Line C is the path of the CB when using follow with a medium stroke. Line D is the path of the CB when using follow with a hard stroke. Notice that the CB path stays on the tangent line longer before moving forward to the short rail. The same parabolic path applies to draw, just on the opposite side of the tangent line.
Follow and draw alter the path of the CB after contact with the OB. English, on the other hand, alters the path of the CB after it contacts a RAIL. English has no effect whatsoever on the path of the CB if the CB doesn't touch a rail. Some players will swear that this last statement is false. I assure you, my statement is true. There are two shots that prove this. 1) Set up a short straight in shot. Use left english with no draw or follow (dead 9 o'clock). Stroke firmly with a level cue. Pocket the OB. The CB should just spin in place. 2) Set up the cut shot in the diagrams above. Use left english with no draw or follow (dead 9 o'clock). Stroke firmly with a level cue. Pocket the OB. The CB will follow the tangent line, it will not roll forward or backward of the tangent line. The CB will react differently once it contacts the rail, however.
