Michael Holt On Feeling Pressure, Snooker Technique & Nonsense Coaching

In this week's video, Michael Holt joins Stephen for a couple of frames and a chat in Nottingham. Michael is a snooker player and also now a coach, so the quality of snooker on display in this episode was of course, very strong. The pair also chat about snooker technique, how Michael responds under pressure and various players on the tour such as Ronnie O'Sullivan and Judd Trump.
Michael also has a great KZbin channel, you can check it out here:
/ @michaelholtsnookercoa...
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[@martintemelkov]

I've watched all of these guest videos and I gotta say - nobody played as well as Michael during an interview. Man's talking all the time, listening, explaining difficult technical terms, barely keeping still and yet potting everything. Brilliant! I am really looking forward to him going back on tour, cause he's a delightful player to watch.

[@lesharper7376]

That’s probably why he played so well, not thinking about just chatting and having bants

[@tomwhite5868]

​@@lesharper7376I would agree, classic case of overthinking. If he was allowed to chat away during tournament games he'd probably best most players lol

[@IrishBog]

No surprise that the one ranking win he has is the Shoot Out

[@thepunisher1951]

@@IrishBog exactly!

[@chowweihoong5052]

@@tomwhite5868 umm.... maybe he can start chatting to the crowd while he's stringing a break. hahaha.

[@carlsmythe9838]

Great video. Really like Michael Holt. I randomly messaged him once, many years ago, on facebook, asking if he did coaching...and he said not really, but just come along to my club and Ill play you for a few hours, and say what I see, and you just pay the table. Such a nice chap. Wish him all the best with his coaching. I hope he gets back on tour, very talented.

[@kwb7686]

It's really nice of him!

[@Cranndaddy]

Amazing story that mate, what a lovely gesture. Wish him all the best, some fantastic characters in this sport - shame they can’t all have it go their way but I’m glad he’s giving back to the sport in a way that fulfils him ❤

[@jamesruss2554]

Fantastic episode... Holt can't miss and he's running round the table and gabbling

[@Tonedefdom]

Holt. Misses first red

[@scienceevolves4417]

Are those comments sponsored or what. How could you possibly get excited about the fact the player ranked 169 has been invited onto this show for an interview 😅

[@contradictionsniper8276]

@@scienceevolves4417why are you here?

[@exploreendurodiscover8775]

Had to like this just the get 147 likes 😂

[@Jiayne1335]

@@contradictionsniper8276 because hes a ,troll

[@leahhumphrey9600]

Great coach is Michael. I’ve had a number of sessions with him. Improved my game ten fold. He was always impressed with how well I struck the ball but I couldn’t aim worth a damn. I went from a frustrated player stuck knocking in 30 breaks to knocking in regular 70 and 80 breaks. I even knocked in my 1st century not so long ago. All because he taught me how to score and not how to hold the cue

[@timcrook2231]

Spot on that 🖖🔝👍

[@jamiepr1991]

Fair play 👏 👌 👍 😊 getting the basics right and going from there

[@DeanGodwyn]

How much were the training sessions?

[@thebenevolentsun6575]

@@DeanGodwyn 50 an hour for adults 30 for juniors

[@jakehope6811]

Congratulations Leah it sounds like you’ve vastly improved your game with Michaels coaching he’s a great coach , fabulous player too I think hel get back on the tour no problem at all no doubt about it, good luck with your snooker Leah keep your eye in plenty more centuries where that came from 👏X

[@Jamieip]

would love to see Break From Life on here!

[@Grigpig]

Jeez! He’s a fantastic player and it’s a joy to watch him develop a break, but imagine being stuck in a lift with him… 🤪

[@Tonedefdom]

Yeah he's an annoying guy isn't he. The little wise cracks. He rates himself too much, not just as a snooker player

[@scienceevolves4417]

@@Tonedefdom always regarded him as a bit of a nonce and see you next Tuesday glad it's not just me

[@stewartmcrae8007]

@@scienceevolves4417 do you actually know what a nonce is

[@M2orNot]

Yeah, wow, imagine someone being chatty in an actual interview.

[@marktyler3381]

@@scienceevolves4417 That's a very serious thing to accuse someone of

[@stephenhobbs7967]

Anyone else wait for these videos every Sunday 😂

[@jamesadcock5235]

I dont wait but they are very enjoyable when they pop up on me page

[@jamesfisher5233]

Every Sunday without fail

[@Softlad92]

Yep ❤

[@chiabarwary8166]

Every Sunday

[@jonhaslam3699]

Yea 😂

[@ju.snooker]

This channel is gold dust for any snooker fan

[@michaelleigh2076]

Strange that such a high quality player like Holt has dropped off the tour, shows how good the quality of the other players is around nowadays

[@gilesstocks9050]

It's all mentality and nerves.

[@michaelleigh2076]

@@gilesstocks9050 absolutely, he even said it himself in the video. But even still, years ago he would have been right up there in terms of ranking positions, the game has gone so global now that its hard to stay at the very top!

[@thebenevolentsun6575]

Yeah absolutely. Jimmy white back in the day was a top 3 player and only had 300 odd centuries.

[@Eat-MyGoal]

@@thebenevolentsun6575 How many tournaments per year was he playing in the 80s and 90s? Tons per frames played would be a better measure between eras. The current crop would still come out on top but not to the same degree...

[@JJmoony]

True but 80% of the players are boring as ….

[@markgilmore2077]

Michael, if you're reading this, PLEASE become a TV commentator - you would make any match really fun to watch. Seriously, go for it!!

[@thadonis3516]

Holt was on it. Thought he was gonna start singing Werewolves of London.

[@wiggydiggy2935]

I think I enjoy the videos with the less well known players even more than the videos with the top guys. I've seen Ronnie/Neil/Williams etc. interviewed loads of times, but 20 minutes with someone like Holt is extremely revealing.

[@colinmcalpine9842]

This is probably the best, and most natural, of your 'tips'. I've never met Michael but he talks my language .... backed up with a talent I envy.

[@iminc5498]

Wow, Michael is such a naturally talented player, have seen many a pro on this channel and they cannot play well, whilst speaking to Stephen!

[@joe2grand]

soooooo good ! More of Michael!!! Stephen great work in going into detail, talking about technique and mental approach !THIS IS WHAT WE WANT!

[@silviokavetski4145]

We finally found a player that can smash O'Sullivan's record for the fastest maxi while giving a podcast about snooker subtleties! Holt is a legend! Can't wait to see him back.

[@larsfrandsen2501]

This episode is, to me, right at the top. This fellow is smart in ways that are both common sensical and impossible to learn if you don’t understand. Very inspiring!

[@onefive8859]

So satisfying just seeing Michael absolutely fly round the table while being so engaging what a great episode Stephen

[@davidwalker3005]

Michael Holt would be world champ if players talked to each other during a match haha. Class.

[@marcmorrissey1147]

Good stuff this. It’s clear to many of us that Michael has struggled with his emotions and pressure over the decades which perhaps/seemingly was connected to self esteem, belief wrapped up in expectations? Mind you Michael has huge natural ability and like ability and spent years/decades around the top 32 I believe.

[@08crewea]

I wasn’t expecting much from this Interview but it’s been top quality and one of the best on the channel.

[@joemanning6519]

Arguably, the best episode you've put out there, the talent of this guy to be rabbiting and potting them off the lampshades is fascinating! Love to see more of the hitman in the future 🙌🏻

[@taff6987]

This is the argument though. Go to any snooker club and u will see good level players talking away having a crack knocking in 50's 60s 70s etc....put them in a high pressure match setting and they go to bits. This guy is a great talent but will never be top tier level because he cannot take his game to the bigtime where the world is watching. He even sais so himself. He is a cocky fucker too. Imagine telling the 7times world champion that he could show him a thing or two and if only he could handle the pressure of the moment that he'd even give him a run for his money. How arrogant is that😅🤪the best sportsmen in the world ALL do it on the world stage with all the worlds eyes on them! This guy is his own worst enemy. Hmm I wonder why cue action has been taught for so many years?? I wonder.....because it fucking works that's why, true, tried and tested....and guess what Micheal? ITS REPEATABLE!!!! What a Plonker😂

[@f9368213]

love the way he speak and play in this video, so natural and relax for watching

[@johnsaunders6510]

I really hope Holt gets back on the tour. A very watchable player and his no nonsense approach to snooker if very refreshing.

[@emmamcleod432]

If you didn't know Michael Holt already and you just saw this video you would think he was a top ten player. Obviously very talented, the mental side is underrated/underappreciated

[@paulsikhakhane568]

This is now my favourite episode to watch.

[@supersharpblades5673]

Michael Holt is brilliant. Watch all his videos. None of this technical complicated bs, always explains things so simply and to the point. Top man!

[@Joe-ek9ql]

Haha Stephens like ‘well you don’t need coaching when you’re as good as I am’ 😂

[@nostalgiachannel318]

I completely misjudged Michael Holt's character I thought he was just a moaner but he's interesting in a more relaxed setting. Great interview and very refreshing from Michael.

[@benrichards399]

When Stephen started this channel, it was basically him going through shots and routines, and it wasn't really that great. Then he turned it into a chat show with guests and fellow players, and it has skyrocketed. I think Michael should do the same with his channel.

[@paultwiss199]

Michael Holt is really funny, a good guy and a very decent player. Great episode. He would be a great commentator, especially for a bit of humour.

[@IrishBog]

It’s very clear Michael was a bit nervous. In his own videos he’s calmer and funnier - here he’s pushing his coaching philosophy of keep it simple - which is fine to some extent but reminds me of the Seinfeld show pitch episode “it’s about nothing ….absolutely nothing…” - I think that’s fine for a beginner just trying to improve and have fun but at some point you need to know what technique works and is repeatable …and what you’re doing wrong.

[@Joe-ek9ql]

I love how so many players say how Ronnie “doesn’t care” but he “really does”! If anyone could play like Ronnie I’m sure they’d be the same.

[@michaelmeredith9470]

Watching holt play he appears to be a fantastically talented player, how on earth is he not winning tournaments. To play that well while talking and answering questions is amazing

[@highwaytohelles4561]

Was wondering when Michael would be coming on a week ago. Glad it happened so quick. Now let's see the tough table challenge.

[@zhangken9884]

Michael is the best coach I ever met even via the Internat. He taught me a lot and real the truth of snooker. He definitely deserves back to the tour. Ken from China.

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

It took me over a year to rebuild my stroke and implement a Rear Pause prior to delivery of the cue stick. It is by far the best change in my game that I've ever made!

[@possys2]

fucking hell, he was having a chat and cleared up, almost.. he didnt miss. fair play mr holt. that was an awesome interview/master class

[@hulahooper7030]

I can see Michael being a sought after coach in years to come. He definitely has something different.

[@TheMacbatts]

I get the feeling, coaching for Michael may help his match play as he stated, ( To mentally find his match play self ). One of the players Id really like to see do well. A joy to watch when playing well.

[@moina626]

The best cue tips video till date for me. You can listen to Michael all day about the game.

[@justinmacintosh1438]

Very impressed with the way Michael played and conducted himself here playing against one of the greats. And he’s absolutely right this game is all about repetition, repetition, repetition, and no matter how ugly your cue action looks if the balls are going in the pockets, then Job done!

[@vxrdrummer]

Perf. I love Michael Holts coaching videos. Been watching them since he started.

[@mungtor]

This was a really good episode. I think in a couple sentences Michael managed to articulate some of the things that Ronnie has been saying for a while.. like he's more frustrated with a low standard of play than losing. Michael is obviously a really good player and knows himself quite well, but I wonder whether watching Ronnie's struggles allowed him to get a glimpse of how to control that and not let it be destructive and get away from him.

[@notfromthebottle4891]

This is my favourite of the videos on this channel. Michael is fascinating. One of my favourites for sure

[@HadToChangeMyName_YoutubeSucks]

Stephen just wanted a free coaching session so he could fix that deceleration. Holt was pretty impressive, well done.

[@trew1061]

Usually Stephen can talk to the players and distract them but not this guy 😂😂😂 What a great two frames he played

[@LeeShields11]

I don't need to say anything, it's already been said! This was absolutely fantastic!

[@1965deebee]

Michael is still some snooker player….POTS FOR FUN ! If he could feel comfortable on the big stage and play like that…… He would be winning tournaments …..superb.

[@fmsd91]

One of the snooker GOAT says you super talented! Nothing else to say!

[@whatisyoursq9010]

Great video! Michael potting balls effortlessly and talking at the same time (ie not thinking about bad things that may happen) and saying he could not be comfortable mentally when competing. Maybe proving the point of self 1 and self 2 from the Inner game of golf or tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey. Bounce, hit. Maybe something in it? As these two great players say - if only it was as simple as reading a book or putting our feet in the right place.

[@aidanfallon3786]

I live in west bridgeford and play snooker at a local sports centre on monday mornings. I watch these videos evey week and try to learn everything i can from it. Its amazing to be able to learn from legend of the game like Stephen Hendry.

[@stephenkenny5772]

Stephen hardly got a word in😂😂

[@dazuk1969]

Ah ha ! I see we have a Roses fan on our hands. I actually have personalised signed posters from Ian and Mani on my wall. I am working on John and Reni. As for you Mr Hendry, Michael absolutely ironed you out on the snooker table....tut tut.

[@musicbro8225]

He's on a different level to most others. I like his no nonsense approach and would like to see him succeed in the major championships... I guess if he got the audience going it would possibly help him play better but it would also get him disqualified no doubt. I look forward to his tough table challenge because he can pot balls and converse at the same time :)

[@mzzzzz2179]

I've been watching Michael Holt's channel these past few months and it's sad to see such a high quality player like him fall out of the ranks. His game is right up there, just hope he can break back into the qualifiers and show the world his amazing snooker!

[@nathan2497]

Yh agreed but pro sport is brutal... All these guys are amazing players that's why they are where they are but a lot of it is down to pressure and nerves. I believe the mental side is important in any sport....

[@benjaminvolant3083]

Michael, you're such a great guy. I follow your channel. Stephen, your likeability keeps going through the roof with every video you make. Thanks guys.

[@aleksm.1863]

I've got a lot of respect for Michael Holt. He's so passionate about this game, and just look how well he plays it while distracted. Maybe that's something to consider in the mental side - flowing more and not thinking too much about it. All the best to him, and I would love to see him on the tour and having a run.

[@Essexpharaoh]

Hugely impressive from Michael, he looks in great form

[@anilkarki3928]

Among all, this one is the most informative video (watching as an amateur trying to get better). Thanks, @Stephen @Michael

[@unkanosigulda1287]

This episode definitely deserves more views. One of the best by Hendry and guest.

[@snookerfan1476]

Brilliant episode. What a talent Michael is! Jesus! Incredible! Didn't even stop taking to play his shot. 🎱

[@scienceevolves4417]

😂😂😂😂😂😂 did you pee in your pants then? This ain't a church service either 😁😁😁

[@stewartmcrae8007]

he didn't stop talking because he loves the sound of his own voice the same as Shaun Murphy

[@icespittingfire]

​@@stewartmcrae8007it is an interview, he's supposed to talk...

[@stewartmcrae8007]

@@icespittingfire did you watch the video

[@icespittingfire]

@@stewartmcrae8007 yes

[@harryparker_]

Holty’s passion for the game is something else. What an episode this way!!

[@graemejack9040]

Really enjoyed this episode. I'd never really seen or heard much of Michael Holt before. Seems like a really genuine guy. It was a joy watching him effortlessly pot ball after ball whilst talking constantly etc! This episode definitely highlights the importance of mindset and psychology as a player. Hendry was unrivalled in this area as a player. Nobody had more bottle than Hendry!! Hendry's mindset was his greatest weapon until it became his greatest weakness!! Look at how much better and consistent Ronnie is now after achieving a good mindset

[@richiegee8665]

Been waiting for this today. Had the pleasure of a coaching session with Michael yesterday and really must say it was top drawer! Excited by the small tweaks to get back playing at a high standard. There is no doubt he also needs to be back on tour as he is far too good a player not to be. Another fab video Stephen, cheers 👍

[@Lawro101]

What a blether but he can't half play and play super fast. One of my favourite episodes yet. I hope you filmed a tough table challenge with him as I think he would do really well!!

[@JakeMay]

Very energetic 😤

[@JohnJaySnookerChannel]

Interesting episode! Fast paced in play and chat! 👍🏻

[@craftyape5423]

Brilliant episode and great to get to know Michael better. Would love to hear him in the commentary box.

[@Nkforster]

Very very impressive.

[@TheBillPodcast]

Fantastic interview! What a channel this is! Thank you Stephen and your brilliant team, their coverage, lighting, sound and editing is always spot on!

[@davegravy1842]

That was a joy to watch what a cracking player makes it look so easy 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Juventinos]

OMG. So happy Michael is on this, his channel is amazing.

[@sycko80]

Really enjoyed that video. He’s some player, think I will join his channel

[@kennyperry230]

Holt has so much energy. Get him on as an analysis on BBC!

[@robday2007]

I hope holt keeps his channel going for a long time 👍🏼

[@jessiehegarty]

Great episode..Super insight into the reason all standard players should get coaching..If you understand the basics cue action technique when something goes wrong you can identify and solve quickly..He strikes the ball lovely..Must get him on the tough table Challenge..👍

[@user-kx4fr4cb3y]

Best display of smooth effortless shooting from any of the pros on your channel so far. Great stuff

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

True, he's hugely talented. Wpuld love to see him do good/better

[@benleil1516]

Really enjoyed this. Michael was great at explaining some of the technical and coaching aspects - I wish him the very best for the future.

[@andreasengelhart7203]

Michael that was impressive

[@Softlad92]

Michael your mind set for snooker as what we need in this game iv come on massively since you’ve come on to the scene coaching, disregarding the unimportant stuff getting really good at the basic things.

[@patrickhoward6954]

you need to redo Michael's link in the description.

[@SportsFan0027]

He’s actually cueing phenomenally here 👏

[@louiem2]

Always been a fan of Michael Holt. Great vid this, has the right mix from a technical aspect and a casual chat 👍

[@139stuart]

Great to watch episode and to see holt in the zone.. unfortunately when he gets in a match he almost saws his thumb off he feathers the white so many times.. consequently he can't hit this kind of free flowing form often enough. So many top players and good amateurs have this trait holding them back .. myself included.

[@L1ghtOn3]

Seems like a hood guy Holt, Hendry is a Legend for doing this channel, well done mate 🎱👍🏽

[@omarfoudeil2497]

This is one of the more fascinating interviews. I've always been a fan of Michael and hopefully his new found perspective as a coach can propell him to the next level as I'm sure he'll be back on the tour soon. He's too good not to.

[@bigboy5428]

Another great video and chat 👍

[@jasonparker6138]

Michael should pay Stephen to follow him around the table and talk to him during matches.

[@davidmcgowan8388]

Great video Stephen, I watch Michaels channel as well, I agree when I feel nervous before a match the better I play, keep them coming

[@TheJennifer1742]

Love to see Michael playing so well,fun interview

[@craigwilson147]

Love it, keep it coming. I watch all of Michael's videos too. Cracking channel!

[@simbasimba2029]

Best so far at playing while talking. Impressive!

[@corrazin]

Really really fascinating video. I find it interesting about mindset and how it affects different players.

[@user-se3fs6si3w]

Wonderful episode and two amzing frames by Michael Holt 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽

[@iblacka1]

Michael was potting some balls there ..I like at the end Steven acknowledges that Michael was playing well.

[@jakehope6811]

Michael Holt is a fabulous player and a fabulous coach got a few tips off Michaels KZbin channel too aswell as Stephens it goes to show if a player like michael can drop off the circuit it just goes to show how scarily good the standard of competition is nowadays so much crazy Talent around and also the travelling on the tour is so rigorous and aswell as having the talent you have to have tremendous mental strength to cope with the stresses that comes with elite top level professional snooker ….Good luck for the rest of your career michael both coaching and competing a top bloke aswell 🙂👍

[@SunnyUplands]

Excellent video. Would like to see him do the "tough table" challenge.

[@bbwnpat]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWm2ppaJn7ljjbM

[@leewhite2195]

Wouldn't surprise me if he goes top.

[@alexmacca9477]

Love to see him do the tough table challenge...very entertaining.

[@andrewthompson5238]

He has done one on his own channel