Snooker Line-Up Tutorial - Snooker Lesson

In this video I talk through a snooker line-up exercise. This is a really useful exercise for improving your cue action and positional play.
I try to discuss what I am thinking about when I attempt an exercise like this so hopefully you can pick up some tips when you do it for yourself.
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/ bartonsnooker
I am a qualified 1st4Sport Level 2 WPBSA Coach. I am available for one-to-one coaching lessons and do travel to see people. If you are interested please don't hesitate to contact me!
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[@oldtimer5111]

Great video as usual, I just have one thing to say, if you are around 20 break standard I wouldn't put the whole line up ,up. It can be too daunting and you will just clatter into the line and have to keep fixing it and end up frustrated. Just put three or four reds between pink and black and concentrate on them, that way it takes seconds to set back up and it will feel like an achievable target, just my opinion and what I did when I first started. P.S I would also always have a red below the black as this is an important shot to learn.

[@thatpeterboy]

great advice! thanks

[@oldtimer5111]

Pete Dixon you are welcome Pete. This really is a great channel and Steve really knows his stuff and he is a natural in front of the camera. If I needed a coach which I don't as I'm very lucky I get to practice with an ex pro every day, I would go to him without hesitation.

[@thatpeterboy]

@@oldtimer5111 yep this channel has helped me so so much especially Steve's lesson on pre shot routines and aiming and lining up shots. I still consider myself a beginner, but last week at practice the penny finally dropped and my game seems to have improved greatly. I will be trying your routine with 3 or 4 reds on Friday and will also give the full line-up a go.

[@oldtimer5111]

Pete Dixon the line ups great , I still remember the great feeling of achievement I had when I first cleared it, best of luck with your game, I'm sure you will get where you want to be , with practice and patience, everything you need to succeed is covered on here.

[@thatpeterboy]

@@oldtimer5111 thanks yes I'm getting there slowly but surely..taking my time a little bit more not rushing and trying to deliver the cue straight....the pros make it look easy lol

[@kznjonno602]

Thanks Steve,this looks like a great practice routine. As a beginner it's particularly helpful when you show the position which you play the cue ball in order to control position.

[@BartonSnooker]

Thanks, John.

[@itellyouwhy6957]

Another terrific video mate. Fabulous presentation and explanation as always. Cheers - Alba.

[@christopherkelly2129]

Another great tutorial, thanks Steve. Im new to the game and need to learn cue ball control to progress, I'm still solidly at the lower end on break building but won't progress until I get my touch round the cue ball. You suggest (someone of my ability) starting around the blue spot, it would be great (if you're ever short of an idea for a video) to produce one showing this as the starting point, using your aim guide, which really is of massive benefit. I'm working my way through all of your videos as your explanations are top drawer and match your skill on the table. Thanks again!

[@drs.n.gunasekara4504]

A Great video as always. Your technique and game play shows that you're not just a coach but a truly skilled snooker player. Can you explain how to hold the cue so that you get that bright tone as you strike the cue ball. Much love from Sri Lanka. Neel

[@rashadal-safar1931]

@10.54 seconds :)))) "oh god fucking hell" Nice to hear you can get just as pissed off as the rest of us! Amazing channel man! You really are my Snooker Bible!

[@stevenrolinson5527]

Great practice routine I remember for a few months I would get down to to 4 or 5 reds and break down then after 6 months doing this routine I actually cleared every ball a great way to monitor your progress 😊

[@aryamankarve3219]

Hello there! Your vedios are really helpful! You keep it simple, logical and precise! Saw a couple of vedios and i wonder why few people have disliked.. there is no reason to! its wonderful mate!

[@BartonSnooker]

Thank you very much. Much appreciated 🙂

[@bottlecap57]

Nicely played. The only thing I don't like about the line up is that the pots are so simple it's easy to become complacent with technique. It's possible to clear the lot with a fairly ropey cue action. I should know, I achieved it many times. It is good however for learning close control.

[@starman9921]

Great video as usual thank you

[@BartonSnooker]

Thanks!

[@starman9921]

@@BartonSnooker you should be in bed after your had work

[@simonwilson1686]

Great vid as always Steve, thanks

[@hamdankhan296]

👍👌👍👍👍👍Great way of teaching Appreciated ur hard work🙂

[@stevenrolinson5527]

Also it help me perfect a drill and pre shot routine

[@lokyinphotography]

Love the explanation, well done.

[@vxrdrummer]

My teacher users the numbers for power system, and I use it as well. Do you use power numbers Steve or could you on some videos? I try and talk through the shots and guess the number when watching videos, but it would be nice to see someone say the numbers.

[@khuramsy]

Brilliant stuff.. If only you combined this video with the head cam shots too.

[@phillipknipe5602]

Thanks for this vid. It always amazes me how simple a really good player makes this look! I'm inspired to try this later on - Really love your tutorials / demo's, keep em coming.

[@trevoryeung1164]

If I got 3 times 20+ break in 10 match I can follow the intermediate suggestion right

[@bilalyaqub2833]

Amazing video

[@jason147h6]

Hi Steve. Yet another great informative video. Just a random question here about the balls. Are you using the aramith 1g pro balls? I have a set of aramith but the 3g which have a weight of 130g per ball i believe the 1g set are 142g per ball. Are the 1g set only beneficial if used on superfine cloths or would they benefit any cloth? Cheers

[@Vanidar50]

Great video!

[@BartonSnooker]

Thank you 🙂

[@BornElite337]

You make it look so easy haha. I can only get around 20 on a line up starting around the blue area. :(

[@BartonSnooker]

We all started somewhere. If you keep on practicing doing the right things, you will improve.

[@navjotsingh3138]

I think you can challenge Ronnie or may be not as some coaches say he is a different league!

[@georgemichael4754]

Coach, love from india 💞💞💞

[@ash6415]

Is that red placement optimal or can you have more reds behind the blue?

[@BartonSnooker]

Move above the blue if you like

[@dermotshaw6775]

Hi Steve. I am very much a begginer at snooker my highest break is 24. I have played around 15 frames total and have had only 2 full day practice sessions due to covid 🙄... when we are back to normal I will be going to my local club once or twice a week for around 5-7 hours. Would you say it is important to play frames anf practice during this time or use the time for lone practice. I enjoy both and don't have a preference. I just really want to improve. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks pal

[@Bart_Depestele]

great video amigo

[@irnickkkknowles]

The blue is the toughest ball to work around in a line up. Straight and the next red is tricky but too much angle and you have to come off top or bottom cushion.

[@BartonSnooker]

The pots are much easier around the blue spot area. For a beginner joining the game, it's easier around the blue. Your point applies to the pink and black. If a beginner leaves too much angle on those colours, the pot is very difficult, and also, it's very difficult to control the white.

[@irnickkkknowles]

I found that if I leave the reds around the blue spot til last it easy to leave too much angle on the blue and have to play up or down the table. Playing around the blue spot is tough. You have to be precise. Also handy to leave a red by the black just in case you mess up. I'm currently working towards making a 147 and loving the process of improvment. Neck aches though...beautiful table by the way.

[@Super5152]

This is exactly what I do for practice every time I play snooker, but I don’t get above 50 often :(

[@BartonSnooker]

Hi. Hopefully if you watch this video a few times, you can try and pick up some of my thought pattern when I'm playing these exercises. Each time you do it in practice, write down your best break for the day. Then next time, try to beat it. You're only ever playing yourself. Try to be slightly better than you were last week. Don't compare yourself to other people!

[@Super5152]

@@BartonSnooker For sure! I found your advices very helpful, and I used your suggestions when I practice last night, gratefully I got above 50 on my first attempt!

[@BartonSnooker]

@@Super5152 brilliant!

[@chazzat3113]

Its so frustrating I've been playing for about 8 months now and aren't getting any better, I tried to follow the line up but just can't do what you can do, I've tried line ups many many times and can't pot more than a red and a blue in one go and in a game I can't get a higher break than 10, it makes me wonder what I'm doing wrong, I try over and over again and don't improve or understand how too, it would feel so good if I could at least get a break of 20 lol. One thing I just haven't been able to grasp is position, I just don't understand how to control the cue ball at all. It dosent seem like that big of a deal but it is really frustrating when you keep trying and don't get better at something.

[@ifiwas195]

Sounds like you are making the same mistakes over and over. Best thing to do if you want to get better is find a snooker coach for a few lessons. He will make sure you are standing and cueing correctly. Then he will give you simple beginner routines to practice. Here’s a free practice for you. Just have the cue ball on the brown spot and play the shot so the ball goes down the table over the blue, pink and black spots hitting the bottom cushion then coming back to you along the spots in a straight line. If you stay down on the shot after you’ve struck the cue ball it should come back and hit the tip of your cue. This proves you are hitting the ball dead straight. It’s harder than you think. Do this 10 times but aim to get it right 3/10. It’s a great routine to get straight cueing. Let me know how you get on 👍🏻

[@JamboRiffs]

Solid play to talk and clear the line up as you go. More difficult than it looks.

[@BartonSnooker]

Thanks a lot!

[@philcleary7614]

When you say 50 break standard, do you mean that’s your highest break ever or one you can consistently make?

[@MrOitoyboy]

Phil Cleary he means one that you can make on a regular basis.

[@woogieman007]

I had a 72 brake doing this my highest brake in a match is 68, out of interest are you using a century tip G2, G3 as it sounds like a harder tip which a lot of snooker players like. I'm now using a G2 but because my old tip was even softer (different make) I've got a G1 on the way so when it needs changing I'll put that on and will be getting a TAOM V2 chalk soon.

[@BartonSnooker]

Hi there. I use a G1. It sounds hard just because I have a clip on microphone. I like a soft tip so I use the softest one.

[@woogieman007]

@@BartonSnooker Interesting thanks for the reply, I know the G2 sounds clangy as I use it myself but my old cue had a softer tip on it so using the G1 when it comes or when it needs changing next. I've noticed they play a lot better then my last one but that maybe down to a new cue also.

[@alexhahn7191]

Hi when playing snooker on my own i play frame after frame for hours i don’t play any routines do i need to play routines to improve my game.Thanks for your advice.

[@BartonSnooker]

Hi. I think routines are also very useful for improving your game. Playing frames is excellent as well, but a combination of the two will always help your game. When doing solo practice, you can get used to exactly what feels right with your cue action.

[@alexhahn7191]

Thank you for replying and your advice i will take on bored what you’ve said. Thank you looking forward to see what’s next.

[@gerv55]

What's your cue make and specs?

[@BartonSnooker]

My cue is a 'B&W Billiards' cue. They were a local company to me who have since closed down. The cue is: 57.5" long 18oz in weight 28mm butt diameter 9.75mm tip I use a 'Century Cue Tips - Grade 1' tip.

[@amarsbarr]

I cheated on the line up yesterday by moving the cue ball about 5 times when I lost position, I potted 14 reds and 14 colours didn't count the break. But later I decided not to cheat and focus on the black I potted 7 reds and 7 blacks :D and 2 reds were placed below the black as well but I have no reds placed above the blue spot so they're all close together

[@BartonSnooker]

Well done. That's still a very good achievement even moving the white! Then you got 7 reds and blacks! Awesome 🙂

[@amarsbarr]

@@BartonSnooker oh thanks a lot :D I felt 0 happiness afterwards as I cheated lol. But once I can do 10 reds 10 blacks I will think ok I'm getting better. 7 hours practice on Saturday I did as well and the day I make a century break in a frame I will be pretty happy. 84 break is the highest I got on the line up without cheating but I had poor technique then. I'm determined to become a seriously strong player. It's nice to also see other guys practicing but I was fortunate for Barry Stark to analyse my technique and straight away aid in making massive changes that felt very uncomfortable at the time but now I'm so glad I stuck with it are otherwise I could potentially have gone down years and years of doing everything badly and wondering where I've gone wrong. Wasted time really :S but thanks Steve I will continue to put in hours and hours of constructive cueing and practice to excel in snooker and hopefully bigger things await in the game

[@BennyBoyBaldwinBBB]

the cue ball graphic was a bit off a couple of times...not 100% where u was hitting it all the time

[@BennyBoyBaldwinBBB]

apart from that fantastic video

[@mugillanjr3799]

Next o sullivan

[@knutnskar6796]

Yeah right

[@webby6944]

That wasn’t a kick though, especially not a massive one, kick is when it bounces that ball never bounced

[@ifiwas195]

To get a kick the ball doesn’t have to bounce, a kick is simply when two balls have a bad contact. This is normally caused by both balls having chalk marks that meet on contact

[@webby6944]

@@ifiwas195 yes and when they have a bad contact one ball always bounces so you trying to correct me is wrong. He just got his whole shot wrong

[@ifiwas195]

@@webby6944 shut up you moron. You clearly know nothing about snooker. A kick doesn’t mean a ball has to jump in the air 😂😂🤦🏻‍♂️

[@kanekeylewer5704]

Gets a kick. "God, fuckin hell"

[@simonwilson1686]

You made it look much easier than it really is - I'm around the 50+ break standard (highest 87 in a game) - I must have done lineups thousand and thousand of times, and have only ever cleared them all twice !!!! - So easy to miss a simple pot and dead easy to get out of position pretty quickly - BUT it is a great practice routine - I usually do a 4/7/3/1 - thats 4 between Black & Pink, then 7 the 3 after blue and 1 just above the brown - thanks again

[@BartonSnooker]

Hopefully if you can pick up a few tips from this video and some of my thought process, you will improve on your breaks 🙂

[@markmascollful]

Really like the added extras you put on the videos like the cue ball with the dot on to show where you've hit and all the other little add ons like ticks and things like this so the viewers can learn with ease. Many people do videos to help people but little add ons like these help even more that just listening to the words your saying

[@BartonSnooker]

Thanks a lot, Mark. Glad you're enjoying them 🙂

[@TariqMahmood-yo5op]

Nice sound, when you hit object ball👌 Can you tell me please, which tip, you using 🙄

[@BartonSnooker]

Elk Master Pro (Soft) 👍

[@TariqMahmood-yo5op]

@@BartonSnooker Thank you very much 😎

[@25summerlane37]

Excellent, I tried the exercise... But missed the first red!!

[@dermotshaw6775]

Ha classic! 😂.. I did that too 🙄

[@ballabadr3572]

Hello, great video thanks a lot, Just in case when we miss a shot or position what is better to do? Start from the begining again or re-try the last shot? You are awesome !!❤❤❤

[@BartonSnooker]

Hi there. If it's just a careless miss, then I would carry on from where you are. If you miss a tricky shot and you were not sure what to do, then I would set the shot up again and play a few of them until you are more comfortable with the shot. Thanks so much for the kind comments and the support 🙂

[@ballabadr3572]

@@BartonSnooker thank you, am from morocco🤗🤗

[@bobking4759]

Another easy to understand, well explained video. Great job, please keep them coming

[@rakeshvasiani2050]

As always you are awesome with good content tyvm.

[@BartonSnooker]

Thanks a lot!

[@ash6415]

Does it matter where the reds are? I put all the reds below the blue. Also if you miss are you supposed to start from the beginning again or just carry on?

[@torpaninternational8351]

Great advice but don't understand how , properly to -- screw back or run though after potting

[@gedhiggins1032]

Top guy top vids I appreciate them 👍

[@adamlaiolo5878]

Don't think you got away with cursing that kick under your breath! I heard you. Quality video though

[@BartonSnooker]

😄

[@amazed66]

@@BartonSnooker I'm guessing that was in case you missed the pink and had to start filming again lol. I don't know if you will be able to remember but at 12:30 did the top red as we look at it go into the yellow pocket? I only ask because I was trying to guess your next shot each time and thought you would go for that one.

[@BartonSnooker]

@@amazed66 hi. It did go yes, although I had slightly too much angle (I would have been further away from the baulk colours, and couldn't screw to the blue as I would have caught the other red) and it was a harder pot than the one into the middle.

[@MonkeyboyCH]

Hi can you make training or practice schedule for amature that's want to turn to professionals THANKS.

[@jamiedykeswpbsasnookercoac9185]

Hi, I'm looking for a bit of advice about becoming a independent coach. I'm a former p.i.o.s player, former easb player, and former websf player. I was wondering if I can coach independently with all my experience and knowledge I have gained over the years or do I need to be a registered wpbsa coach. I was coached throughout my ameteur career. Regards Jamie

[@aawishchoudry4533]

The best on line snoker coach and player in the world

[@BartonSnooker]

Thank you so much for your support 🙂👍

[@dynasty6964]

why is it your not pro? your amazing!

[@BartonSnooker]

I started playing a bit too late at 27 years of age. I now really enjoy the coaching side of things and helping other players improve their game.

[@jamesaddison9344]

10:55 did you say 'oh what a kick f***ing hell'??? 😂😂😂

[@BartonSnooker]

I quite possibly may have commented on the bad contact 🤣

[@jamesaddison9344]

Haha great video by the way,I took a year out and I'm back playing trying to get back to a high level (my highest tournament break is 144 and I've had 5 147's off practice routines etc) but in finding my consistency is shocking! 1 day I'll have 11 80+ breaks on 15 frames and feel like I can't miss and the next I'll struggle to make 30 and feel like I'm going to miss every ball! Could you maybe do a video on the psychological effects of the game and how you can think during playing to overcome 'the doubt factor' as it's the ONLY thing that has no video for on KZbin anywhere! As you'll know once you reach a certain level technically your mental state,concentration,focus,thought process is probably a good 80% of why you play well/bad and it's something I've never been able to overcome. If I play bad or miss a few easy balls I'll start altering my stance,where I hold the cue,where my hand is situated to the object ball,how bent my leading leg is on my shot to alter where the cue rests on my chest etc etc to the point my mind is fried! 😂 anyway sorry for the essay but if you could help in the slightest it would be amazing! Thanks in advance 😁

[@BartonSnooker]

@@jamesaddison9344 yes I will try to do something on this in the future, as I know exactly what you mean. I am currently very busy now with coaching and editing other videos so keep watching and hopefully in the future.

[@ทศพลงามเสี่ยม]

ยอดเยี่ยม

[@USMANaka007]

M holding my cue after 5 months and it feels like jimmy white's right hand 😒

[@davidlong6358]

great tutorial as ever, your table looks in sensational condition Steve

[@michaeldoss7972]

Another useful video. Thanks for the tips

[@mugillanjr3799]

Upload yours snooker playing videos of you bro

[@umeshaam6210]

Sir please tell us about how to aim ???

[@fransbotha5788]

Want to ask tecnical question...when are a players turn over?You are referee (excample)...player 1 step away from table(2 steps)and ball on edge of pockett fall in pockett.did player 1 turn end when he steps away from table or distance invoved?Turn ends when referee calls score?

[@BartonSnooker]

In the rules, there is no specific time for this. The rule is that the referee determines when he thinks the strike of player A has finished and it is now player B's shot. If the ball drops when it is player B's shot, the ball is replaced over the pocket where it stopped.

[@JamesWillson008]

Another great tutorial.. i beat my record yesterday and had 106.. total clearance next and then in a frame hopefully. I defiantly wouldnt hace managed without your advice. Thank you!!

[@BartonSnooker]

That's brilliant, James. Really good to hear that the videos are helping people. Keep it up 🙂

[@andysingletonefc]

I usually start on the bottom red, done 15 for the first time ever last month but rattled a just off straight brown, so nearly there, been recording myself now, got to 14 reds a few times, oh did you get a kick using Taom ? Ive been using Pyro for a few months with no kick's so far, great vid 👍

[@BartonSnooker]

Great stuff. That's really good doing them in order 😃 I wasn't using Pyro when I made this video. Just normal triangle chalk.

[@MattLloydTube]

10:53 oh my god

[@sjmcoarch]

I've been looking for a decent line up tutorial for a long time, now I've found what I wanted. Thank you very much for the great tutorial. 🌸🌸🙏🙏❤️

[@BartonSnooker]

Thank you!

[@sjmcoarch]

@@BartonSnooker My pleasure sir. 🙏🙏🙏

[@mugillanjr3799]

Iam urs idol

[@sidhaughty]

Hey steve, this is siddharth wishing you best of luck with your snooker skills. You have been a good mentor, congratulations. I have a query that is it ok to have elbow bent outwards while in stance or should one has to have a near 90° elbow?

[@thewholecity]

Ray Reardon had a sticky out elbow but still managed to cue very straight and had a very successful career.

[@sidhaughty]

@@thewholecity Well, there could be a counter technique to it, to nullify the side effect of it. Steve must be the best one possible to answer it. Brother by the way whats your higest break in last year duration.

[@thewholecity]

Yes he is the man. I am but a minion with a HB of 58. You?

[@sidhaughty]

Mine is around 40.

[@addictedtonothing23]

if im almost touching the cue ball, i dont have a 90° Angle in my allbow cuz i am too tall. So i grip the cue beyond its end to get a 90° angle and i got more cue action right away. Is a longer cue necessary for me ?

[@matthiah4291]

I have the same issue. It's hard to find a longer cue

[@thelastsamurai5583]

He can only be a great coach but never can be betttr player on the table...he knows wat I mean

[@davidbarnard5873]

Probably why he's paid to coach then, Ronnie O'sullivan might be a crap coach but he's paid to play. It's abit like golf, I used to kick alot of teaching professionals asses playing wise but wouldn't stand a chance on tour hence why they're paid to teach as that is what they do best