BREAKBUILDING | Head Cam Playing A Line Up

[@snooker9773]

Most stable and consistent cue action in POV I've ever seen on KZbin.

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you Snooker, some of the other guys lunge and lurch a bit on delivery don't they... and most have the camera off centre to the line of aim

[@andrewmorton3344]

Love that camera angle. Snooker tends to look easier than it is on the T.V. angles from the pocket. If only we could use this angle in the Championships on T.V. sometimes.

[@TheSnookerGym]

Andrew Morton i could do my best to get on tv and do it!

[@andrewmorton3344]

!f not, maybe sponsor someone playing on TV to wear the head cam for you if WPBSA allow it anywear, (I mean anywhere...haha)

[@Deoffred]

One of the best videos i have seen for shoot, matters not for pool, billiards or snooker, you can take notes from this and implement it into your game.

[@TheSnookerGym]

siaddar thankyou

[@fielding68]

What a terrific idea, to have a head cam. Terrific tutorial, brilliant snooker play, you taught me so much. Thank you.

[@WolfHeathen]

David Croft They should have head cams in professional snooker as well.

[@jceepf]

+nicbarrow My name is Etienne and I live in Japan and play pool here on US style tables. Snooker tables are rarities here. I am always amazed by the snooker player's skills at pocketing balls. I would like to get better, so here is my trivial question. What should I watch for (in terms of mistakes) as a beginner? What are the common mistakes people like me do...? Any comment is appreciated. Thanks and nice video.

[@IFranchisedI]

+jceepf Before you learn pattern play (break-building) or aiming I would make sure you know which eye is your dominant eye. Always place the cue stick under your chin [on the side in between that dominant eye and your nose] when down on the shot and use that eye to line up shots. Next, learn how to execute a perfectly slow, smooth, and long stroke (no homo). Try gripping the cue in a variety of ways and see which grip allows you the least horizontal offset during your backswing and follow-through. One huge flaw almost every player starts off with is holding the grip how they naturally want to hold it (in this case do not follow your instinct). Very few players have a naturally complimentary grip that works perfectly with their straightest stroke, so experiment with grip*. However you perform your stroke make sure your elbow does not deviate from the shooting line. Honestly, learning and honing solid fundamentals in the novice stage is the single only thing you should focus on until you are sighting correctly and executing perfectly straight. That's what I did and I've won 4 local tournaments now with many 2nd and 3rd place finishes having only learned how to shoot billiards 2 1/2 years ago. (I played before then, but it was just careless whacking at the balls) Many players skip the fundamental stage and want to get right into potting balls but then their brain and bodies memorize that poor form and the bad habit becomes very hard to break. Snooker players are the best cueists because they have rock solid fundamentals and they practice fundamentals more than the actual game itself when they are learning. You can thank me in 2 years, Cheers from America, the land of no snooker tables:(

[@TheSnookerGym]

+IFranchisedI Hi Franchised.... Sorry to say but that advice about dominant eye the is worst advice it is possible to give, and destroys more players who have come through my doors than I can count. The money I have earned from helping players get themselves out of the 'cue under or near your dominant eye' mess has paid for my car a number of times over. Knowing your dominant eye/preferred eye or even stronger eye is irrelevant to knowing your vision centre. What most players don't realise is that the dominant eye (I prefer to call it the preferred eye because dominant implies strength) is often the WEAKER eye, invalidating the theory further. This video explains why the dominant eye theory is wrong (although there will be some exceptions where a player adapts to the position they start to learn in, it is better to find the natural vision centre without forcing the eyes to relearn how to see a shot properly) kzbin.info/www/bejne/fImoq4qjndJosJI

[@IFranchisedI]

Good points .. I will take your word for it in regards to "dominate eye" often being the weaker eye. I was just reiterating what Steve Davis talks about with cue sighting under one's good eye. And I trust you both know very well what you are talking about. So perhaps better advice would be to settle the cue under the chin and nose and let your vision center take over and naturally adjust over time and comfort level when accounting for body position. Really enjoy your videos & thanks for your speedy retort haha. I wish I could play snooker again but until I make a return visit I'll just continue to live through all these snooker videos. Warm regards from across the pond

[@samfr8370]

It is very satisfying to see the shooting angle!

[@TheSnookerGym]

I am glad you liked it!

[@fradaja]

brilliant this is how the bbc should cover snooker, excellent insight , i love how every shot is centre ball striking, and how you focus on the white, this something i thought i was doing wrong.

[@TheSnookerGym]

+fradaja Thankyou Fradaja

[@FulTink]

Really a nice attempt it will help a lot of aspiring players :) keep the good work coming

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you Van

[@imanbio]

from 12:13 to 12:50 it looks so familiar to me, guess why! Hands down best snooker video on youtube for me so far and I've watched O'Sullivan's 5:20 maximum a hundred times. The camera angle is perfect and very educational. I'm gonna try fixing the line of shot before the going down on the shot next time I play and see how it works out. Thnx for the tips; great break and great video, keep it up!

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you so much Iman how did this work out for you in your game?

[@imanbio]

nicbarrow Sure! It improved my shots drastically. The concept of fixing the line of shot before going down comes pretty in handy to me since I realized once I'm down due to the binocular vision I have two ghost images of the cue and estimating the straight line is very tough. I'm too close to see the straight line there. Moreover, I realized once I am down, I also can't reposition my stance and body and especially my elbow. Now I'm trying to come up with a routine that fits me to put the center of my eyes, my right leg, elbow and hand in the same plane at the same time while getting down. Cheers, -Iman

[@TheSnookerGym]

yes the ideal third eye position is where your eyes need to be then your brain will form the 2X2d images into the centralised 3d image it needs to see to aim consistently and without compensation. please let me know progress!

[@imanbio]

nicbarrow So I got to try the new concepts tonight: I am now fairly comfortable with finding the line of shot before going down on the shot with my third eye on the plane of shot as you suggested (I don't have a dominant eye so I guess I'm double eyed). Let me tell you that not worrying about the line of shot while I'm down feels great! However, I realized while I saw the line of shot rather well before going down I would still miss some shots since the cueball still didn't go as desired. So I checked the execution of the shot and realized that my cue, despite being in the plane of shot during my whole warm-up moves, gets out of the plane at the time of execution due to the extra load of the cueball. Looking at my right hand (cue hand) I realized that my elbow was not in the plane of shot while I was down. It seemed like I would start with my forearm at the plane of shot but while going down, it would become bent and out of the plane with only my hand (and grip) remaining in the plane of shot. I believe this made my cue action very unstable especially while the additional (cue ball) load was applied. I decided to: 1- fix the grip, rather firmly, at the 90 deg angle (between the forearm and the cue) keeping my grip (and the cue angle with my forearm) very solid while going down, forcing my forearm movement to be in the same plane as my upper arm. 2- focus on hanging my forearm while going down to keep it in the plane of shot by relaxing my forearm and letting the gravity do its job 3- relax the grip once settled and go for the shot routine And this worked great! Although I have to try it more times before concluding if this is the best routine for me, I can say I was potting like a machine-gun this way! Felt great! Sorry for the lengthy message, I just wanted to be exact. I would love to hear your take on this. Thanks again Nic!

[@TheSnookerGym]

Iman Haji yes so that will be your cueing not perfect - so more cueing exercises needed!

[@Trimethopimp]

Really innovative use of a headcam. Look forward to watching your other vids. (Also I tick the boxes of all your typical club player bad habits! Time to practice...)

[@TheSnookerGym]

more coming soon i hope!

[@บรรจงศรีโคตร-ข8ซ]

รำ

[@shaunxk8]

Just watching that must improve your game, head cam really gives you a good insight to the proper approach thanks.

[@TheSnookerGym]

Yes most people would be moving their head like a willow branch.

[@mosafir5056]

Excellent work ! It answered a thousand questions and confusions I had in my mind.

[@TheSnookerGym]

+Nadeem Malik Did your game improve because of it?

[@ernoeskeli1139]

I think that when you're able to make something look easy and simple you're definitely doing it right. In this video that principle definitely applies. Amazing cueing and cue ball control! I would love to see some long pots (possibly including some table lenght screw shots) videos filmed with head cam like in this video. Greetings from Finland!

[@TheSnookerGym]

+Erno Eskeli Thankyou Erno! I really appreciate your comments. I have some head cam rest play videos. I may get some long pots or other shots up soon.

[@SnookerClubMASTERS]

great vid! "Snooker is a game of simple shots played to perfection." - Joe Davies

[@TheSnookerGym]

SnookerClubMASTERS nice quote

[@snookermagic]

Nicely played! Very accurate. Ive made a similar video with a few breaks on it :)

[@TheSnookerGym]

Yes great work

[@AJsVIEW]

This video is awesome! Thanks a bunch Nic!. I always wanted to learn how certain shots are played and watching it from first person view taught me a lot. Please load more videos like this, thanks so much for your efforts!

[@TheSnookerGym]

***** Thankyou AJ (is that your real name?!)... I have one for a 3 minute 45 second line up that I completed... I was going to play frames with it on until I knock in a ton. But so busy coaching at the moment it is tough to find the time! Where do you play?

[@AJsVIEW]

nicbarrow My real name is Ajith, my friends call me AJ. I play at KSBA, it's a Club in Bangalore, India. I wish i could play as good as you. I try and learn as much as i can watching others and this video answered many questions I had about some shots. Lol just that i suck when i play it but i'm trying to get there, thanks!

[@TheSnookerGym]

***** Thanks AJ let me know if you have any other questions....

[@AJsVIEW]

nicbarrow You bet Nic! and subscribed!

[@kaygee594]

Your centre ball striking is to die for. Top stuff👌🏽

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you Key Gee - what most players who have never made a 50 break don't realise is that just going up and down the vertical centre line on the cue ball earns you 90% of positional shots on a ton. They incorrectly think that side manipulates the direction of the cue ball, rather than the Height & Speed combo... which is why they can never improve

[@tahirpatan]

Thank you Nic. Very innovative. I hope we get a screw back tutorial from this camera angle.

[@TheSnookerGym]

I have a screw shot tutorial that you can search for in this channel

[@Cowmilker98]

The headcam could be very handy for demonstrating the effects of using side - not only forcing the cue ball off line but also the swerve effect that needs considering on longer shots. Would be interesting to see.

[@TheSnookerGym]

+Cowmilker98 Great idea - I will put it on the menu of videos to make!

[@toddlarcombe9799]

+Cowmilker98 I totally agree! I play side by feeling but would rather know how i'm actually meant to adjust!

[@Cowmilker98]

+Todd Larcombe Yeah, when I'm on a pressure shot not having a more measured way to check my line can be costly sometimes when using side

[@TheSnookerGym]

+Cowmilker98 Dont use side if you can help it. In the meantime practice simple pots with side with different amounts of side and power and distances to object ball to learn how to compensate.

[@themadsnookerchannel2752]

a nice take on the line up. great cam angle and an insight into what your thinking makes it interesting .

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thankyou MSC - much appreciated

[@aox76]

Nice video Nick. I was searching for a video like this on youtube and found none before. I hope you will record more of this type head cam videos. It really helps to understand how a professional player should select their shots and how to control the white ball from almost 1st person's view. Also, hope to be able to catch up with you in Hong Kong next time.

[@TheSnookerGym]

I have done a few more Johnny which I hope you enjoyed!

[@wiganer]

Great video,I'd love you to do one with head cam on cutting back blacks off their spot in black pocket(blind pocket).ive had loads of centuries but still feel uncomfortable with this shot.your snooker set up with all the cameras and gadgets are amazing.never ever thought I'd study coaching lessons as I've always played with my own natural ability but have started to search for help as I really am not much better than a five or six out of ten(at best).my highest breaks are 123 x 3.thanks mike.

[@TheSnookerGym]

Here is our most popular problem solver for AIMING AND SIGHTING: www.thesnookergym.com/aimframe www.thesnookergym.com/cue-action-trainer-2019

[@letsdothat]

Thank you Nic, I really enjoyed it, I got some lessons from this video that I can't even put them in words.

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you Reza - so pleased to have helped.

[@yourcricketguide8966]

Excellent tips ....best one being beginning behind the line of the shot and not sliding into it from side

[@TheSnookerGym]

Yes - these are vital but all club players make these mistakes.

[@dermotshaw6775]

Cheers dude great video. I've heard these tips before, however can never hear it too many times. Seems like something the more i hear and coaches say, the more i pay attention to what I'm doing. My pre shot routine is almost where I want it now that is to people like yourself. Great work on this channel being done. Excellent

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you Dermot... now all you need is the POST shot routine and eye pattern to be in place! (IE watch ob like a hawk until after it hits cushion or pocket, then transfer eyes to cb as you stand up and fix them on cb until it stops moving)

[@dermotshaw6775]

@@TheSnookerGym yes exactly I will work on this also. It's something people don't give much thought to. Including myself. Little differences make the difference in this beautiful game 👍

[@TheSnookerGym]

Indeed

[@richardlewis1363]

Nice video nic👍 A good method of cueing straight ,also keeping still on the shot.. I couldn't help but chuckle tho.... When you was waking you sounded like RoboCop 😁.👍

[@TheSnookerGym]

Hi Richard - yes I loved that sound myself! If only we could ACT like robocop when we played we would intimidate opponents and also never miss!

[@alihammadshah]

headcam would be perfect to demonstrate how to add spin to the cue ball without losing aim.

[@TheSnookerGym]

+Ali Hammad Shah Interesting one - I will consider that!

[@BeastMode-yg3xs]

Exactly my problem!! I try use spin etc but i loose aim on easy shots and i just want to know how to fix this problem.

[@TheSnookerGym]

Dont use spin - pros dont unless they have to. It always amuses me when club players look amazed when I tell them they are using five times more side than professionals so it is no wonder they cannot pot anything!

[@ReggieWHUFC]

great video :) really shows off a good follow through from this angle which you cant always see, even on soft shots.

[@TheSnookerGym]

Yup - most sub 50 break players stop their grip before it hits the chest rather than allowing the chest to stop the grip!

[@TheSnookerGym]

thanks Tahir I will consider getting this cam and doing some more vids - but search for screw back shots in my channel and there is one from the side view

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thanks Tahir

[@DavidsonLoops]

This is actually a good video. It won't make you a great snooker player but it will make you a more consistent snooker player.

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you Davidson... consistency first.... improvement later!

[@amarsbarr]

Hi Nic congratulations on your success of coaching snooker, that was a fantastic video and I didn't think you would clear the whole table so neatly in one go! The cam is absolutely brilliant :) I look forward to booking a one hour snooker session with you later on this year :)

[@amarsbarr]

Excellent sounds great :)

[@TheSnookerGym]

amarsbarr Where do you live?

[@amarsbarr]

I live in New Bradwell which is 5 minutes from where you are located :) I go down to the Herald club to practice. Lol :) I love practicing long pots

[@TheSnookerGym]

amarsbarr WOW - amazing I thought you were in Asia! why not email me on nic147 at thesnookergym dot com and we can talk more there

[@chasethemau5]

Excellent video with terrific cueing and positional play. I am sure many people will be able to improve their game from watching this video alone!

[@TheSnookerGym]

chasethemau5 Thankyou for your kind comments

[@zechchoo]

Very good video Nic. I have been thinking along when I miss the shot, it voices down to either I did not stay on the intended line of aim or I have misjudge the potting angle. But soon I realised that you pay 70% on 3/4 and full ball shot. But what amazes me is that your ball control after each pot, you can stay 4 to 6 inches away from the cushion but with the same stroke and strength. May I know how is that strength control, length of follow through, or the exact striking point of the cue ball? Any simple exercise that I can learn about this. Regards

[@TheSnookerGym]

Hi Jeff at the end of the day you must know three things: 1.the range of possibility of the cue ball with top spin, backspin, and also where the cue ball will land when you drop the ball in at pocket speed. 2. within that range, what angle and distance you want to be from the next ball. 3. the height and speed on the cue ball to get there one you know these you can then worry about shot selection and strategy which will improve over time and with more experience (and if we ever get a chance to spend time on the table together we can post some strategy videos up if you like!)

[@amarsbarr]

hello nic, I did the line up today, potted 14 reds and 14 colours missed the last difficult red.. but within a few days I know I can do a complete clearance especially amazing how I couldn't even make 40 on the line up last year and now thinking of a proper clearance like you here, but now I realize also how easy the line up is compared with say just 5 reds scattered around the table and the colours off their spots. somebody mentioned how 'pointless the line up was guaranteed not to prepare any player for match play' and dare I say it although it definitely does help it's just funny how 14 reds and colours felt like nothing... but 5 on a match play... haha

[@TheSnookerGym]

Go for an average of 5 or 10 line ups. And maybe try a line up where you MUST choose ONLY ONE BALL to get position on, and where you MUST play that ball. No cannons with other balls allowed.

[@amarsbarr]

The Snooker Gym thanks nic :) you are the snooker coach genius

[@simonprices]

Thanks for your post , I will give it a go. I still find that I get better potting consistency when I've picked the line standing up and come down into the shot after a very slight step forward with my right foot (am right handed), not deviating at all with a left or right movement of the head off seeing the line of the shot as with the feet apart step in technique of slightly balancing the body over. I find that if I don't do this and use the feet apart technique I have to reset myself to finding the line twice, once standing up and then again after my nose has come back onto the line after weight transfer onto the right leg. I fell this means I've not got the cue on the line all the time, I think what I then do is cue the shot to the pocket reasonably straight, but with the cue off line I feel the cue come across always right to left in my back hand. Does that ring any bells to you or are all players so unique.

[@TheSnookerGym]

whichever way is comfortable to keep your vision centre / third eye on the line of aim all the way during the approach down to the shot. i used to place back foot on loa and then tilt my head over to see the lineofaim. but i foudn that both feet either side of loa is more comfortable and has less body tension and still gives me a good result

[@millerkmd1]

absolutely love this, thank you so much and more please!!!!

[@TheSnookerGym]

+Kevin mc donnell Thankyou Kevin, did you see my world first 'head cam hundred'?

[@godwinsgaming1844]

Very well played. Excellent shot from black to yellow, and with the head-cam on, it showed how to go from yellow to green easily, although I can do that part myself. Nice idea you have though.

[@TheSnookerGym]

+Godwin's Gaming Thankyou Godwin!

[@Dugie95]

Very nice cue action my friend. I really like this type of camera angle as it shows the shot as if you were there playing it yourself. Nice work!

[@TheSnookerGym]

I have done a few more for you since!

[@friendlyfriendish]

Do u have a technique as to predict the angle to hit the ball ? I mean body postures,sighting and cueing are important,but if u cant hit the ball at the right angle ,it wont go in will it ?

[@TheSnookerGym]

amrimrn Delivering the cue 100% straight to reduce the variables, and delivering from the same cue ball spot at the same height with the same side and speed, test ten to twenty different aimings until you deliver straight and miss the black to left and right side of pockets. then you will learn it for yourself!

[@danielkeogh482]

Incredible video, learned so much, gonna order the AimFrame tomorrow. Thanks Nic

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you Daniel Koegh

[@garylock1973]

Great video! I am getting back into snooker after a long break ( no pun intended!!) so these tips are great to get me back to where I was! Thanks again :-)

[@TheSnookerGym]

Gary Lock Hi Gary Thank you very much for the kind words. What are you working on in your game right now - and how often do you play? In England?

[@garylock1973]

Nic, i am just getting back to basics. i spent a few hours in the local club this weekend practicing potting using the "line up" drill. i must say it was great to sink a few balls, but need to keep the practice going to get consistency back and eventually focus on basic position play. I am looking to get back to the table at least 2/3 times per week (i used to play 6 hrs per day when a junior!) :-)

[@TheSnookerGym]

Gary Lock Well let me know progress and if you hit any stumbling blocks in your progress.

[@queball147]

Hi Nic, I really like this video mate, can you tell me what head cam you used for this video and how did it record? Memory stick? Thanks.

[@TheSnookerGym]

+Jim T GoPro

[@sridharshrinivasan4572]

Brown to blue was well played- I feel the table has good run- on my table, I have to play with bit more power- maybe that running side helped a bit.

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you - I was under pressure on the brown!

[@johnny207]

😃 Nic, you're well ahead of me. Another fabulous video, Ty dear sir.

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you Johnny

[@lies3n]

Can you do a tutorial on the Screw Back shot? that will help me so much

[@TheSnookerGym]

You can search in my channel for screw back

[@timrileycars]

You made it look at lot easier than I find it :) Whats your procedure for finding the line of aim ?

[@TheSnookerGym]

+Tim Riley Hi Tim. Thank you for the reply. As Barry Hawkins said on TV yesterday on that match winning blue against Judd Trump in the 2016 Masters semi final: 'Sometimes you have to just pick an angle and hope for the best!' This should also give you some extra information www.thesnookergym.com/aim-frame-page/

[@underneonloneliness2]

It's just human judgment! Just like throwing a basketball in a hoop

[@TheSnookerGym]

Precisely

[@MeqoDluffy]

the head cam really helpful.. cn i know.. do u put side spin in you shoot.. or it just a plain ball?

[@TheSnookerGym]

meqo meqo 95% of time no side - side only used to change direction of cue ball after cushions

[@UnhallowedFury]

Nice, veeeeeeery nice. Keep it up man!

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thankyou!

[@DavidGarcia-uy2sx]

Nic, do you grip the cue at the same place every time? I find this helps me keep my cue straight just by observing the cue grain and making sure i pull the cue back in a straight line

[@TheSnookerGym]

David Garcia yes - it is one less variable

[@Calinn86]

can you make one where you miss a bunch of very easy shots? i wanna see how fixing games would look like from the point of view of Stephen Lee and John Higgins...

[@TheSnookerGym]

I am sure you can do that?

[@simonprices]

The thing to see from this is Nic picks the line, gets the cue on line and cues straight on the line (3 ingredients for a pot) plus trusts the line once down and commits to it. With the feet together technique of getting into position you cant come off seeing the line when moving the head down onto the cue, because the balls of the left or right foot (depending on if you are right or left handed) will be on the line. With the stepping in technique the tendancy is for body weight to transfer over onto the leg moved in (right leg for right handed player) meaning your eyes come off the line. I don't like this and I don't like the feet together technique because you cant positively come into position and you often have to shuffle left and right to get on line. Can you offer some advice Nic on this important part of getting the cue on the line ?

[@TheSnookerGym]

Very good point Simon as you stand behind the shot, do as the pros do.... tip your body forwards 1 or 2 cm ONLY (and WITHOUT bending at the hips to prevent yourself falling).... you will then be tipping yourself into a shot like carefully pouring a glass of water. do this, and your feet will follow your body - allowing your head to keep on the line of aim on approach (if you dont tip, you have to LEAN to one side in order to LIFT one foot to allow the OTHER foot to come off the ground and step forward!) TRY IT!

[@zilahasri5745]

Sir......breathing out on the shot... Do you mean inhale during your backswing and exhale when delivering the cue? Tq

[@TheSnookerGym]

Do not breathe on the shot - when you get down exhale gently, hold the breathe until you stand up when you can gently breathe in. If you breather when down your body will move and you will move the cue off line

[@sasonful]

Big like

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you Ari

[@art_films_entertainment]

Nice played NIC

[@TheSnookerGym]

zouzouni zou Thank you very much

[@jamiesnowdon7148]

Hi Nic, great video. I cant help but notice when you pull the cue back, its not dead straight, it almost pulls back and slightly to the right? When i play i can see this happening too. In my head, i would say the only difference is, you must deliver the cue straight or you wouldnt pot the balls?? **HEAD GONE** confused.

[@TheSnookerGym]

it may be due to the head cam wide angle lens - but cue feels in dead centre of chin at beginning and at end of backswing

[@2mehmi]

cheers nic.. good stuff.. been looking for something like this with explanation! just a random question.. what cue do you have?? cheers again mate!

[@TheSnookerGym]

This was an Acuerate but now I use Wooldridge and Ton Praram

[@LYJManchesterUnited]

Fascinating video

[@TheSnookerGym]

Hope it helped

[@TheSnookerGym]

Do you know how I can improve my fingers please? I would like to know?...

[@TheSnookerGym]

I always wanted better ones..

[@nazgtechanglers4659]

when deliver the shot..which is the right technique to look at cue ball or object ball?

[@TheSnookerGym]

Both are ok depending on personal preference and confidence.... but do the same on every shot whichever one you use!

[@drunkanmaster2097]

Great video, watched it a few times. I got a question that's been annoying me for years. After watching your video I notice or it looks like you don't always play center white ball (obviously not when playing side,screw,follow etc). But like When you play the green in particular. It looks to me that you put on a little bottom right? (9:48) Is this to push the green over to pocket & you still it the green full in the face or is it purely to just screw back and over the to left for the brown?. Quite hard to explain the question.

[@TheSnookerGym]

drunkanmaster No - I played that shot with centre cue ball so it may be the wide angle camera view. Probably only used side on 4 of those shots. Remember this rule - side spin makes no difference to cue ball position until the cue ball hits a cushion.

[@drunkanmaster2097]

+nicbarrow Thanks for your reply, Would you adjust where the white hits the object ball if applying side then? Or still aim where you would hit it if playing centre ball? If I am applying say left hand side to the shot would you under hit the angle to compensate for the side? Just another thing I try on the table but unsure why sometimes it works and sometimes it don't.

[@TheSnookerGym]

+drunkanmaster There are four main variables to include when compensating for side with your aim: The amount of side, the speed of the shot, the distance to the object ball, the speed of the cloth. They all come with experience, but are irrelevant unless your cueing is good enough to make regular 50 breaks.

[@b3u0c6k]

thanks for this, helped a lot in cueing and strategy

[@TheSnookerGym]

Péter Horváth thanks Peter - glad you liked it - what is your highest break now

[@b3u0c6k]

nicbarrow my highest break as far as I remember goes at about 35. I am 21 now and I am very passionate about snooker. I started playing about 2 years ago and fell in love with the game. sadly, I have very little free time to play and to be able to stick to a regular practicing habit, so it's kind of a hard thing for me to improve. however, watching such impressive videos entertain me a lot and help me improve and keep fresh - even when I can't get to the table. thanks for it again!

[@TheSnookerGym]

Péter Horváth Thanks Peter - where are you from? And let me know if I can help you at any time....

[@b3u0c6k]

I am from Hungary. thanks for your help in advance. at the moment I'm having my time in beautiful summer. wish u the same :)

[@fradaja]

theres something i would like you to cover, and that's acceleration, if i'm right i think ronnie has the slowest delivery at impact but one of the fastest acceleration's which is why he imparts effortless spin , sometimes i overscrew the ball when i'm playing a soft screw shot and the white seems to take off, when this happens the cue ball feels very "soft" , is there a way you could perhaps highlight this?

[@TheSnookerGym]

fradaja this is the essence of the game isnt it? hanging the tip on the cue ball for more time = better and softer strike. i have a new book coming out soon which will cover it!

[@jelcheson]

Great!! Thanks :)

[@TheSnookerGym]

Welcome

[@learnquranonlinebyskypetea6995]

relay done a great job with hedcaome u cont see on tv where is player hiting the cue ball please make an other video about side spin and sucrow bak Thanx

[@TheSnookerGym]

I have done some

[@brettknoss486]

Is it important to aim, or is it more about knowing where the line is beforeiyou shoot?

[@fiercewowmail]

the aiming stops when you bend for the shot

[@TheSnookerGym]

+brett knoss www.thesnookergym.com/aim-frame-page/ should help give you some information....

[@warbastard5508]

Do I look at the cue ball or ball I'm going to hit when potting? I always find myself switching between to 2 as I'm about to cue...

[@TheSnookerGym]

That is a big subject because there is the 'Eye Cue Action' during the feathers, then the backswing, then the delivery. Each needs to be addressed separately. I have made a low priced product which answers all of these topics though.... www.thesnookergym.com/aim-frame-page/

[@everythingbobbywolfe]

Wonderful. Thanks for the video

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you Bobby - hope you took something from it

[@dragos7puri]

Thanks Nic. I really enjoyed the video. May I suggest using an external mic next time. The foot stomping is really loud. :)

[@TheSnookerGym]

I will thank you but ignore that request as it adds a lot of complexity to an already tricky camera on head set up!

[@zilahasri5745]

A bit of magnetism from the tip (together with the waving of the cue hoping the cue ball can position itself under the command from the cue) .....hahaha......i was like that until I learned the proper routine approach from your video.....

[@TheSnookerGym]

LOL thank you Zila

[@sidsidsidsid]

Hi Nick. A few months ago I saw our local pro using a rubber training ball. He was hitting it without any object ball into each corner pocket from distance. It was testing his straight cueing and hitting the ball centre. Any deviations and the ball moved off line quickly. Im trying to find one. Any ideas?

[@TheSnookerGym]

It is not rubber it is plastic. I have a pair and they are Chris Henry's The Balls. This is my alternative which offers a lot more: www.thesnookergym.com/cue-action-trainer-2019 I also have this ball made by Aramith which offers something slightly different - Here is our most popular problem solver for POSITIONAL PLAY: www.thesnookergym.com/ultimate-training-ball

[@Shaqrani23]

Good shot!

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you sir

[@Jacob.Streiff]

what tip do you use nic? sound like a hard one. perhaps a phoenix?

[@TheSnookerGym]

talisman medium. much more consistent than elkmaster which i used to use.

[@stewarthills9344]

How do you determine where the line of the shot is?

[@TheSnookerGym]

Guesswork! But built on a foundation of correct learning which is explained here: Here is our most popular problem solver for AIMING AND SIGHTING: www.thesnookergym.com/aim-frame-page/ £25

[@joshspure5185]

i

[@SkaNPT]

It's really amazing :)

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you!

[@raghavgoyal866]

Hey Nic whats your highest break

[@TheSnookerGym]

147

[@glallalalal]

Very good white control he hardly had to play a difficult pot all break

[@TheSnookerGym]

Duncan jameson Thanks Duncan - that is the way to clear line ups. It is not a potting exercise but a cue ball control and concentration exercise.

[@DanRowlay]

nice work!

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you sir

[@FawitoBlues]

Very nice and innovative vid! You didn't choke your cue during your serie! :)

[@TheSnookerGym]

I was nervous at the end!

[@TheMimetolithman]

I PLAYED LINE-UPS shooting from baulk just beyond the green' 6 between blue and pink 5 between pink and black and 4 behind the black I managed 2 -132's and 2 -147's when I was Confident i could give out 100 handicaps and win in 2 shots or less I gave a heckler 100 and scored a 147 on him on undersized pockets but I was Playing everyday and had Supreme confidence now i'm not a shadow of myself doing everything wrong but IF I had you 4 a coach i'd surly have Won more.

[@TheSnookerGym]

KristaL Mac LeoD Thank you very much for your kind words. Do you play much now - and if so what are your targets in the game / what problems are you working on?

[@Panoravision]

what is the idea of having red dots on the cue ball? Does it not distract?

[@TheSnookerGym]

+Sound & VIsion It was just a ball they had on the table, and I used it to help demonstrate the cue ball spins on various shots to make it better for the viewers. As a player, you learn to ignore them. If you want a training ball, there is some information on one here: www.thesnookergym.com/ultimate-training-ball/

[@Andrinho97]

+nicbarrow do you play professional snooker?

[@TheSnookerGym]

+Andrinho97 I did for 7 years, and have been coaching full time for 17 years now.

[@sk992085]

It is a very good video for a snooker crap like me . thanks a lot

[@TheSnookerGym]

LOL - don't talk down on yourself!

[@Henman5]

Lol, I want Tony Drago to do this with a headcam. :D

[@TheSnookerGym]

We would get dizzy!

[@jimshaw68]

This looks a really good video idea , would you , or Have you , ever re recorded it with Better sound and also using the Ultimate Training Ball ? all the best :)

[@TheSnookerGym]

The GoPro does not have better sound! BUT, we may place the UTB map on the screen as a graphic to show the height / speed combos used on every shot... perhaps in a paid product to compensate for the huge amount of time it would take.

[@mmafightcoach]

I learnt a lot from that, thanks.

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thank you Daren

[@jyaseen786]

Hi Nic- I know it's an old video but it's an amazing break none the less. I'm a keen snooker player but not very talented! Highest break in the 30s. One thing I noticed in this break, you always seemed to have the cue ball in good position (just off straight most of time) it was very rare that you had a tight angle to play on. May sound like a silly question but was that done purposely? Were you aiming to get as close to being straight without being exactly straight, but with a bias to a specific side so that you can make an angle to the next ball? Watching this video gave me the idea that wen thinking about positioning of Whitehall, to aim to get a straighter position for the next ball with a bias to which ever side I would like the cue ball to go after. I think I might place cue balls around the cushions where they are in a straight line to the object ball and pocket as guide where the white ball should finish Thanks

[@TheSnookerGym]

Thankyou Junaid for your very good comment I never approach any shot until i have calculated: 1. The range of possibility of where I can put the cue ball 2. The exact angle and distance I need to be for the next ball 3. The exact height and speed I must play the cue ball to achieve 2. As such, positional play is more demanding than potting for two reasons: A. The target is invisible and you have to create it with thinking (unlike a pocket which is always there) B. With potting only DIRECTION needs to be correct, with positional play HEIGHT and also SPEED must be correct When calculating 2, percentages and margins of error are taken into account so that I am playing for a spot where I know I can make the biggest error and still be the correct side of the next ball. I am also of course taking into account the next NEXT ball in establishing ideal position for the next ball, hence thinking always at least two shots ahead.

[@jyaseen786]

very clever- I agree with the pre shot routine and go through those same points you mentioned. However, I think what I lack- my understanding of the movement of the cueball after making contact with the object ball differs from what I expect to what occurs. ie. if I expect a screback to come back on X line, after playing the shot it goes on Y line. Generally speaking I have this problem when im playing high on the black and stunning it off the cushion. I stay well clear of cushion shots for this same reason! Thanks Nic

[@TheSnookerGym]

OK got it - the set of videos that come with this product will educate you on the 12 principles of positional play that all the pro's use. www.thesnookergym.com/ultimate-training-ball/

[@DiariodeOtario]

I have problem with balls in straight line. How can I improve it? Thx

[@TheSnookerGym]

+Matheus Magalhães www.thesnookergym.com/aim-frame-page/ should help give you some information....

[@growapair100]

what cue do you use? cool vid

[@TheSnookerGym]

Ton Praram and Wooldridge depending on where I coach

[@tomappslufc7839]

Hi Nic, where can I get this training ball? I would particularly the spotted one. Thanks!

[@TheSnookerGym]

This one is better: www.thesnookergym.com/ultimate-training-ball/

[@tomappslufc7839]

Thanks Nic. What is the last thing to look at before striking the ball, is it the cue ball or object ball? Also I have a couple of GoPro Snooker videos, could you have a look when you have the chance and let me know what you think of my technique etc. Thanks!

[@TheSnookerGym]

Can you visit this link and enter your email address at the bottom of the page, which will take you through a player profile that will enable me to give you a personal recommendation on how best to improve your game www.thesnookergym.com/snooker-lessons

[@ChiHungLiew]

nice video. finally I see what I don't really see..

[@TheSnookerGym]

I see!

[@harrybeaver84]

nice job!! how much was this break?

[@TheSnookerGym]

vertigotourinbrussel i dont know! maybe you can count it for us?!

[@harrybeaver84]

nicbarrow or you can count your own break?! :)the guy who's playing referee can count ;)

[@TheSnookerGym]

vertigotourinbrussel I was busy demonstrating and teaching! But yes usually I do count my own break.

[@harrybeaver84]

nicbarrow congratulations...

[@fele4413]

Pro player, well played, you need to be where all snooker stars xD

[@TheSnookerGym]

+zISRAELz Thank you for your kind comments

[@joe2grand]

nic- a couple of times at the start you say " always looking at the white"...ive watched other videos where they say "look at the cue ball, then object ball, repeat and then look at the object ball when u play the shot" ....personally that has helped a lot . However are you saying i should now just look at the white/cue ball ? Im presuming not but i wondered what you philosophy is !thanks

[@TheSnookerGym]

Always looking at the white when walking around the table...

[@tomdude75]

The Snooker Gym what about when potting

[@baberahmed3048]

joe2grand p

[@baberahmed3048]

joe2grand w

[@TheSnookerGym]

Can't put links in comments for some reason

[@TheSnookerGym]

Better now

[@TreuloseTomate]

Hypnotizing.

[@TheSnookerGym]

But hopefully not boring!

[@TheMimetolithman]

is your cue-ball light ?

[@TheSnookerGym]

KristaL Mac LeoD No - it was about right

[@yinkuang123]

excuse me. may i know all the cue action in this video playing without any side ball ??from brown color to blue color as well?

[@TheSnookerGym]

no side - only mayeb three shots

[@yinkuang123]

nicbarrow thx master. This is a very useful video to the beginner. thx for sharing

[@babalatif6010]

Hi Nick. what is the length of your cue..? and are you using 9.5 mm..?

[@TheSnookerGym]

58 inches. This cue was 9mm but I now use 9.3 and 9.5 on my travelling cue.

[@zoeymtfitness]

Nice shot bro. I always miss ball. Is it when aiming always aim middle of cue ball? I mean always took align the center point ?

[@TheSnookerGym]

Don't play side spin on the cue ball until you are making 40 breaks Kelvin Lau - then you are ready to tackle side spin.

[@zoeymtfitness]

The Snooker Gym ok I will keep trying

[@TheSnookerGym]

Let us know how you got on

[@ScizGraffiti]

STOMP STOMP STOMP STOMP STOMP lol

[@TheSnookerGym]

I was doing my best Herman Munster impression!

[@WorldandLifeGuide]

silly question but i have searched everywhere and i keep getting a mix response, when playing the shot do you look at the cue ball, or where you are trying to the object ball?

[@BobLoblaw1985]

Object ball, look at the aiming point. Get your line from *middle* of the pocket to object ball, white ball hits object ball on that line. Cue should be in line with that, look at white only to make sure you are hitting the desired spin, when you take the shot your eyes should be on the object ball.

[@TheSnookerGym]

matt stewart depends on the player - since 1980, around half the world champion winners have used both methods each.

[@HardyBucks123]

I'm 14 and I'm very interested in snooker , I only started playing it recently but I know a few people that play the sport a good bit and they are very good but the main thing I struggle with is when I am positioning myself to take a show I am not comfortable and my hand always feels so awkward I try different ways to lay me hand down on the table and try find the right way but I just can't soo far

[@TheSnookerGym]

HardyBucks123 Hi Hardy, put your fingers spread out on the table like a starfish, pull the thumb tight to the first finger to form a V for the cue, then gently lift the knuckle line of the hand depending on the cue ball height you need.