The Whip Draw

Nkyoko Eddy This is one category of shots I personally found difficult to master and mastering this one means mastering all the 2mm draws. I’m not sure whether it’s even right to say I mastered it yet I rarely make it 10 times out of 10 attempts. Imagine being faced with a challenge of drawing back the cue ball from a ball only 2 millimeters away without jacking up (no masse). Not forgetting the principles of a good draw shot which include good follow through. Yet in this case if your tip remains in contact with your cue ball past 1mm, the result is a double hit which can even result into jumping the cue ball off the table.

THE SET UP

The blocker ball is on the spot and the cue ball is 1 ball gap from the blocker ball towards the short rail. The 1 ball is 2mm away from the cue ball aimed towards the corner pocket. The 2 ball is hanging in the opposite corner pocket.

THE EXECUTION

Aim about 1/2 diamond on the long rail away from the corner pocket and use maximum draw plus 1 tip of left English on the cue ball. Keep your wrist lose all through and apply as much follow through as possible. It needs a pretty fast stroke to get enough spin to bite around the blocker. This is not a very simple shot one could easily make in 1 or 2 attempts. It takes some practice and dedication, however if missed, the adjustments are simple. You don’t need to temper with the spin and draw, if you miss the hanger on the long rail, you adjust your aim towards the pocket and if you miss it by the short rail, you adjust otherwise. It could also be missed by over stroking but if that’s the case, the cue ball won’t draw back and may possibly jump of the table. To address this try to move your cue out of the stroking line as you contact the cue ball. This shot is easier on new felt and a tip tool is one other secret. All the best in you practice, next time.