Speed is a very important aspect for cue ball control. This lessons discusses more into detail about how the speed of stroke changes the direction of the cue ball after it hits the object ball. The illustrations will let you clearly see where the cue ball generally goes after hitting it on the same spot but with different speed on your stroke. These illustrations are more than enough to show you what I mean without explaining the process in so many words.

Center Ball Hit at different speeds

First, let us examine the normal center ball hit. Center ball hit means that no english is applied on the cue ball and it should be hit at the exact center of the cue ball. Let us proceed... refer to the illustration below.

In the above illustration, notice the direction of the cue ball after it hits the object ball. Hitting it soft will have the cue ball travel towards the second dot from the foot rail. Hitting it with medium speed will have the cue ball travel towards the foot rail just a couple of inches from the corner pocket. Hitting it strong will have the cue ball travel towards the foot rail just a couple of inches after the first dot. When executing a center ball hit, always pay attention to where the cue ball goes after hitting the object ball and try out the same shot with different speed of stroke so you will have a feel of where it goes. This is not only important for cue ball positioning but also to avoid scratching the cue ball.

High Ball Hit at different speeds

Second, let us discuss the follow or high hit on the cue ball. Again, no english is used in this example. Let us proceed... refer to the illustration below.

In the above illustration, notice the direction of the cue ball after it hits the object ball at soft, medium and soft strokes using high hit on the cue ball. As discussed on the lesson about Basic Position, hitting the cue ball high will have the cue ball travel at less than 90 degrees perpendicular to the direction of the object ball and the above illustration shows you the general path of the cue ball at different speed of stroke. Note that your calculation of speed may be different than mine, ie. your "soft" stroke might be softer or harder than what I call a "soft" speed. The illustration above serves as an example to show you the different paths the cue ball travel at different speeds. You will need to pay close attention to where your cue ball goes after each shot you make and always compare it at different speeds so that you will have a basis and knowledge to play better position. With enough hours of practice, you should instinctively know where the cue ball will go.

Below Center Hit at different speeds

Last but not least, let us discuss the draw or below center hit on the cue ball. Again, no english is used in this example. Let us proceed... refer to the illustration below.

Again, notice the direction of the cue ball after it hits the object ball at soft, medium and soft strokes with the use of draw or below center hit on the cue ball. As discussed on the lesson about Basic Position, hitting the cue ball below center will have the cue ball travel at more than 90 degrees perpendicular to the direction of the object ball and the above illustration shows you the general path of the cue ball at different speed of stroke. You can also see that there is a little curve on the cue ball when hitting it with a strong stroke. This is caused by the reverse spin on the cue ball (physics stuff)... just accept it and move on. Once again, practice this type of shot at different speeds and pay attention to where the cue ball goes.