Is it worth becoming a snooker and pool coach?

[JazzyJust]

I've been thinking about becoming a snooker and pool coach for a while.

I had a chat with Del about going to his Snooker Farm to become a coach, I've also contacted Cue Academy about doing their course as well, but still waiting to hear back from them.

So my question is: -

Is it worth becoming a snooker and pool coach?

[Terry Davidson]

If you can become a good one and build a solid reputation like Del, Terry & Wayne Griffiths or else Nic Barrow then word of mouth will generally get you some decent business.

However, it is expensive to get certified. Not sure what Del charges for his but Griffiths Matchroom charge around 900quid for the 4 day training, the WSA charges 1500quid for 2 days and Nic Barrow is somewhere around 1000quid for 5 days to get your IBSF coaching certificate.

It takes patience and you have to be able to put yourself in your student's shoes (empathy) and every good player doesn't necessarily make a good coach.

In the end, if you are a good one you will get the business. Location helps too but in Britain that's not too much of an issue like it is here in Canada.

Terry

[JazzyJust]

Thanks for the reply Terry didn't think anyone would.

I'm pretty patient when I need to be and a reasonable but not a pro standard snooker and pool player.

I've been looking on here at the people that want coaching from my surrounding, like Sussex and Surrey and I've found a couple of people looking.

I guess it's like most things theses days in business, your reputation counts for everything.

The the other thing is I got told it could be a conflict of interest as I also have a business selling cues and accessories, would this be correct or a load of rubbish?

[Terry Davidson]

It means you would have to learn a lot of really finer details of the cueing technique and for that I would highly recommend Nic Barrow and the IBSF course. You can contact Nic at - nic147 (at) thesnookergum (dot) com and he is in Milton Keynes which is probably a bit of a commute for you, but Nic has a B&B about one block from his training venue and they only charge 20quid per night weekends and 25quid on weekdays.

I believe the coach training is 5 days but I haven't taken the time to check my documentation (I'm also certified to examine and certify IBSF coaches but I don't think you want to fly to Canada to my training facility!).

Also, I can't see any conflict of interest in you having a billiard supply business and doing coaching. In fact I would think it takes you further into being a full-service company! I do coaching and I also refurbish and re-sell cues as a little sideline as I get a lot of students who need decent snooker cues.

Terry

[JazzyJust]

When my heart and soul is in I can be a 80 to 100 break player, even when it's not I'm a 50+ player, don't know if that makes any difference.

I thought the same when they said about the conflict of interest, there isn't many company that offer the full service of coaching and selling in this country.

[RGCirencester]

There is no conflict of interest as long as you don't push what your selling on those you are coaching. For instance Neil Johnson (creator of the gravity cue) offers coaching but somebody posted on here recently that he doesn't try and convince people to buy his product, but instead insists they use their own cue.
If somebody says, could you give me some advice on buying a new cue, then there is no reason you cannot offer them one you are selling yourself.

[JazzyJust]

I wouldn't try and convince them that they need a new cue, if they are happy with their cues that's brilliant.

As you said if they asked my advise I would tell them what's good and what's bad.

So would it be worth doing the courses?

[CoachGavin]

I would suggest doing a few hours part time first to build it up and also to do lots of research and see if there are any coaches already set up near you who would be potential competitors. It has already been mentioned that the courses are quite expensive so you do need to be sure. However I think if you are keen and in for the long haul then you will be fine. The hardest thing is building a name for yourself especially if you were not a famous pro etc

[JazzyJust]

I was going to do it part time to start with and do like Terry said offer the complete service as I already of table recovering as well.

I've been thinking of doing it for the last 3 or 4 years so I think I am in for the long haul.

[CoachGavin]

Sounds good. I think if you are really keen then you will be okay. Good luck if you go ahead and if you need any help you can PM me or check my website for helpful links

[JazzyJust]

I'm coaching a couple of local players one at snooker and one at pool, and you can see the improvement already.

I've only started on the basics like grip, bridging, playing of cushions with the snooker one.

Plus I used to coach a local to play 9 ball.

I'm going ahead with it, just when I can fit the courses in.

I'll have a look at your site and I'll PM you if I require any help thanks

[quintahunter]

How good do you have to be to become a coach? I mean, you may know every aspect of the technique but not be able to make a break over 30, I guess that wouldn't give too much credibility.

Apart from that, how much do coaches charge in England or Canada?

Good luck, JazzyJust!

[JazzyJust]

Thanks quintahunter

I guess how much you charge is down to the person that is giving the lessons I'm doing more research into everyday.

[CoachGavin]

Charges really depend on what people are willing to pay and if they are any good or coached a famous player. Sometimes its not even if a coach is any good. Former players/champions who have already made a name for themselves as players usually find it easier to get work and so can charge more. I have seen coaches charge £10 per hour and others who charge over £50. It really does vary a lot.

[JazzyJust]

I don't want to be greedy, so I was looking at charging £10 - £15 per hour this is even after doing the course at The Snooker Farm, with Del.

Is that the right way of looking at it?