Draw Jabberwocky
A common mistake when stroking a pool cue, especially when using a draw stroke, is to jab or poke at the ball and pull the cue back from a full, flowing follow-through. The stroke not only looks terrible, it tends to yank the stick off line and ruin the intended direction for the cue ball.
A jab draw stroke may be used on special occasions with the rear of the cue stick jacked some (or much) into the air (see related jab draw article) but for most shots taken comfortably at the table, a fuller follow-through is desirable.
Here’s How You Do It
This jabbing stroke issue is a simple problem and I offer four simple solutions:
1) Employ An Effective, Classic Stroke
2) Use A Timed, Accelerating Draw Stroke
3) A Clear Picture On Follow-Through
4) Pre-Plot Speed Pacing
Let’s start with the classic stroke. What I call the classic pool stroke is used where the cue ball is easily reached with your stick and hands, and there is room at the table and between the balls for a full stroke of some length going forward, even if you use a compact backswing. Principles of the classic stroke include:
- The Correct Stance, With Body and Cue Stick Balanced and Aligned At The Table
- Not Fighting Momentum and Inertia, Or How To Stay Out Of The Cue Stick’s Way
- A Follow-Through Motion You Can See and Envision
