How it works
The cue tip strikes below the cue ball's centre, giving it backspin. If the ball still has that backspin when it hits the object ball, it stops for an instant and then spins back toward you.
How far it comes back depends on how low you hit, how hard you stroke, and how far the cue ball travels first: the cloth wears off backspin on the way, so long shots need more of both.
Step by step
- 1
Lower your bridge so the tip lines up below centre — start about one tip-width down.
- 2
Keep the cue as level as the rail allows.
- 3
Use a smooth stroke that is still accelerating at contact.
- 4
Follow through past where the cue ball was, and stay down until it stops.
Common mistakes
Jumping up
The tip rises during the stroke and hits nearer centre.
Poking
Slowing down into the ball instead of following through.
Raising the butt
Too much elevation makes the cue ball curve.
Going too low
Leads to miscues — chalk every shot and stay inside your limit.
Practice this
Drill · Level 1
Draw distance ladder
Draw the cue ball back to marked distances, one diamond further each time.
Coming soonDrill · Level 1
Stop · stun · draw
Same shot three times: stop the cue ball, let it drift, then draw it back.