Jim Donnelly

[warren132]

I am thinking of having some coaching from Jim after the new year as my snooker has went down hill this last couple of months for no apparent reason ! When i was making regular 70's 80's i have been struggling to make 50 ! Has anyone used Jim before and if so what are your thoughts and did you notice any improvements in your game after coaching ? Would i benefit from several lessons ?

thank's for any help...

[bigandyg]

An old customer of mine and a genuine guy who can do what he teaches.

[warren132]

An old customer of mine and a genuine guy who can do what he teaches.

Yes Andy i have met Jim several years ago when he played at the time our best club player by the name of Barry Gilmour. Jim is an old friend of my fathers from many moons ago when they used to play around the clubs and working mens clubs in Glasgow. I was only about 13 at the time and he was very nice to me and shared some very nice story's about him and my dad when they were mates.He also told my that my dad could have turned pro at that time but he met my mother and his snooker suffered. Just looking to see where i might be going wrong...thanks Andy.

[Gerry Armstrong]

I've had 2 sessions from Jim and he's excellent. I'd have no hesitation in recommending him.

[Andrew watt]

stevie ballie is also a very good coach from the glasgow area

[warren132]

stevie ballie is also a very good coach from the glasgow area

no thank's...

[jrc750]

no thank's...

Lol, guess you don't like him for one reason or another
Jim was in my club last night doing his usual fortnightly training

[warren132]

Lol, guess you don't like him for one reason or another
Jim was in my club last night doing his usual fortnightly training

Read way to much negative stuff about him over the last 6 years or so...i am sure he is a nice guy in his own right but not for me i am afraid.

[warren132]

I've had 2 sessions from Jim and he's excellent. I'd have no hesitation in recommending him.

dont mean to sound cheeky Gerry but what sort of level are you ? what i mean is if you make some 100+ breaks did you still find Jim helpful ?

thanks.

[Bigmeek]

Warren Couple of points. Stevie Baillie was a student of Jims so perhaps Jim has a bit more experience to pass on?
I had a couple of lessons from Jim a year or so ago and he sorted me out. I'm a well below average player (high break 44!) tho so I don't know what he could do for you. At the time my game was so bad I could hardly get a red and a black and I was getting depressed. I had two lessons:-
Lesson 1. Jim sorted out my cueing so that I could cue straight. Usual stuff about stance etc but very useful.
Lesson 2. Jim gave me some coaching on cue ball control using his "fan system".
I have to say I went along to the lessons with some realistic objectives in mind. Wasn't looking to be World Champion but was hoping to get back to be able to get back to knocking in the odd 30.
I have to say my snooker improved after the lessons but its hard not to lapse back into bad habits.
I'd definitely give Jim a try but I think I'd talk over with him what you're trying to achieve rather than going in blind and expecting Jim to do all the work.

[warren132]

thanks very much for all the info bigmeek. I think it has a lot to do with my state of mind ect ect...but yes of course i would tell jim were i think i am going wrong and i am sure he could point me in the right direction. I have heard others speak of his fan system but dont know what it is...Is this something that only Jim teaches or is his system a well kept secret...

thanks again.

[Bigmeek]

Hi Warren. Nothing secret about Jim's Fan System and it's certainly not rocket science. (Hope Jim doesn't see this post. He might get upset!). Nic Barrow does something similar on his Snooker Gym DVD. Think he refers to it as The Arc System or something like that. Its fairly basic stuff about moving the cue ball about by hitting it in different positions (1-10) and by stun, screw etc. Don't think this would be of any benefit to you as you couldn't do a 50 without having this basic knowledge.
If you were to see Jim I suspect he would just give you a few tips on your technique but would spend more time on the mental blocks that are stopping you from playing well.
PS Its a great way to spend an hour. Jim's a nice guy.

[warren132]

Once again thanks for the information. Think it's just the time of the year everyone's a tad fed up..Just want some pointers from him about straight cuing as i think i am hitting across the ball sometimes. Anyway it wont be until after the new year so i will drop Jim an email and see what he recommends.

thanks again.

[Andrew watt]

what have you read

[warren132]

what have you read

Sorry but i dont think it's for this type of forum. Thanks for your input tho.