Top 10 SECRETS of a Good DRAW/Backspin/Screw-Back SHOT

Dr. Dave and Samm Diep demonstrate the Top 10 secret tips for improving your draw (or backspin or bottom-spin or screw-back) shot. They include:
Intro (0:00)
1. Chalk Up (0:40)
2. Aim Low and Carefully (1:28)
3. Warm-Up and Check (2:13)
---- 3a. Eye Pattern (2:36)
4. Keep Cue Level (3:36)
5. Go Back Slow (4:23)
6. Accelerate Smoothly (5:09)
---- 6a. Draw Distance Control (5:52)
7. Keep Your Grip Relaxed (6:48)
8. Be Still (8:52)
9. Don’t Drop Your Elbow (9:20)
10. Finish the Stroke (10:55)

Useful Draw Practice Drills (12:16)
---- side pocket drill (12:19)
---- BU Exam I - F4 - Progressive Practice drill (12:55)
---- Three-times-the-angle "good action" draw drill (13:42)

NOTE (concerning Samm's apparent crooked stroke at 3m7s):
When I watched this shot in person, I was standing right behind the camera and I don't remember her stroke being that crooked. I think I would have noticed if it was, and I would have asked her to shoot again with a straighter stroke. I think it looks crooked in the video partly due to perspective issues with the camera angle and pendulum swing. I have seen this effect is other videos also. Samm's aim might have been slightly off and she might have hit the CB slightly off center, but her stroke was not as crooked as it might have appeared in the video. Again camera perspective can create optical illusions since the vertical angle of the cue (up and down) is changing during the pendulum stroke. Here is a follow-up video that clearly illustrates this effect:

Supporting Resources:

Subscribe to Dr. Dave's YouTube Channel:

Follow Dr. Dave on Facebook:

Show your Support (click on the donation button at the bottom of this page):

Purchase Dr. Dave's Instructional Videos and Merchandise:

Find Answers to Any Pool Questions:

Look Up Definitions for Pool Terms and Phrases:

Get Your Pool Diploma:

Attend a 3-Day Pool Boot Camp or Take a Private Lesson:

Learn More About Dr. Dave:

Good Luck With Your Game!!!

[DrDaveBilliards]

*Table of Contents:*
Intro (0:00)
1. Chalk Up (0:40)
2. Aim Low and Carefully (1:28)
3. Warm-Up and Check (2:13)
---- 3a. Eye Pattern (2:36)
4. Keep Cue Level (3:36)
5. Go Back Slow (4:23)
6. Accelerate Smoothly (5:09)
---- 6a. Draw Distance Control (5:52)
7. Keep Your Grip Relaxed (6:48)
8. Be Still (8:52)
9. Don’t Drop Your Elbow (9:20)
10. Finish the Stroke (10:55)
Useful Draw Practice Drills (12:16)
---- side pocket drill (12:19)
---- BU Exam I - F4 - Progressive Practice drill (12:55)
---- Three-times-the-angle "good action" draw drill (13:42)

*NOTE* (concerning Samm's apparent crooked stroke at 3m7s):
When I watched this shot in person, I was standing right behind the camera and I don't remember her stroke being that crooked. I think I would have noticed if it was, and I would have asked her to shoot again with a straighter stroke. I think it looks crooked in the video partly due to perspective issues with the camera angle and pendulum swing. I have seen this effect is other videos also. Samm's aim might have been slightly off and she might have hit the CB slightly off center, but her stroke was not as crooked as it might have appeared in the video. Again camera perspective can create optical illusions since the vertical angle of the cue (up and down) is changing during the pendulum stroke. Here is a follow-up video that clearly illustrates this effect:

*Supporting Resources:*

[Lucasryan]

The pool world is very lucky to have you Dr. Thank you for all the resources and inspiration you provide!

[NIGHTHAWK_]

I recently started playing APA and it had been 14 years since I last played league and that was back in South Africa. I started watching your videos and got reminders of the right things to do and also learnt new things. I'm already playing better than I ever did in my opinion because of the extra things I've learnt here on this Channel. Thanks Dr Dave 🤝

[ryanmiller]

Awesome tips! I love the "deliberate pause" idea. BTW your video with Rollie was hilarious!

[SpiltsplitspitSidsit]

One thing I find amazing about these videos is that watching them helps parts of my game that have nothing to do with the video's subject matter. E.g. with this one, after watching a few times, honestly, my draw shot hasn't improved much yet (I'm a beginner)... but the section @2:30 where Dr. Dave talks about Samm's pre-shot routine and eye/focus switching pattern made something click for me, and cuz of that I've been pocketing balls much better over the past few days.

Specifically, it was the sentence about "making sure the cue remains straight" during the practice strokes. Before, I feel like I was just doing the practice strokes because that's what I saw the pros do on TV, lol. I mean.... it felt natural to do them, but i realize now that I didn't really get the point... I wasn't doing the practice strokes with intention and purpose... I was stroking crooked and looking at the object ball as I did.

Lately, when I do practice strokes, I make sure to only focus on the cue ball and make sure that the cue stick is stroking straight. Then, I park the cue tip as close to the contact point as possible, pause, look up at the object ball, and try and relax and trust that my arm is going to do the same thing as what it was during the practice strokes, and remind myself to be a relaxed statue, and stroke and boom!


Still suck at getting shapes but, hey, at least im pocketing some balls now!! :)))) thank you for the amazing content you provide us, doc <3 <3 <3

[ayubisf]

i love the fact that u're not only teaching but also motivating by saying some wise words which makes me excited to learn more and more

[randallburns]

This is by far the best Draw Shot video I have ever seen. Been shooting pool 45 yrs and never developed a good draw shot. Going downstairs and practice what you are teaching! Thank you for an Awesome Video!!!!

[triplehbk]

I FINALLY DID MY FIRST DRAW SHOT,
it was short distance and I scratched my finger with the table, but I'm proud of it

[Averyravynwood]

I think one of the biggest takeaways for me on this was #3: Warm Up and Check, and showing a great example of eye movement in setting up shots. I can't tell you the number of times I've addressed the table and found myself focusing all over the place. Samm's head is also perfectly still and eyes parallel to the table, which tends to be one of my struggles. Excellent video as always, Dr. Dave & Samm!

[BaconFrisbee]

4:22 the tips about timing are the best pieces of advice I've ever gotten. When I started practicing to have better timing I would hum a little descending cadence, and now that it's second nature I hear it in my head on every shot.

[josephcracco]

Excellent Video Explained
Every aspect easy foremant
To Understand Thank You

[naoworld]

THANK YOU A LOT the best explanation, especially with the grip of a hand it helps a lot for understanding.

[juanball]

Thanks DrDave i learnwd all the basic in pool in your Channel. Keep on sharing ☺

[BladeRunner-tdbe]

Really enjoyed and learned a few important things I've been doing wrong. As a player who played for 25 years then 20 years of and now months playing again, I've been gripping too tightly and scooping the cue ball off the table far too much. I can still draw the full length of the table (not every time though) but back when I was playing my draw shot was extremely good. I see now where I am going wrong. Thanks Dr Dave !

[bicivelo]

The amount if useful info in these videos is mind boggling!!!! Now, to put it to good use! 😮😅

[TPark-rflt]

soooo many people do not know how to properly chalk! this video has great tips, and that is definitely one of them! 😂

[billmankin]

Great video Dr. Dave, I have practiced these techniques for a long time, but you present them in a great teaching style, and reminded me of a few items to continually practice on. I added this to training assignments for my APA team :)

[razzlemankd]

Thanks for this excellent draw back video Dr Dave. I am sure this will help improve my screw back skills when playing Pool or Snooker 👏👍

[reversemoustachecat]

Wow Dave & Sam. This video is gold! Great job with the breakdown. Thank you

[xXTHELEECHXx]

This is the most informative and thought out video I have ever seen. Thank you so much🙏🏼