A day with Chris Small

[alabadi]

Thanks Chris

I find that shots that are say 3/4 to half ball short distance between OB and cue ball say 12 t 18 inches I am quite accurate , I struggle when the distance is more than 3 foot. I also struggle on cuts that are less than 1/2 ball.

At this moment in time I am still getting use to the rear pause and the 1-2 count. I am getting better however my rhythm is still sloppy I am trying to switch my eyes at the end of the back pause this gives me the 2 second before striking , however as this is new to me so sometimes I find myself switching eyes half way through backswing and on some occasions at front pause. This as mentioned is causing that inconsistency in my rhythm however it's not causing my potting many problems, so I'm just trying to keep doing this until it becomes natural .

Alabbadi

[chrissmall147]

Keep going mate you seem very keen and want to learn and practice so this is half the battle. Cheers

[ibogine]

Hi chris,

my elbow protrudes to the right, noticeably I would say. Some people say it's wrong, others do not find it that important. What are your thoughts on this matter? Should I try to straighten it at all costs for better consistency or can I leave it that way for comfort?
Thanks in advance!

[chrissmall147]

Hi ibogine

I would recommend that you try and straighten it out. But I dont how consistent a player you are. If you feel you are very inconsistent I would try to straighten it out and if you are a very consistent player who cues straight all the time then leave it as its not bothering you. If I was to check someones set up position on a shot before cue action took place I always have them with tip to the cue ball and cueing forearm vertical to the floor and shoulder down to elbow straight to the shot. I am a great believer in straight lines in snooker to make the job a bit easier and this is why most pros will look like this in their set up position. Some players elbows will jut out slightly which isnt too drastic but jutting out quite noticeably then you have to look at trying to straighten it out which is done simply with a slight roll of the shoulder joint.

Cheers Chris small

[jaikba]

I had coaching from Chris on Saturday. I can highly recommend him, first chance to practice was last night and I was banging them in from everywhere and consistently as well. Can't wait for tonight to see what happens in a match.

[nrage]

Man.. I wish Edinburgh was closer. If I am ever in that neighborhood I plan to book a session.

[Terry Davidson]

Well, I'm saving my money just in case I can play in the World Championships, if they're going to be held this year. If I don't get offered (I didn't qualify but a lot of people don't go because of expense) or they are not played then I plan to take 3 weeks and come to Britain with either one of the stops or the whole 3 weeks in Edinburgh and book some sessions with Chris.

I did live in Edinburgh for a little while in '85 when I got out of the navy and started playing full time so I might run into a few old friends here and there and Scotland is always nice (except for the damned weather most months). Who cares? I'll be inside for the most part anyway.

Terry

[itsnoteasy]

The amount of work he puts in to you is amazing, it's snooker non stop, if anyone can make it ,go, you won't regret it.Another thing is its all focused on you, if I had been where Chris has it would be"when I was playing Ronnie when I was in the top 12"lol, but the only time we talked about Chris was when I fired questions at him during dinner break, otherwise it was just Chris trying to fix my game.
Nrage , do what ever you can to go, I don't know how far it is from you but you could get an internal flight for less than the petrol money,or train fare and you can be collected and taken back to Edinburgh airport.

[chrissmall147]

Thanks for all the nice comments guys. Jaikba you did very well in our session on Saturday and it looks like you have carried this on into your practice so well done as its not easy straight away. I always put as much determination into my coaching as I did as a pro player and for people who have watched me on tv they will know how much determination that went into my game. My career is history now but has left me with lifelong memories so when people come to see me im solely concentrating on improving their game and it should be all about my client. As I said before thanks for the nice comments guys and keep working hard.

Cheers Chris small

[chrissmall147]

Hi terry

Im great friends with one of your fellow canadians who has lived in edinburgh now for about 25 years. His name is gino rigitano who was a pro years ago. Do you remember his name at all. Anyway he said if you do come to Edinburgh he would like to meet you.

Cheers Chris small

[chrissmall147]

Hi nrage

Where do you come from mate?

Chris

[Terry Davidson]

chris:

I remember Gino quite well. When I lived in Edinburgh we used to practice all the time in Bert Demarco's newer club, which was a converted bakery I believe. At that time Gino had just turned pro along with a lot of other Canadians and we used to play on fairly level terms although I think Gino was a little better then me but then again I did play better in those days.

If I do get to Edinburgh for some sessions with you I'd be happy to see Gino again along with the other players of those days. I remember playing with Murdo McLeod (he was much better) Eddie Sinclair who was a little older than the rest of the guys and a few others but I can't remember the names ('old timers disease' I guess. Initially before I knew anyone I used to play in Bert's Snooker & Squash club as my wife could play squash and I could indulge my passion.

nrage is originally from NZ but now lives in or near London. When I was in Gloucester a few years back he came for a coaching session with me at the SWSA.

Terry

[chrissmall147]

Hi terry

I will tell gino that you remember him from bert demarcos old place. That was the in place to go back in those days with alot of good players playing out of there. I know murdo very well too but have lost touch with him a bit now.

Cheers Chris

[throtts]

Hi terry

I will tell gino that you remember him from bert demarcos old place. That was the in place to go back in those days with alot of good players playing out of there. I know murdo very well too but have lost touch with him a bit now.

Cheers Chris

Just out of curiosity, Chris, do you still have the hunger to practice alot ?.

[chrissmall147]

Hi throtts

My back doesnt allow me to practice for long periods and the only time I pick up a cue is when I am coaching but its fine for that. If I was still on the tour then I would still be playing 5 hours a day as that was the type of player I was. I gave it my all.

Cheers Chris small