DRAW VS. FOLLOW Position Play Examples … Follow is not Always Better

Dr. Dave discusses and demonstrates various game-situation examples where draw shots are sometimes better choices than follow shots, despite the popular saying: “Draw for Show, Follow for Dough.”
Contents:
0:00 - Intro
1:32 - Draw Difficulty
2:59 - Ball in Hand
5:13 - CB Control
8:31 - Outside Draw vs. Inside Follow
10:27 - Pro Shot Examples
11:58 - Wrap Up
Supporting Resources:
- previous video: "Master Cue Ball Control … FOLLOW VS. DRAW" - • Master Cue Ball Contro...
- draw shot technique advice and drills: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/d...
- cue ball control tutorial: billiards.colostate.edu/tutor...
- 30° rule peace sign technique: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/3...
- 3-times-the-angle draw system: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/d...
- System for Aiming With Sidespin (SAWS): billiards.colostate.edu/faq/s...
- “Top 20 DRAW SHOTS of All Time” video: • Top 20 DRAW SHOTS of A...
- “Corey Deuel's Famous Draw Shot Analyzed by Dr. Dave” video: • Corey Deuel's famous d...
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[@DrDaveBilliards]

*Contents:* 0:00 - Intro 1:32 - Draw Difficulty 2:59 - Ball in Hand 5:13 - CB Control 8:31 - Outside Draw vs. Inside Follow 10:27 - Pro Shot Examples 11:58 - Wrap Up *Supporting Resources:* - previous video: "Master Cue Ball Control … FOLLOW VS. DRAW" - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hITcaqulqJmnfZo - draw shot technique advice and drills: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/draw/advice-and-drills/ - cue ball control tutorial: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/cue-ball-control/ - 30° rule peace sign technique: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/30-90-rules/peace-sign/ - 3-times-the-angle draw system: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/draw/trisect/ - System for Aiming With Sidespin (SAWS): billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/aim/saws/ - “Top 20 DRAW SHOTS of All Time” video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYS5pKVmoaaBg7s - “Corey Deuel's Famous Draw Shot Analyzed by Dr. Dave” video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5PMYmmdrc94iJI *Subscribe to Dr. Dave's KZbin Channel:* kzbin.info

[@VictorSantos-ok4wp]

👍

[@frederikmarohn6358]

Draw shots can also be used on straight in shots to manufacture position off a rail behind the shot especially when it is not possible to cheat the pocket. If you add sidespin to change the rebound angle, they are very fun shots and open up a lot of possibilities

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That would have been a good example to include. I have it in many other videos. For example, it is shot #11 in the document and video here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/sidespin/examples/

[@Rabid-Pinocchio]

Well, I've only watched the first segment of the vid so far so you may address what I'm about to say. You are absolutely correct about follow vs. draw for position. the thing about follow is the action of your cue and your forearm translate more accurately to the intended movement of the ball. If you can utilize both weight, slight spin/English, and the rails vs using draw and even spin/English with draw (there are some cute angle changes that you can utilize with draw +spin and a rail) but for the most part Top spin or top-center combined with natural angles and rails if necessary is much easier for your muscle memory to control. If you learn to pause at the back of your stroke before you hit the ball that will even improve your ball control more. Draw, on the other hand looks groovy and the spectators may go Wow! but for better table dominance using Top-spin and rails will yield you better position the great bulk of the time. Now, Understanding backspin/draw is important and will be useful in many circumstances but that should be your 'when necessary' shot instead of your go-to weapon. For beginners or even intermediate players by far the most important element of your game should be your stance and stroke. It should be exactly the same for every single shot. I'm sitting on my bed and if you asked me to I could get into my stance instantly and it would never change. In my opinion stance and stroke is more important than aiming.. Ok too much babble, I'll go back and watch the rest.. Cheers.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

When you are done with this video, check out my previous “Follow for Dough” video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hITcaqulqJmnfZo You might also find the info here of interest: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/follow/accuracy/

[@edwardholyk7046]

Hello DR. Dave, greetings from Uganda. I’m an intermediate player, I feel more senior with draw shots but i find it difficult to position the CB. Your videos dramatically changed my game. Thanks my Mentor

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad to hear it. You’re welcome from the US.

[@trailerwookie]

If possible, I would love someday to see a video demonstrating how temperature and humidity change the way a table plays. I try to explain it to people and they look at me like I am crazy. (At least my family does.)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, the info and videos here cover this topic in detail: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/table/humidity-effects/

[@Rabid-Pinocchio]

Humidity results in lower air pressure so there may be a very slight effect on the travel of the balls I am not exactly sure about that, now the cloth may have a dramatic effect given those criteria. If you are on an American-style table the cloth is smooth and has no 'nap' like a snooker table. The latter would noticibly efffect the action of the ball but my experience is that weather changes like this can be tangible on a snooker table but so miniscule, if at all, on a pool table that they are virtually negligable.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@Rabid-Pinocchio See the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/table/humidity-effects/

[@Rabid-Pinocchio]

@@DrDaveBilliards Cheers Dave. I grew up playing snooker in Canada, was ranked across the country. My highest provincial rank, in the 80's was 2, I moved to the States around '98 and played only 8/9 ball and occasionally One-Pocket. I heard you referance APA, I was never lower than a 7 even first day because the league operater knew me from my snooker days. Played most leagues, prefer BCA but I've played most of them and was either an 8 or 9. I always was weaker in 9-ball but played a reasonably respectable game. that said my heart was always a snooker player and never completely immersed myself in the minutia of American pool. Now I'm very ill and cannot play anymore but I'm finding your information very interesting and it is often details that I was unaware of as a player. Thank you for the referances, I will certainly check them out..Cheers.

[@Rabid-Pinocchio]

@@DrDaveBilliards I just looked at the link. That is very interesting information. It's a shame that I can't exploit that information. In all my Years of playing I just never noticed these effects. A shame! Thank you again Dave.

[@VictorSantos-ok4wp]

Love the instructions and detailed format, keep it up I'll be subscribing 👌

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I’m glad you like my stuff.

[@b3p]

I appreciate you drawing the shot shape zones more now, it's very helpful to hammer in

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks for the feedback. I agree they are useful.

[@zanethind]

100 percent agree with all of this. Even my friend told you gotta be careful with draw. Lots do draw because it's cool but it doesn't guarantee you the position for the next shot and it takes a lot of work to even get the power draw shot for some shots. The tables I play on will always rob you when doing a draw shot

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The cloth definitely makes a big difference.

[@zanethind]

@@DrDaveBilliards agreed

[@thetowndrunk988]

Outstanding follow up video. I like having the “but sometimes” exceptions covered.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yep. Sometimes, you need to Draw for Dough.

[@erickort1987]

thanks DrDaveBilliards,i always loved your pool tutorial videos,helped out my game alot

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You’re welcome. I’m glad to hear it.

[@isaacabenroth1933]

Love the videos Dr. Dave! Thank you very much for the hard work!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad to hear it. You’re welcome.

[@NefariousMinds]

8:41 This shot, I always look to shoot with inside English first. If applicable, it's the better choice because it follows a line where there is no risk of a scratch. Draw however, is a much greater risk to scratch in the corner, or if struck really bad, can scratch in the side. As the cue ball gets closer to the rail, then draw becomes the better choice.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good points. It also depends some on the table. The inside-follow shot requires more power on my table; but on a bouncy Diamond table, it is effortless.

[@CocoboloCowboy]

More GREAT info from Dr. Dave, all you need to to duplicate is PRACTICE.😊

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks again CC.

[@apexpredatorbilliardstraining]

Super powrful stuff! Dr Dave always providing knowledge that is highly overlooked but super useful to propel your game to another level! Thank you once again dr! Continue curing the small sickness of pool players games!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you, and you’re welcome. I’m glad you like my “prescriptions.” :)

[@apexpredatorbilliardstraining]

@@DrDaveBilliards your puns are super hilarious! The funny professor

[@JL_Razon]

another great video Doctor Dave. Great examples and comparisons. Thank you

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you, and you’re welcome. I’m glad you liked it.

[@zanethind]

Glad you made a part 2 for this

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Me too.

[@zanethind]

@@DrDaveBilliards 👍

[@erickort1987]

DrDaveBilliards reverse english is in my bag of tricks

[@DrDaveBilliards]

A good player has every type of English in the bag.

[@StevenHodder]

Perfect timing - just on my way to CPA league night :)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I hope you can put the info to good use.

[@ThePrufessa]

Aye

[@theznooker]

just a question? as you walk in you look at the object ball, but when you look at the cueball as you getting down, do you focus on center of the cue ball or the entire cueball. becaz as i get down somehow because of my upper body turn my cue tip ends up to right side of the cueball and then i have to readjust? thank you , please reply

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@theznooker I focus at the OB along the shot line as I get down into my stance. For more info and demos, see the videos and other resources here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/pattern/

[@donloop8060]

Thank you.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You’re welcome.

[@StunDan]

Draw is also terrible for social media. Because you cannot follow it. here is one for your humor Dr. Dave

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Haha.

[@ZeroKage69]

I've been going to the bar to play and practice pool nearly every day for a couple weeks now and I can't seem to hit a straight shot umm, straight, and so I assume all my other shots are off slightly too. I feel like I can't find my vision center or that it changes daily because I tested eye dominance and one time I got my right eye as dominant and then later that day I got my left eye as the dominant one so idk but I notice my shots always hit left of where I thought was the center. But I also could be tensing my grip or something else in my stroke because its difficult to think about all the different things to not do that I always seem to forget something and also i can't shoot accurately when i am thinking about all these things either. but I do feel like I am getting more consistent with my stroke accuracy. I just can't hit a ball straight into the rail and have it come back and hit the cue ball more than like 2 times in a row if i am lucky which i usually am not lol. actually I do usually get pretty lucky with slop but that only counts when slop counts and even then I definitely cant rely on being lucky on my misses lmao. Idk, I need to record my stroke so I can look at what I am doing i guess. Oh wait this comment had nothing to do with this video I guess.. umm... idk, I like draw shots but I have only done like 3 that I was really happy with. Usually I get a piddly little draw or none at all :(

[@DrDaveBilliards]

My advice: - find your personal “vision center” position using the procedure in the first video here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/eyes/vision-center/ - improve your stroke using all the advice here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stroke/technique/ - practice everything enough so you don’t need to think about stuff so much.

[@ZeroKage69]

​@@DrDaveBilliards I have been watching a lot of your videos already and trying to remember all the fundamentals to get my stroke more smooth straight and consistent and I have definitely improved on that. The thing is I used to have a pool table in my basement and I spent a lot of time just messing around on it. I had a book of trick shots that I would try and set up and do and I could actually masse pretty good for those trick shots lol. But I haven't played in probably 15 years until I started playing recently. So I can make all kind of shots already because I have that memory of where to aim for all the various cut angles and that even though it's been so long. But I have also built muscle memory of my bad stroke where I drop my elbow and shoulder and I never really was shown how you should try to line everything up and all the fundamentals basically. My dad probably showed me a few things but I mostly just learned through experience and now idk if I should try and fix those things or not because I seem to make more shots when I just stop thinking and fall back on my old bad stroke habits. It's like I spend 2 minutes making sure I'm doing everything correct and then I miss the shot anyway so the next shot I go up and don't even aim except to glance over the table from behind the cue ball and then I take like 1 practice stroke and don't even address the cue ball and I just send it and those are the shots I make lol. To be fair though I also miss those ones and make ones where I focus so it's probably confirmation bias but it's pretty funny. I've been having fun and meeting new people so I'm going to keep working on getting better.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@ZeroKage69 I hope you enjoy the game for many, many years to come. I plan to play until my dying day.

[@MrArsk4]

Nowadays pro tournaments usually have new cloth so therefore they might also use more draw than on a club table

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good point. The cloth makes a big difference.

[@robinlacaden4438]

It is easier to draw from new cloths

[@MrArsk4]

@@robinlacaden4438 U dont say

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@robinlacaden4438 Agreed, especially if the cloth brand is slick and fast.

[@briananthony2611]

The majority of these shots it would be a lot smarter to just play safe instead of drawing full table for perfect position on the 8.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good point. But some game situations require draw. I should have done a better job designing the examples.

[@johnandersonsilva8825]

How about a dead ball shot?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@johnandersonsilva8825 Stun shots are often the right choice, especially when straight, giving a stop shot, especially if stop shot leaves good position for the next shot. I have lots of videos covering important stun principles and technique at the links here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/stun/ Check them out.

[@johnandersonsilva8825]

@@DrDaveBilliards It's not stun shot Dr Dave 😁 I mean the dead ball shot 😅

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@johnandersonsilva8825 A “dead ball” shot could mean stun, no sidespin, or a drag shot. Which one are you referring to?

[@StunDan]

8:24 that's pocket scam/ robbery not just cheat. :)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. These pockets play huge at this speed.

[@BruteZ7957]

what's the point of showing how the shots are problematic with draw, if you don't show how to make them with follow? the video seems largely unhelpful. love the effort though.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I showed both approaches with all the shots in the video where both options were reasonable. Which MM:SS draw shot are you talking about? Was follow a better option?