the cue ball is doing before it contacts the object ball - it's sliding across the table felt). After contacting the object ball, you'll be able to see the result of any other ball control you put on the cue ball.
Using "draw" on the cue ball has varying effects on the path of the cue ball, after contact with the object ball. If the shot is straight-in, the cue ball will try to retrace it's path back to where it started from. With a firm stroke, and hitting the ball low, a lot of draw can be obtained. If there is an angle from the cue ball to the object ball to the pocket, applying draw will cause the cue ball to go to one side or the other, after contact with the object ball, while it's going away from the object ball. Using english (side spin) along with draw, on an angled shot, the cue will rebound back in a curving motion, after it contacts the rail. The degree of the angle between the two balls and the pocket, and how hard you strike the cue ball will determine how much curving reverse the cue ball will have.
Without the use of many diagrams, the draw shot will take quite a bit of practice. The practice is well worth it, because the draw shot is used very often.
1. Make sure you chalk the cue tip (good habit on each shot you make).
2. Strike the middle of the cue ball, below center, with a firm stroke.
3. The further down from center that the cue ball is struck, the more draw you will get. You do not have to strike the cue ball hard in order to get draw, but a firmer hit (when hitting low on the cue ball) will allow the cue ball to travel further as it draws back. If you strike the cue ball too low, you're going to lift the cue ball right off the table and probably jump over the object ball (if you're close enough). I can remember making draw shots that were shot too low, and the cue ball jumped right over the object ball and landed in the pocket, or went off the table. While trying to perfect this shot, I tell anyone standing near the pocket to protect his family jewels.
4. When the cue ball is stroked, follow-thru with the cue stick, for about 4 - 6", and the cue tip should come to rest on the table felt (the cue tip is actually pushing the cue ball towards the object ball).
5. Do not pull back on the cue stick after the stroke, or jerk it up. Follow-thru with the stroke - keep your head down on the shot, and watch the shot happen - then, you can pull the cue stick up.
6. If the cue ball and the object ball are in a close proximity, don't let the cue ball come back and hit the cue tip ... that would be a foul, and loss of turn, during a match. It's best to practice that now.
NOTE: Using these same principles, if there is an angle from the cue ball to the object ball to the target pocket, and you want to keep the cue ball from traveling a lot after contact, shoot with a soft stroke (perhaps using a little side spin), and you'll be surprised at how quick the cue ball will stop. Using a cue ball with the red dots, you'll see exactly what you're trying to make happen come true.