Follow Shot in Pool: How to Make the Cue Ball Roll Forward in 5 Steps
Quick answer: A follow shot in pool is when you hit the cue ball above center so it rolls forward after it hits the object ball. Aim about one tip above center, keep your cue level, and use a smooth stroke. Softer speed makes the cue ball follow a short way. Firmer speed makes it follow farther.
The follow shot is the easiest spin shot in pool. Many players use it without knowing it. Learn it on purpose, and you will have much better control of the cue ball.
What Is a Follow Shot?
A follow shot puts top spin on the cue ball. When the cue ball hits the object ball, it stops for a split second, then the top spin pulls it forward again. That is why it “follows” the object ball.
Where to Hit the Cue Ball
Hit about one cue tip above the center. Going higher than that does not add much, and it can cause a miscue. Chalk well before every follow shot.
How to Do a Follow Shot in 5 Steps
- Set up a straight shot. Object ball one foot from a pocket, cue ball two feet behind it.
- Aim one tip above center. Keep your bridge a little higher if you need to.
- Keep the cue level. Do not lift the back of the cue.
- Stroke smooth and through. Let the cue tip go through the cue ball a few inches.
- Watch the cue ball. See how far it rolls after contact, then adjust your speed.
Controlling How Far It Rolls
Speed is your main tool. Try these:
- Soft speed: the cue ball follows a few inches.
- Medium speed: it follows a foot or two.
- Firm speed: it can follow into the pocket. Watch out for scratching.
Follow on Angle Shots
On a cut shot, the cue ball first goes off at an angle, then the top spin bends its path forward. The more follow you use, the more it bends. This helps you send the cue ball where you want it after the shot.
Common Follow Shot Mistakes
- Hitting too high and miscuing
- Jumping up before the shot is done
- Hitting too hard and scratching on straight shots
- Forgetting that natural roll happens on its own on long, slow shots
Drill: Follow to a Target
Put a coin or a piece of chalk one foot past the object ball. Make the ball and try to stop the cue ball on the target. Then move the target to two feet and three feet. This drill teaches speed, which is the key to every follow shot.
Next Steps
Once follow feels easy, learn the stop shot and the draw shot. With those three, you can control the cue ball on almost any straight shot.
Keep Reading on This Site
- Soft vs Hard Pool Cue Tip: 5 Differences to Help You Choose
- Billiard Lessons Online: 6 Ways to Learn Pool From Home
- John Schmidt 626: How Mosconi's Straight Pool Record Finally Fell
- Billiard Training for Beginners: A Simple 4 Week Plan
- Basic Shot Making Aiming Line (2 of 10)
- Pool Billiards Lesson with Pro Pool Player Max Eberle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a follow shot in pool?
A follow shot is when you hit the cue ball above center so it rolls forward after hitting the object ball.
Where do you hit the cue ball for follow?
About one cue tip above center, with a level cue.
How do I control how far the cue ball follows?
Mostly with speed. Softer speed means a shorter follow and firmer speed means a longer follow.
Can a follow shot cause a scratch?
Yes. On a straight shot near a pocket, firm follow can send the cue ball in after the object ball.