Ever wondered, “What’s the actual difference between a stop shot and a draw shot?” It’s a fair question—and one that’s often answered with misleading precision. Many books and so-called experts claim that for a stop shot, you must hit the cue ball exactly one tip below center, and for a draw shot, just a little lower. Sounds scientific, right? But this oversimplified advice creates confusion, leading players to think stop and draw shots involve completely different mechanics.
Here’s the truth: Stop shots and draw shots are the same shot. Let’s break down why that’s the case.
Same Mechanics, Different Results
In both stop and draw shots, you apply backspin to the cue ball by striking it below center. Immediately after impact, the cue ball travels forward while spinning backward. As it slides across the table, friction from the cloth and the cue ball’s inertia reduce its backward spin until it transitions into rolling.
There are three stages in this motion:
- Rotation stage – The cue ball slides forward while spinning backward.
- Tipping stage – Backspin has faded, but the ball hasn’t started rolling yet; it slides with no spin.
- Rolling stage – The cue ball transitions into forward roll.
Depending on when the cue ball hits the object ball during these stages, the outcome changes:
- Rotation stage → The ball draws backward after impact. (Draw shot)
- Tipping stage → The cue ball stops dead upon contact. (Stop shot)
- Rolling stage → The cue ball rolls slightly forward. (Not a full follow shot, but a soft roll)
And here’s the key point: this can all happen from the same stroke—only the distance between the cue ball and object ball determines the outcome.
One Stroke, Three Outcomes
Think about that for a moment.
A shot that produces a draw at 10 inches may result in a stop at 20 inches, and a slight roll at 30 inches—all with the same stroke. The cue ball’s behavior upon impact is entirely dependent on its speed and spin state at the moment it strikes the object ball.
So no, there’s no universal rule that says you must hit “one tip below center” for a stop shot. That’s a myth. The distance to the object ball and the amount of backspin you apply are the real variables.
How to Control the Cue Ball’s Spin
So how do you control the amount of backspin and determine how long it lasts?
Two key factors affect the spin:
- How far below center you strike the cue ball
- How fast you accelerate the cue stick through the ball
By mixing these two variables, you can fine-tune your shot. You might achieve a stop shot by hitting slightly below center with a quick stroke, or much lower with a softer stroke. Both combinations can produce the same result—but feel completely different in execution.
The same principle applies to draw shots: sometimes you want the cue ball to draw just a few inches; other times, you want it to travel back several feet. Learning to vary your spin and speed lets you execute both.
Forget the Formulas—Train Your Feel
Rather than memorizing exact measurements or rigid formulas, train yourself to feel the spin. Learn how your cue ball reacts at different distances and with different speeds.
Here’s what to remember:
- Stop shots and draw shots are mechanically identical. The difference is when the cue ball contacts the object ball during its motion.
- Spin is controlled by your stroke and your contact point on the cue ball.
What to Practice
To build mastery:
- Practice draw and stop shots at various distances.
- Vary both your cue tip placement and your stroke speed.
- Observe how the cue ball behaves and adjust accordingly.
And if you’re struggling to get consistent results, go back to stroke fundamentals. A smooth, repeatable stroke is essential for any spin control.
