[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

Okay, so he's just made contact and the cue ball has already hit the one and is hopping back... so he lifted the base of the stick as part of his motion to get the draw.

It looks like the tip is resting on the felt. With that much downward pressure on it, I'm wondering how he doesn't damage the felt.

Is his stroke so precise that there is no forward motion of the tip by the time it contacts the felt?

Yeah, top level players are that good...the tip "skids" along the felt a bit, but they don't tear the cloth.
Here's a youtube analysis of "Hillbilly" Byrant's break...probably the fastest cue ball break speed in pool...although now he's working on a more controlled break.
I watched a "rack your own" 9 ball match where Efren pocketed the 9 on the break 3 times in a row.

YouTube - Analysis of Charlie Bryant's Break Technique

(edit) From there you can find similar videos of other top player breaks...I just selected Hillbilly because his break is so damned powerful! Shanes break is more controlled but not as powerful...