The haul is how good casters reach far targets. As the rod tip travels, the off-hand pulls the line away from the rod, increasing line speed without exaggerating the rod stroke. A single haul on the forward cast adds 10–20 feet; a double haul (one on each cast) is the saltwater and steelhead distance technique.
Practice the timing on grass — pull down as the rod accelerates up. The two motions have to match, or the line tangles or slacks.