To make a shot frozen to the rail you can hit the OB and rail at the same time, the OB slightly first, or the rail slightly first. A lot depends on what you are trying to do with the CB, the angle of the shot, and the type of equipment.
Generally beginners and intermediate players have better success with inside english and center ball or follow. Typically you can aim at the OB/rail at the same time, and the inside english will tend to deflect a little and achieve a slightly rail-first hit, and because of the inside spin you have a slightly larger margin for error on the shot that way. You can achieve the same thing on the center axis with no spin, just tougher to visualize for some people.
If you want to make it with draw, which usually means more speed as well, or with outside, you often need to hit the ball slightly first in order to get the action you want. That requires a very accurate hit, especially as those types of shots often need to be hit with some speed to get the desired result. It can be done but is not the preferred way to hit the shot.
Practice first making the shots with center ball, or straight follow/draw, and experiment with different angles - almost straight on, 10 degrees, 20, 45, etc. Work on making the ball cleanly, nice medium speed, and also watch where the cue ball goes and how it differs if you hit slightly ball first or slightly rail first. Then incorporate english from there. But certainly if you have a critical shot you just need to make, and you know right now you are best with high inside, then use that until you are more comfortable with other options.
Scott
