Top 10 Speed Control Tips and Drills

Dr. Dave demonstrates ten great tips to help you with your speed control. Next to pocketing balls and controlling CB direction, speed control is the most important fundamental of pool. You need to be able to aim and pocket a shot, but you also need to send the CB the right distance to be able to pocket the next ball. Topics covered (with start times) include:

1. Stun Shot Ball Speeds [0:40]
2. Stun Shot Ball-Hit Fraction [1:16]
3. Rolling CB Ball Equal Angle and Distance [2:40]
4. Straight Rolling CB Ball Travel Distance [3:08]
5. Best Tip Height [3:49]
6. Use a Shorter Backstroke for Slower Speed [4:35]
7. Finish the Stroke [5:29]
8. Plan Patterns and Position Play Smartly [6:15]
---- crossing the line [6:19]
---- minimize CB motion [7:03]
---- using sidespin to control speed [7:33]
---- use the rails as brakes [7:57]
9. Speed Consistency and Control Drills [8:49]
---- finesse speed control [9:24]
10. Position-Play Speed Control Drills [10:03]
---- BU Exam I drills [10:30]
---- VEPP target drill [11:13]
---- BU Exam II safety drill [11:30]
Closing [11:54]

For supporting resources, see:
- Dr. Dave’s YouTube video catalog: https://www.youtube.com/user/D....rDaveBilliards/video
- Dr. Dave YouTube playlists: https://www.youtube.com/user/D....rDaveBilliards/playl
- speed control resource page: https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/speed/
- ball speeds and travel distances for different types of shots: https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/speed/ball-travel-distance/
- optimal tip contact height for speed control: https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/speed/optimal-tip-height/
- speed control drills: https://billiards.colostate.edu/faq/speed/drills/
- Billiard university (BU) playing-ability exams: https://billiarduniversity.org/testing/exams/
- Video Encyclopedia of Pool Practice (VEPP): https://drdavebilliards.com/videos/vepp/

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Good Luck With Your Game!!!

NOTE:
- The 7x rolling-CB factor applies to the balls, assuming no cushion contact. A rolling ball will generally lose about 1/2 of its speed after rebound and post-rebound slide. For more info and demonstrations, see:
https://billiards.colostate.edu/high-speed-video/hsv-b-15/
The math/physics proof of the 7x factor is here:
https://billiards.colostate.edu/technical_proofs/new/TP_B-12.pdf
Speed control is something you need to develop a feel for anyway.