121SnookerCoaching
I started playing snooker when I was about 16 and had to learn the basics myself through books and experimentation. Although I reached quite a good standard I realised that I had taken up the game too late and already had too many bad habits to ever turn professional. In order to continue to improve I started to take an interest in the technical side of the game. This soon included giving small bits of advice to other players in the club and as the years went by my knowledge grew.
A few years ago health problems forced me to rethink my career. Someone suggested that if I loved snooker so much and loved helping people with their game's then maybe I should look at coaching. I could not believe that I had not thought of it before. I decided to do it properly and so I took the World Snooker coaching course in Sheffield and qualified under the guidance of Del Hill. Del has coached many of the world's best players including Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Lee. The qualification also meant I had been checked to work with children.
Since starting coaching in 2006 I have coached over 100 players. The youngest has been 8 and the oldest has been 76 and I believe that coaching can help players of all ages and abilities with their games. I have also been to the Terry Griffiths School of Coaching in Wales and I have completed their course. This has enabled me to gain even more knowledge and gave me the opportunity to speak to Terry Griffiths about his methods of coaching.
I am always trying to learn more about the game and everyone I coach always gives me a new and different challenge. I get just as much thrill from helping a beginner screw the ball back for the first time as helping a player make their first century. If you would like some help with your game please do not hesitate in getting in touch.
© Gavin York 2009
