Follow Shot - Revisited - Easy Pool Tutor

This article will explain in more detail the state of the cue ball as it travels towards the object ball that makes the cue ball follow towards the direction of the object ball after it impacts the object ball.

As you already know, the follow shot is the exact opposite of the draw shot. Therefore, knowing the factors involved in the execution of the draw shot from previous lessons, we can assume that the reverse effect is involved in the execution of the follow shot.

An important factor to consider is that it is possible to follow the cue ball by hitting the cue ball with center ball or even below center. As long as the cue ball contains forward spin at the moment it contacts the object ball.

How is it possible that a below center hit will create a follow shot? Let's look at an example. Suppose you have a long shot at the object ball, let's say the cue ball and the object ball is 7 feet apart. You execute your shot by hitting the cue ball below center with medium soft speed. Initially, the cue ball will contain backspin due to the below center hit. As it travels further down the table towards the object ball, friction takes effect removing the spin on the cue ball. At a certain distance before the cue ball reaches the object ball, friction again takes effect on the cue ball which now has no spin. With no spin on the cue ball and it traveling forward, the effect of friction naturally creates forward roll on the cue ball. With forward spin on the cue ball, it follows the object ball upon impact.

Below is a video demonstration of a follow shot in slow motion.

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