Coaching and Playing Snooker in Sheffield

[kees]

Hi guys,

I'm a complete snooker newbie based in Sheffield (lucky me). I'm looking to get pretty good and have some fun as I'm completely enthralled with playing the game after watching it on TV for years. I need a bit of help.

I'm looking to get some coaching to cement good technique into my undeveloped game. Does anyone know of any good snooker coaches in the Sheffield area? (i'm very new: my best break is 17, ive played in total around 5 hours)

I'm also looking to see if there is any cheap places to play. I'm lucky in the fact i live less than 5 minutes walk from Rileys but its around £5 an hour or £15 for all day. I want to practice quite often and i was wondering if anyone knew of any clubs where its cheaper to practice if i'm not playing all day (and possibly quieter?)

Additionally, i've seen players playing with their own balls. Is this something that is worth getting into early?

Cheers
M

[steveb72]

Regarding coaching, Darren Presgrave does coaching at the North Notts Community Arena in Worksop. Not sure how far that is from you but he is an excellent WPBSA qualified coach.

[snookerfan91]

Hey there let me give you little bit of advice from my personal experience.

I was a bit like you about paying for the table whether or not £5 or £15 a day is worth it, so what I did is, you haven't given your age but if you are 18+ you can get into social clubs go during the day or just when open and get on the table that is really dead cheap compared to clubs, other advice is become a member you get money of rather than being a guest, if you are playing the all day £15 is definitely worth it, I pay £10 from 10-5 and £12 on weekends 10-5 also.

I haven't got my own set of balls and just use the clubs, that is down to personal choice and preference but for a 'newbie' what you label yourself as, I wouldn't personally bother.

I'm not from Sheffield but get yourself on the local club table or social club table and practice, practice, practice, regular playing you will notice a difference in gameplay. Sometimes play by yourself and practice yourself go onto this link and check them all out, should help you ; http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...rch_type=&aq=f - if you require anymore help just p.m me, try and play with someone who takes the game serious to, try and join the team when you get to a decent enough level of playing, best of luck with your future on the snooker table.

[kees]

Ah yeah, i forgot to put I'm 21. Is there really no coaches in the Sheffield area? I suppose i don't mind travelling that much. What's the best way to find out about social clubs?

[aussie147]

There is coaching available at the World Snooker Academy in Sheffield, i know you can get 1 week courses but places are restricted and its quite expensive but you do get what you pay for.

[snookerfan91]

Not to sure on the coach thing because I've never went for one yet, I'm too short of money.

Social clubs, you got father, step-father, grandad or somewhat that plays snooker or enjoys couple of frames every now and then? Go in with them, have few pints, go in couple of times a week, get your face noticed, become a member, get to know when the tables are free and take advantage of it and play then.

Becoming a member of somewhere in the long run makes it cheaper to play but of course make sure the tables are at a decent level so you can play well.