Follow: let the cue ball continue
In a near-straight collision, a cue ball with forward rotation can keep moving ahead after hitting the object ball. Start in practice with a level cue and a contact point moderately above center. Use a manageable shot and watch the cue ball after impact, not only whether the object ball goes in.
Treat the amount of follow as an observation. The same contact setting does not produce the same travel distance at every speed or separation.
Draw: bring it back
For draw, the cue ball needs enough backspin remaining when it reaches the object ball. Try a point moderately below center and compare a shorter shot with a longer one. Over distance, interaction with the cloth changes the spin, so the longer shot may not come back even though you chose the same low contact point.
Stun: timing matters
A stun shot reaches the object ball with little forward or backward roll. In a straight collision the cue ball can stop near the contact point; on a cut shot it travels sideways. Hitting at the center of the cue ball does not automatically create stun, because rolling develops while it travels.
A three-comparison drill
Avoid maximum spin while learning. Rackbi can miscue when you strike too far from center. Do not use a raised cue or sidespin until you can explain the basic result; both introduce extra effects. These are experiments in the game, not guaranteed settings for a real pool table.
- Use a simple practice position and keep the cue level. First compare central, moderately high and moderately low contact at similar power.
- Repeat with a longer approach to the target. Note which result changes most.
- Finally change power while keeping the contact point similar. Ask whether you need more spin at impact or simply less cue-ball travel.