How to Draw the Cue Ball

Drawing the cue ball is one of the most fundamental skills in the game of pool. It involves the cue ball spinning backward after making contact with the object ball. This stroke helps you stop the cue ball from following the object ball into the pocket so you don't scratch. It can also be used to set up the cue ball up for your next shot on the table.

Instructions

    • 1

      Line up the shot and get yourself set. Determine where you want the object ball to go and align yourself behind the cue ball. Get your body low to the table and draw back your cue stick.

    • 2

      Aim low. Take a couple practice strokes before you actually make contact with the ball. You want to hit the lower half of the cue ball. This action will give the ball the backspin that will draw it backward after contact.

    • 3

      Strike the cue ball hard with your cue stick. You need to hit the ball with enough force to overcome the friction of the table so that the cue ball maintains the backspin for the entire distance of the shot.

    • 4

      Follow through. You should extend the cue stick past the original cue ball position. This will help ensure that you strike the lowest part of the cue ball.

    • 5

      Practice the shot. Start with the cue ball and the object ball only a few feet apart. Slowly move the object ball further away. You will need to use more force, strike lower and follow through more the further away the object ball is.