Don't Scoop The Ball - Eliminate Miscues On Your Draw Shots (pool Lessons)

[@h3artbreak3r1994]

best video about Draw Shot evaaaa, thank you FX!!! You're the best!!!

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you for your comments. And thanks for watching

[@davebedwell4323]

Thank you for confirming what I thought all along including shorter bridging for more accurate cue ball control. Not super close bridging, but closer. Thanks again

[@FXBilliards]

You bet!

[@poolflorian2235]

That’s a great video with all FACTS FACTS FACTS FACTS FACTS FACTS

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@nickbonvino]

I was notorious for the death grip for a long time… now that I’ve loosened it up it’s a whole new world at the table! Per your advise in previous videos! Thank you

[@FXBilliards]

Outstanding Nick. Thanks for letting me know your progress and glad I could help.

[@richredd2006]

I would like to confirm... It sounds counterintuitive for a long draw shot, but if you don't have a perfect stroke a shorter bridge is more accurate and actually works well... Also want to add, ramp up your speed in a smooth stroke and follow through... Don't try to put all your speed in the beginning of your stroke... You'll be much more accurate... Thanks... Keep up the great vids...

[@adamadler7041]

Great lesson again Bryan. I agree with all five points you made. It is kinda funny how people blame the cue 90% of the time instead of understanding what THEY did wrong on the shot.

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you Adam. Have a great weekend.

[@mikeandalicescott]

Great stuff, Bryan! After watching a lot of pros on KZbin and noticing every single one of them dropped their elbow on draw shots (most pros drop it on every shot) I incorporated an elbow drop into my draw shots, and it works like a charm. Thanks for the great video!

[@FXBilliards]

It's amazing how many of the so called experts try to train that out of players, when so many use it to such great effect. Thanks for watching.

[@jamesdavis8731]

@@FXBilliards Brian, you are totally correct. There is a KZbin channel (won't name it) that absolutely PREACHES to not drop your elbow. He makes videos of pros that do not drop their elbows - but never videos of brilliant players that DO drop their elbows. Many of the top European players drop their elbows, and drop them a lot.

[@trevorsmith3947]

Perfect! Explanation B. Thanks for addressing this for all the beginner to intermediate players or just anyone that's curious on why there not as consistent as they could be on the long draw shots. And yes the shaping of the tip plays a big part for anyone that's curious.

[@FXBilliards]

You got it! Thanks for your comments.

[@stevesesto9652]

You’re a great teacher. You break it down into such easy terms that a beginner like me would understand. Thanks so much for these videos and please keep them coming

[@FXBilliards]

You are so welcome!

[@briandoerge5092]

Good info. This is a constant battle for me

[@FXBilliards]

True Brian, thanks for watching

[@JohnRozich]

Your videos on the draw shot helped me a lot

[@jeremyparris6121]

Great info, and all 100% correct. (I'll preface this by saying I do have a good long distance draw when I do it right) Two other factors that get me sometimes are grip hand position and wrist tension (which you touched on). If your grip hand is in front of your elbow at cueball contact, your tip is moving downward and the butt is moving upward. So (1) you're hitting lower than where you aimed and (2) the miscue limit rises because the angle of the cue is rising. So make sure you're gripping the cue in the spot where you're at the very bottom of the pendulum stroke at contact, not in front of your elbow. Wrist tension: tightening your grip or tensing your wrist not only ruins the accuracy of your stroke, it takes speed off of the cue. If you try to throw a ball with a stiff wrist, you'll see what I mean. Then throw the same ball with a stiff wrist and a tight grip. Even worse. So then you try to make up for the lost speed by getting your shoulder and upper arm into the action, and everything goes south in a millisecond. You can get more cue speed and accuracy with a relaxed stroke, loose grip, and loose wrist than you can by tensing up and hitting as hard as you can.

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks Jeremy

[@richtubby5022]

Solid video. You're right about the chalk, Bryan. It's rarely the issue and overuse just messes up the cloth. Using Taom chalk lets me chalk only once a rack. I use a piston stroke due to my snooker background which does cause a slight elbow drop. Many snooker players do drop their elbows in this way. The shorter bridge is important for me on power draws and heavy top spins as I lose all accuracy without it. The only thing here is that I have to be careful to avoid making my stroke choppy.

[@blkmoon33]

You're absolutely correct sir! I see to many of my team mates doing this. 😊

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for sharing

[@ral819]

Not just a tight grip, but for me , I made a conscious effort to "lower " my bridge and results were much different to the good...

[@germ8996]

Thank you for all of the excellent videos.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you like them! Thank you very much.

[@CMarshallD]

I don’t know how to say this but I’ve found that the less I try, the better my draw is. It’s not a good explanation, but if I’m *trying* everything goes wrong. I need to relax, soft grip and follow through..

[@FXBilliards]

Knowing what the issue is, puts you ahead of the curve. Thanks for watching.

[@andrijabujosevic1295]

Thanks men! Great video! If I can just add one more tip, for the low cast cues (high deflection ones), one very very important thing is also to adjust the cue to look like you will miss the hole, because power shots + high deflection that is transfered to the ball will came up with the miss if you are pointing as for the shorter or slow/medium shots.

[@jamesmarze9850]

Thanks Bryan!

[@fixitrod4969]

Low and slow like you're in a 64 Impala dragging the bumper. Lol. Slowing the cue helped me a ton. You mentioned it in a previous video.

[@FXBilliards]

OK, now you have created a new Bryanisum. I will forever call this stroke the "Lowrider"

[@fixitrod4969]

@@FXBilliards I love it!

[@SwamiIsa]

First, I want to tell you that I have been watching your vids for years. Love them. I have a question about the forever tool. Wouldn't it be just as easy, or easier, to simply place the tip in the grove and spin the shaft until the tip reaches the desired outcome. The other way, seems to me, to be more haphazard in getting the tip round, especially for someone who is not familiar with shaping a tip?

[@FXBilliards]

I showed you the way the manufacturer of the tool recommends it be used. I would recommend doing it their way - thanks for your question

[@MIck1-10]

A few of these faults strike a chord with me, thank you.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad to help you . Have a great day. Thanks for watching.

[@ianmastrangelo2427]

Great advice Brian, I've been looking for a new tip tool as well because the one I have now doesn't shape as good as I would like. I ordered the 4ever tool from your link. Thank you for all your hard work!

[@FXBilliards]

You bet. The last4ever is the best I ever used, but use it sparingly because it’s hard-core.

[@ianmastrangelo2427]

@@FXBilliards Will do, I've definitely gotten too aggressive with shaping before lol. Oddly enough, the last Kamui clear medium tip that I had ended up losing a layer right at the center of the tip and had to get it replaced. Unfortunately, I think it's going to happen again because I'm starting to hear a little snapping sound occasionally on certain shots. If this one does the same thing I'm going to try and go one step down the firmness scale because maybe the medium is a little to hard and brittle? Not really sure to be honest. Aside from a rare need to shape the tip, all I do is scuff it a little and aerate it once per week.

[@danf.2971]

I thought the bridge was supposed to be longer to put the correct power. Thank you! I'll definitely try a shorter bridge at practice tomorrow.

[@FXBilliards]

A longer bridge puts more power on the shot, it also leads to more miscues. If your miscuing,, the last thing you need is more power. it’s like giving a bad driver, a car with higher horsepower. They should learn to stay on the road first. Thanks for watching.

[@johnhayes6414]

Please please do a demo on replacing your own cue and putting a new one on yourself and shaping. thanks

[@FXBilliards]

Hi John, thanks for watching- I won’t be making such a video because I would not in 100 years replace my own tip. it’s usually a very bad idea that leads to a tip flying off the cue, or being put on incorrectly. And for many high end cues, it immediately voids the warranty if a non- certified professional is doing the replacement. I’m sure there’s probably some thing on KZbin, but in 30 years I’ve only had professionals handle my Cues. Sorry I couldn’t be much help to you. Thanks for watching

[@rodconner9079]

Another great video B ... When ya get into the mechanics of it, sheezzzzz -- so simple ....... till you measure by result, then things start getting real :o "The Draw Shot" - Do ya have it ... and can you control it to an intended result? If you can answer "YES" ... then you have a pretty strong game (result of hrs & hrs of practice). If the answer is "NO" or "Most of the time" ... ya need more practice. So many variables and understanding of what & why. Another set of eyes make a big difference -- if they know what they are looking for!!!! Be Safe

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching and commenting Rod

[@bigbaddms]

Always love your tutorials Brian, thank you! Ps I would like to see a diagram or close up of the recommended point of contact. The penultimate would be a slow mo showing it contact the ball. Thx again as always!

[@FXBilliards]

Got it! The problem is: if you saw a close up of where I hit the Cue Ball, players all over the world would be sending cue balls flying off the table. The key is to hit as low as YOU can hit it with a level cue and without miscuing. But I will include that shot for you in future videos. BTW, this might help a little: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep-Ugq2chNuebqs Thanks for watching.

[@RadioTom103]

Thanks Bryan, though I think you're being a little too hard on people who inspect, shape and rechalk after a miscue. They're just inspecting and repairing the damage done by the miscue. Surely you look at the cue tip and rechalk if you miscue. I'd never not chalk after a miscue.

[@FXBilliards]

Good point

[@GizmoNeneRicky]

Thank you,excellent tips 😊

[@FXBilliards]

Glad it was helpful!

[@annbernarddrost5384]

Love your videos great information!!

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you like them!

[@MikeyD8632]

Smooth acceleration is a must

[@saleemullahkhan3316]

Thanks was great lesson

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you liked it! I appreciate you taking the time to watch

[@gh50hill1]

You the man, thanks.

[@MikeBilliardsFun78]

shorter bridge note try that on house cue when i about get pick up go somewhere to play , i was told place i going have good house cue then other places , now only if i don't struggle break i get some of my better games 4+ ball pocket

[@FXBilliards]

Have fun and make sure you get your money's worth out of your time there. Thanks for watching.

[@MikeBilliardsFun78]

@@FXBilliards i ending up going to friend basement to play just got back , have have win streak 4 after my first lost , out of those 4 win have 2 good break and other 2 not good , i use to be more consistence with breaking before 2018 that when my struggle break started .

[@jackpalmer5067]

Great advice. Ty

[@FXBilliards]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stevemarion9591]

Bryan will you please answer this question. I play a 13 mm tip for 40 years. I’m going to buy a revo cue, my style of play is like aiming for a 1/2, 1/4, 3/4 ball and so on. I learned a lot from poolology videos, it’s changed my game for the better using these aim point on the object ball. Now that you know my style should I go for the 12.4 or the 12 9 I like using little English. Sometimes I add a 1/2 tip of outside English because of throw. I’m just hoping the 12.4 will not be to skinny, but maybe I should play it safe and go for the 12.9 I cannot make a decision. All you guys are great.hope you help me out! Thank you steve

[@FXBilliards]

Steve, based on what you have told me, I would go with the 12.9 - it's close to what you have been doing and you do not need to give up control for extra spin. The 12.9 will give you more control. Hope this helps and thanks for watching.

[@thomasinsley1820]

Good video, thank you.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel.

[@thegodofpez]

“Lower and slower.” I’m gonna share that wisdom. 🤟

[@FXBilliards]

YOU my friend have been a great addition to our community. Thank you for watching and thanks for your comments.

[@thegodofpez]

@@FXBilliards You’re the best in the biz, B! Even my fiancée enjoys watching your videos with me and she doesn’t play pool (regularly). Keep up the great work my friend. 🤟

[@nicholaswilliams8470]

Thanks for sharing buddy 👍🎱👍

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for the visit

[@nicholaswilliams8470]

@@FXBilliards I've been subbed for a long time. I appreciated the 2021 what are your goals video. My goal was an 8 ball 3 pack. I got it in 2022 though because back in 2021 I never had enough storage space. I didn't want to delete my fav runs lol. I got that issue solved now and am trying to get a 4 pack. Always enjoy your videos👍🎱

[@parashararamesh4252]

Question for you Bryan, I "think" i have a loose grip ( hold it only with the thumb and index finger) but at what point should we tighten the grip in the stroke? Because if we are constantly keeping it loose i find that the cue stick slips away from my bridge hand in the direction of the stroke. Is there an ideal point in time when we need to tighten the grip? ( Before, after contact with cue ball? Others feel free to opine as well

[@FXBilliards]

Some players might tighten the grip at some point but the goal is to reduce the number of moving parts in your stroke. So try keeping the grip the same. Use the baby bird analogy. "Hold the cue like its a baby bird that you dont want to drop but do not want to crush. "

[@poolflorian2235]

Can’t find that last 4 ever tip shaper on that link Bri

[@FXBilliards]

amzn.to/3YVFZfQ TRY THIS ONE

[@poolflorian2235]

@@FXBilliards Thanks 🙏🏽 so much for everything Bri

[@jarrets2292]

Bryan, I haave a question, you mentioned chalk on a phenolic tip. Should you use chalk on a phenolic tip or not?

[@FXBilliards]

Yes, you should on your break cue and on your jump cue but keep in mind it’s not going to stick very well -and do not do anything to rough up the tip. Just give it whatever amount of chocolate will take

[@jarrets2292]

Thanks, that's what i've been doing!!

[@jakerijkuris4693]

Hi Brian, I play 8 ball in Australia (smaller European balls) do you know any pool cue manufacturers you would recommend? I was about to buy a McDermott but they only go down to an 11.75mm tip

[@FXBilliards]

Sorry- I’m not sure who would make a smaller diameter- maybe a snooker cue?

[@mikescott3808]

I get way better draw now that I have a good shaped tip last tip was messed up not shaped well couldn’t get a good draw shot it’s a big difference

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for sharing

[@mapes0576]

What do you consider cheap chalk? Assuming master? And what would you recommend as a good, not crazy expensive chalk?

[@FXBilliards]

Anything cheaper than Masters is way too cheap. I will use Masters, now and then but I chalk up after every shot. That said, predator chalk, blue diamond are both pretty good for the price. I currently use Taom which is what I see most pros using these days. It’s very good and extremely clean, but very pricey. I don’t mind the price because it’s so clean and if you skip a shot or two, you know it’s still on your tip.

[@scottisitoro3953]

I meant Blue Diamond is about $8 for 2 cubes, not 12. Sorry.@@FXBilliards

[@scottisitoro3953]

This is really going to get under any serious, accomplished player's skin. It did, mine. My neighbor claims he hasn't shot a ball in years...years, he said. Times were tough so he sold his cues. Now, get ready for this pool lovers. He bought 3 $19.95 cues from Walmart, 16 oz (!!!!!) each. He cracked the butt end off with pliers and inserted a 3 oz weight bolt; get this, he had to Gorilla glue the bolts because, as you might have guessed, no dealer makes fitting-sized weight bolts for Walmart cue sticks. He then re-applied same Gorilla glue back to butt cap. Cheap chalk??? He added further insult to (as it turned out) my injuries by using Silver Cup cheap-ass chalk.. ...THEN ??? BROKE AND RAN 4 STRAIGHT 9 BALL RACKS. TAKE THAT, HE SAID, YOU Kamui Roku FOOLS !!!

[@michaelr3578]

Ronnie O'Sullivan is famous for his tip problems, so it's not a matter of being the best the game has ever seen, but rather in some cases unique circumstances not being able to adjust. I mean, he's CONSTANTLY fiddling with his tip, and the commentators are always mentioning it. Maybe his game is just so stratospheric in its brilliance that mere equipment cannot keep up.

[@rtimmins7212]

I'm working on my Draw now. Having some trouble overall..I cant get draw sometimes. My Cloth is really old and cheap. How important is the cloth. I am re covering in the new year though.

[@FXBilliards]

The cloth can make a difference, but it should not be essential. If you’re able to draw sometimes and not other times, it’s probably not the cloth - it’s that you’re not hitting the ball in the same spot or at least not where you think you’re hitting it - that’s a common issue.

[@rtimmins7212]

@@FXBilliards thanks for your advice. It might be time to set up a camera and check it out

[@normanjoy6390]

What is the best affordable cue?

[@FXBilliards]

Check out players /under $300

[@nvpoolshooter]

The elbow drop debate? That's a whole video in itself. Everyone is different. Me personally, my stroke is much more precise with a shorter bridge and no elbow drop. My draw shots thanks me for it. Snooker players do not elbow drop. Other great 9-ball pros? Their elbow damn near hits the floor. I always like to refer back to Keith McCready and Allen Hopkins. Two guys that blow out the textbook pool stroke.

[@FXBilliards]

I have a funny story about Hopp and his unorthodox stroke, but it’s way too long for the comments. I’ll put it in a podcast one day.

[@charlesbrown9559]

Do the tip the shape of the tip and the cloth makes a lot of different I think so try that you will be surprised.

[@FXBilliards]

The shape of your tip makes a difference on every shot. But the cloth will not make a difference in someone miscuing as a result of hitting the ball too low. It's the same diagnosis on Simonis 860 and shag carpet.

[@jamest3552]

Maybe they rechalk right after a miscue because there's no chalk left on the miscue contact point.

[@FXBilliards]

If someone miscues and doesn’t apply chalk at that point, then your problems go far deeper than pool, regardless of what the tip looks like,

[@jamest3552]

@@FXBilliards Sure but you said they look at their tip like there was something wrong with it. But as you eluded to, their miscue probably wasn't because of their tip, I agree, but after they miscue there is something wrong with it, gotta rechalk at least. Make sense now?

[@LARRYSORETH]

What tip do you use on your cue stick?

[@FXBilliards]

On most of my cues, I have a 12.4 mm soft Victory tip and on the others a Soft Kamui tip.

[@BROU-bb2uc]

A friend told me nickel for trust dime for confidence.

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching

[@exhainca]

I'm just doing one thing wrong... I drink lots of whiskey.