Follow Shots
To hit a follow shot, find the center of the cue ball by picturing two invisible lines running through the center of the ball: one horizontal line and another vertical line so that the two lines form a cross like a + sign on the cue ball. To hit a follow shot, you have to strike the cue ball with the cue stick on the vertical line, but above the horizontal line. What happens next is physics. When you are shooting a straight-in shot and strike the cue ball dead center, in other words without spin, the force of the shot is transferred from the cue ball to the object ball upon contact. So basically, the cue ball stops and the object ball keeps on moving. With the follow shot, where you strike the cue ball above its equator line (horizontal axis), the cue ball strikes the object ball, but the spin you put on the ball allows the cue ball to transfer enough force to the object ball, but not all the force. So, both balls will keep moving — the cue ball will follow the object ball.
Follow: Speed and Distance
It will take time and practice to figure out how far the cue ball will move on the table after hitting the object ball. Remember that the point of using the follow and draw shots is to control the position of the cue ball for your next shot. You should keep the following factors in mind when you decide to use a follow shot:
The speed at which the cue ball moves depends on a combination of how hard you strike it and how high you strike it.
How much spin you put on the ball depends on how high (above center) you hit it.
The speed of the object ball after you strike it depends on where you strike the object ball. Was it a full shot? Or did you just skim the ball?
The way to use follow on a straight-on shot without scratching is to cheat the pocket. Aim for the object ball to fall into the side of the pocket rather than directly into the pocket. But don't try it if the object ball is too far away from the pocket — it's tough to do and you'll most likely miss.
The first two factors may seem straightforward enough, but the last factor is something you will have to practice to understand. It is the most important factor after learning where to hit the cue ball. If you hit the object ball straight on (a full strike), more force will be transferred from the cue ball to the object ball, so the object ball will move faster. Therefore, if you just skim the object ball, less force will be transferred and the object ball will not move as quickly.
