Basic Position Play - Follow - Easy Pool Tutor

Next is the follow shot or above center hit on the cue ball. Refer to the illustrations below. This will be the opposite of the draw shot in the previous lesson.

On an above center ball hit on the cue ball, the cue ball will travel at less than 90 degree angle from the direction of the object ball. This will also vary depending on the amount of cut or angle and the amount of follow or topspin that you put on the cue ball. For this type of shot, keep in mind that as the angle of the cut increases, the direction of the cue ball after impact also increases towards (but never reaches) 90 degrees. As the angle of the cut decreases up to the point where it is almost a straight in shot, the direction of the cue ball also decreases towards almost 0 degrees. Just be aware that with very little angle and a follow shot can cause the cue ball to follow the object ball and scratch (cue ball goes into the pocket).

Below is a demonstration of a follow shot and the 30 degree rule.

Video courtesy of Dr. Dave and The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards at www.engr.colostate.edu/pool/