Master Cue Ball Control … FOLLOW VS. DRAW

Dr. Dave discusses and demonstrates why the saying “Draw for Show, Follow for Dough” is good advice. Cue ball direction and travel distance are much easier to control with topspin than with backspin. Many drills are included to help you improve your skills.
Contents:
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - Distance Control
1:54 - Angle Control
3:51 - Tip Height Effects
4:28 - Speed Effects
5:55 - Pocket Cheat Effects
7:41 - Wrap Up
Supporting Resources:
- follow-up video: "DRAW VS. FOLLOW Position Play Examples … Follow is not Always Better" - • DRAW VS. FOLLOW Positi...
- CB control tutorial: billiards.colostate.edu/tutor...
- CB control resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/c...
- draw shot technique advice and drills: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/d...
- 30° rule peace sign technique: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/3...
- 3-times-the-angle draw shot system: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/d...
- “Everything You Need to Know about CB Control” video: • CUE BALL CONTROL ... E...
- “Draw Shot Control” video: • DRAW SHOT CONTROL … Ho...
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Good Luck With Your Game!!!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

*Contents:* 0:00 - Intro 0:30 - Distance Control 1:54 - Angle Control 3:51 - Tip Height Effects 4:28 - Speed Effects 5:55 - Pocket Cheat Effects 7:41 - Wrap Up *Supporting Resources:* - follow-up video: "DRAW VS. FOLLOW Position Play Examples … Follow is not Always Better" - kzbin.info/www/bejne/npmqpIZoepKHeqs - CB control tutorial: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/cue-ball-control/ - CB control resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-ball-control/ - draw shot technique advice and drills: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/draw/advice-and-drills/ - 30° rule peace sign technique: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/30-90-rules/peace-sign/ - 3-times-the-angle draw shot system: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/draw/trisect/ - “Everything You Need to Know about CB Control” video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIG0dnWul6esepY - “Draw Shot Control” video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGrXmZehlq6ssNU *Subscribe to Dr. Dave's KZbin Channel:* kzbin.info

[@carlosg.894]

Dr.Dave, just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all of your hard work and dedication doing your content! I’ve learned so much over the years of watching your videos! You will forever be a GOAT!!

[@JohnSmith-nu4he]

I second this!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you, and you're welcome. I aim to swerve. :) I'm glad to hear you have benefited from my stuff.

[@milesteg8627]

He has the best billiards-related Tshirt shop on the web! Super funny shirts too lol edit: Dr dave never really mentions this, but I googled an Efren shirt he was wearing one time

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@milesteg8627 Was Efren wearing one of my Efren shirts? That would be awesome. For those interested, they are here: drdavebilliardtshirts.com/

[@zanethind]

I agree the man is the goat of teaching

[@JL_Razon]

Thank you Dr. Dave. The best. Some newbies thinks that draw shot is important than follow. They think it looks good. I always say "make it simple". don't complicate things. Draw shot sometimes work but not always. and you get more miscues in draw compared to follow through shots. Follow through doesn't look appealing sometimes but the game of pool is not for show off. I hope new players learn this valuable lesson that Draw is Show and Follow is Dough.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good point about the miscue risk with draw. I should have pointed that out.

[@erickort1987]

DrDaveBilliards has the most understandable pool tutorial videos

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I’m glad you think so.

[@hanspw]

You are amazing with all your vids, tutorials, tips, tricks and detailed explanations 💪👊👌👏👏👏

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I’m glad you like my stuff.

[@CocoboloCowboy]

Typical Dr. Dave, great info.🏆

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks CC!

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

Dr. Dave is The Master.......

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks!

[@GarrettWilliams-RoadHustler]

Yay a new video!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I was very busy the last few months, but I will try to get back to my regular video-posting schedule soon.

[@jeremyepps1]

I have learned a lot from your videos in a very short time. I can't believe how much I have improved since trying to apply the techniques that you demonstrate. Thank you so much for all of your shared knowledge! Take care and keep strokin doc!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad to hear it. You’re welcome.

[@MarksVegas]

My brother is the type of player that will use draw on EVERY single shot. I’m 45 years old and he’s 50 and I don’t recall ever seeing his use follow. Then, he’ll leave himself bad and he’ll say something like, “It doesn’t matter what I would’ve done, I would’ve left myself the same way.” He’s good at making balls, but I don’t consider him to be a good shot maker because he’s just as likely to make the shot and leave himself bad than he is to make the shot and get ideal positiin

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Now you have a video link to send to him. :)

[@scottisitoro3953]

Very good stuff here. For me, the draw is always easier to produce with a closed bridge; it simply provides me a tighter, controlled stroke (plus my fav "The Pearl" is almost always closed from my viewing of him !!). I would also tell players to avoid elevating the butt end; level cue is best, I believe.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

With proper technique, a closed bridge is not required. For good draw technique advice, see the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/draw/advice-and-drills/

[@sawyerthompson6583]

Thanks again Dave , your videos have helped me sculpt my game in the past year 💪🏼

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad to hear it. You’re welcome.

[@teewhitt]

In an older video, you showed examples of good action draw, and the large variance of cue ball resulting position... that was the eye opener for me 👍🏼👊🏼

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I hope this new video helped keep your eyes open and even wider.

[@DaRealChevythang]

Thank you Dr Dave!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You’re welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@Oscar_Baby_Bear]

Holy smokes. This is exactly what pros do that leaves me so confused/astounded. Never realized how cheating a pocked drastically changes the tangent line angle. Wow! 🤯

[@raferb]

Excellent advice! I will shoot a ball with 'follow' all the way up table to avoid the randomness that can occur with a draw shot. It's actually kinda fun to win matches against guys who 'play for show' when you just keep your game simple. LOL Flashy opponents get really frustrated thinking they are a better player!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I love flashy opponents.

[@jamesnewcomer5963]

Additionally, draw shots are much more susceptible to variation due to cloth conditions. If you have high-nap cloth or high humidity, the backspin wears off so much more quickly than it does for low-nap or dry conditions. For a rolling cue ball, that's not really a concern since every shot decays to the rolling state eventually.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Great point. I should have mentioned this. Draw also requires a better stroke with better technique. And there’s all the other reasons in the video.

[@calvinjohnson7806]

Thanks again

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome again.

[@ethandavis7310]

Wish you would have included a comparison with the pocket cheat effects on follow shots. I don't doubt the spread would be wider with draw, but it would be nice to see it tested here.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. I thought about it, but thought it wouldn’t be interesting enough; but in hindsight, I think you’re right. I should have done it.

[@SlickRick4EVER]

Have I heard of that saying? Since 2006!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm sure it is much older than that.

[@anthonykeller5120]

I find always find myself wondering what each of the hole reinforcements are used for. I know what the idea for them in general is. I’m talking about the specifics of each one. Any chance you have an online map of them?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/training/teaching/ Most of the donuts are used for the BU Exams: billiarduniversity.org/testing/exams/ Here’s the diagram: billiarduniversity.org/documents/BU_Table_Setup_Instructions.pdf

[@davidkihm9186]

Great demonstrations proving the point! Is there more deflection with follow? I heard a pro say this is true because with follow the ball is kind of squeezed between the cue and the bed of the table (more so than with draw, because you’re hitting low and through the ball).

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Typically, there is more CB deflection with draw shots, especially at faster speed. The sliding delays the swerve. For more info and demos, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/squirt/tip-height/

[@zanethind]

My friend told me this too. He said always use follow it's easier to control and a much better option also when you have bih use follow instead of draw. Also the power draw shot is cool but it's an emergency shot that only needs to happen once in a blue moon basically

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good point about BIH. I should have showed examples of this.

[@zanethind]

@@DrDaveBilliards thanks and yeah

[@theblubird]

Dr.Dave, i have a question. Can a better cue decreases CB deflection? I mean the part that we hold on, not the shaft.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The butt has nothing to do with CB deflection. Only the tip end of the shaft matters. See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/squirt/endmass/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/squirt/cause/

[@wraygehouse]

Great advice. What drills would you recommend for my upcoming APA 8ball singles qualifier?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The Billiard University Playing-Ability Exams are excellent practice (especially Exam I). Everything you need is here: billiarduniversity.org/testing/exams/ More practice advice can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/practice/advice/ Good luck at qualifiers!

[@wraygehouse]

@@DrDaveBilliardsthank you! Your videos are all very informative and helpful! Thanks for sharing your knowledge of the great game of billiards!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@wraygehouse You’re welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@Peropero337]

Sorry for the off topic question Doc, but i was wondering, can a cue tip that is installed poorly cause one of the layers to come off after a few weeks of play ? I don't miscue that much too, maybe once or twice in a day's session. I kind of also have a feeling that the shop is selling me fake tips, since my other shaft that has the same tip, a Kamui Clear Soft, doesn't do that. Thanks alot Doc!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

If the install was bad, the whole tip would come off. If the layers are coming off, that is a problem with the tip (bad brand or bad batch).

[@Peropero337]

@@DrDaveBilliards I see, Thanks a lot for the rep Doc!!

[@Peropero337]

@@DrDaveBilliards It was also worth noting that when i do a draw shot or an extreme spin shot it sounds like a miscue even though it wasn't so i am quite sure its on the tip now. Perhaps a fake Kamui.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@Peropero337 It could also be a harder tip than your previous tip. See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-tip/hardness/

[@mmafan1007]

That’s what I tell my teammates😊

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Now you can send them a video link. :)

[@DanHosier]

5:19 The world pool association artistic pool division is currently accepting new shots for the shot program. I want to submit a shot based on this demonstration that has a blocker on the spot and a hanger combo in the bottom left pocket called Dr. Dave’s Skid Draw. Any objection with the title?

[@DanHosier]

Well I guess the shot after this timestamp

[@DanHosier]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4Srg3d7a9Bsd9Esi=69fiAw-7vmD5qR_e

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Sounds good, but don’t feel like you need to use name for the shot. You are the one adding elements to make it interesting.

[@gregorpesek]

The first drill where you follow half table is obviously a lot easier than drawing 1,5 table length same as drawing half table is easier than following 1,5 in the 2nd drill. In a regular game you don't go ahead before each swing taking the ball in hand and put the cue ball where ever you please, do you? You supposed to showcase the exact same situation comparing the difficulty of follow and draw of cue ball control from the same side just like in a regular game where you have to chose to follow or draw and make a more reasonable situation where the object ball is 2 diamonds away from the corner pocket.

[@edwardholyk7046]

I like draw shots only being sweet but follow shots are cool

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Draw for show. Follow for dough.

[@edwardholyk7046]

@@DrDaveBilliards well said, I’ve lost many Money racks because of draws. I find my self doing it even where not necessary. But feels good to me.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@edwardholyk7046 As my next video will show, draw is an important skill to master.

[@edwardholyk7046]

@@DrDaveBilliards I can’t wait to learn more skills but I often find myself trapped while drawing balls. Love the shot anyway. Otherwise your commitment and dedication to providing free billiards master classes will remain unmatched. Thanks my mentor. Be blessed.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@edwardholyk7046 Thank you for your kind words. If you want to love draw even more, check out the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/draw/advice-and-drills/

[@str8up_15]

Nice video but I hope u not running out of video ideas. Cuz I got a couple

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I have about 200 ideas on my current list (and it always grows and gets deprioritized often), but I am always happy to hear others.

[@ilikebacon.6483]

ill play you 1v1 any game any race for $ hmu

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Wow, if you are that good, I would expect a huge spot! :)

[@TimHaunFishing]

First

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good job. Now watch the video! :)

[@jamesdavis8731]

LOL. This has to be one of the most ridiculous videos I have ever seen. Let me go over a couple of things: 1. The first two examples you gave are completely different shots! Of course if you have ball in hand you are going to follow. That should not have to be said. But if you do not have ball in hand then the way in the second example to get on the ball is to either draw or make a really difficult follow shot off the short rail to the opposite short rail. 2. One of the biggest differences between really good players, and average players, is the ability to draw. Follow is actually easy, but there are many many times that follow simply will not work to get position. If you look at all of the great players, they prefer to draw in many cases where there is an option to do both. You can watch match after match after match of SVB, Filler, Biado, Shaw, Kaci, the Ko brothers, and many others where they choose to draw rather than follow. I learned the hard way when I went to the Philippines (lived there for over 16 years) and got my ass kicked a lot. I was very good at following - it was my preferred way to move the ball around the table, and still is. But my draw shot was not close to up to par. Not remotely close, and I got beat often by guys that had all parts of the table available to them, and far more shots, because they could draw. So I get the saying "draw for show, follow for dough." But in reality it is almost the opposite. The important of all sorts of draw shots and being a really good player -emphasis on REALLY GOOD PLAYER - is more important than following. Again, I get the point that following is a very important skill to learn and it is very easy to learn but you simply cannot be a top player, or even really good, if you cannot draw the ball well. Being able to draw the ball really well - from short draws to full length table draws - to one, two, and even three rail draws is huge. So this video is very misleading on the importance of drawing. Just look at the top players and see how often they draw when most of us would think about following.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good points. FYI, I have a follow-up video planned that will look at this more closely. I have a busy next week, but I will get to it soon.