How to start?

[Ekphantos]

After stating that I haven't even seen a real snooker table yet in another thread , I found out that there actually is a snooker table in the research center where I work. There is even a guy who is a EBSA certified coach, but of course he charges quite a lot for lessons and I really can't afford that on a regular bases. But I'd also really want to learn how to play if I have the opportunity here. The problem is that I don't know what the best way to start is if you don't even know how to hold a cue... Take some lessons for the absolute basics and then try to go on alone? Or is there no point in that? Any suggestions? It is really a pity that they don't have a beginners course there.

[April madness]

How about ask that coach to give you a couple of lessons teaching the very basics - how to hold cue, stance, bridge, basic shots, and then you find some books or coaching videos and try to practice alone? I am sure there would be other people who play or practice on that table, and you will have a chance to ask for advice and even play against them and learn from watching them play.

[Martin76]

If I were you I'd start out with looking at some instructional sites, such as http://www.fcsnooker.co.uk/coaching_...n/coaching.htm

Then start practising and after you get some table time and start potting the odd ball or two, go see a coach. Ask him to find the biggest fault you're doing and give you some tips on how to correct that. Spend some training time practising on that until you feel you've got the hang of it, then go back to the coach and ask for the biggest problem this time... Rince, repeat, ad infinitum...

[gallen-147]

some very good advice there above.

just take it slowly and play easy balls first, becuase that way you can sort out all of yout bridge hand and stance, etc.

the last thing u want is for yourself to jump in too soon and get a bad habit because they can take ages! too get rid of so get the basics right first then slowly move ov too bigger and harder stuff
ronnie had a habit and i cant quite remember what it was but he copied steve davis when he was young and it stuck and he had too start from scratch, so best too get it right first time

[Ekphantos]

I guess it is going to be rather slow in any case, as I won't be able to spend a lot of time practicing.... I guess it's only possible twice a week for a few hours

[gallen-147]

im only practising 3 or 4 days a week for 1 and half too 2 hours and my highest break is 63, dosent matter how long u practice as long as its good helpful practice..
ask the coach for a bit a FREE coaching for 10 mins or sumit lol
maybe lucky