Cue Ball Control: 7 Simple Tips

Making a ball is only half of a good shot. The other half is where the cue ball goes next. That is cue ball control. Good players do not just make one ball. They leave the cue ball in a good spot for the next shot, and the next one after that.

I have played pool for over 50 years, and I have played in leagues and tournaments for over 38 years. In this page, I will show you seven simple tips to get better cue ball control.

What Is Cue Ball Control?

Cue ball control means you choose where the cue ball stops after each shot. Players also call it "position" or "shape." If you get good shape, your next shot is easy. If you do not, you have to make a hard shot, or play safe.

You control the cue ball with two things:

1. Where you hit the cue ball (high, center, or low).
2. How hard you hit it (your speed).

Tip 1: What Are Stop, Draw, and Follow?

These are the three shots every player needs to know first.

• Stop shot: Hit the cue ball in the center, or a little below, with firm speed. On a straight shot, the cue ball stops dead where the object ball was.
• Draw shot: Hit the cue ball below center. The cue ball spins backward and comes back toward you after it hits the object ball.
• Follow shot: Hit the cue ball above center. The cue ball rolls forward after it hits the object ball.

Look at the picture above. It is the same shot each time. Only the spot where you hit the cue ball changes.

In this video, I show stop, draw, and follow on the table.

Tip 2: Why Should You Learn the Stop Shot First?

The stop shot is the base of cue ball control. If you can stop the cue ball on a straight shot, you know how to hit the center of the cue ball. Every other shot builds from that. Start here before you try big draw shots.

Tip 3: How Do You Hit a Good Draw Shot?

Draw is the shot most players want to learn. Here are a few keys:

• Lower your bridge hand a little so the cue tip can reach below center.
• Keep the cue as level as you can.
• Use a smooth stroke and follow through. Do not jab at the ball.
• Stay down after you hit. Jumping up is a big reason draw shots fail.

Start with the cue ball close to the object ball. Move it back as you get better.

Tip 4: How Does Speed Change Cue Ball Control?

Speed is just as important as where you hit the cue ball. A soft shot with follow rolls a little. A firm shot with follow rolls a lot. Most misses in position come from bad speed, not bad spin.

Try to use the softest speed that still gets the job done. Soft shots are easier to control and the object ball goes in more often.

Tip 5: What Is the Tangent Line?

On a cut shot, the cue ball does not go straight. After it hits the object ball, it heads off at about a right angle to the path of the object ball. This is called the tangent line. It is where a stop shot goes on a cut.

Follow bends the cue ball forward from that line. Draw bends it back. Once you know the tangent line, you can guess where the cue ball will go before you shoot.

Tip 6: Why Should You Think One Shot Ahead?

Before every shot, ask, "Where do I want the cue ball to stop?" Pick a spot, not just a side of the table. Then pick the spin and speed that will get it there.

Good players think two or three balls ahead. Start with one. This is a big part of my pre shot routine. You can read more on our pre shot routine page.

Tip 7: Why Should You Keep It Simple?

New players often use too much spin. Then they miss the ball they are shooting at. The best cue ball control is often the simplest. Use center ball when you can. Add draw, follow, or side spin only when the shot needs it.

Good aim still comes first. If you need help making balls, see our how to aim in pool page.

How Can You Practice Cue Ball Control?

Practice is the only way to get good at this. Our new blog post has easy cue ball control drills you can do in 20 minutes. Our billiard drills page has more.

You can also get my free pool drills and fundamentals training by email. Sign up on our pool tips page and it will come to your inbox.

How Does Cue Ball Control Help You Win at 8 Ball?

In 8 ball, you have to run your group of balls and then the 8. Cue ball control is what lets you run out. It also helps you play good safeties when you do not have a shot. My book 8 Ball Winning Strategies shows you how to plan your run and play smart 8 ball. See what is inside on the 8 Ball Winning Strategies page.

Quick Recap

1. Learn stop, draw, and follow.
2. Master the stop shot first.
3. Stay low and follow through on draw.
4. Speed matters as much as spin.
5. Know the tangent line.
6. Think one shot ahead.
7. Keep it simple.

Want more help? Visit our billiards fundamentals page, our bank shots in pool page, or go back to the Pool Billiards Game home page.