@@paxconsciente3352 1/8 of a tip won't get your cueball spinning nearly enough for it to be considered helpful. trace of side would be as much as half a tip or even a full tip. 1/4 of a tip is nowhere near a lot.
@@nitnesto9195generally I'd say just try to use about half a tip. 1/8 of a tip would be too difficult to achieve as you'd probably play with a trace of negative spin by accident.
@@nitnesto9195 1/4 tip of spin is a lot especially when the player will unlikely be able to hit that 1/4 tip accurately and put a half tip on by accident instead, using spin in snooker is a nightmare, just stunning the ball in with center ball still doesn't mean an easy pot in this game. in pool, i use a full tip or more all the time for shits and giggles, snooker is different i respectfully disagree.
@@paxconsciente3352 well everyone plays the game differently., especially depending on their skill level. I use a lot of extreme side in snooker and yes it makes the potting more difficult but it's a lot better for cueball control (i do come from american pool background though). Honestly can't imagine much shots I'd use only 1/4 tip side on. And most pros use side a lot, I've played 15-20 of them in tournament setting, they don't shy away from it
Keep doing what you are doing Michael, some coaches don't want players to improve or they won't have anybody to teach. Everything you say and demonstrate seems to work. Who better to explain the methods? A seasoned Pro or somebody who isn't good enough be to be on the circuit. Coming to have a session with you soon.
Your video on helping side a little while ago is invaluable. Has helped my thinking on the game A LOT ! Thanks for the vids and looking forward to seeing how you go now you’re back on the tour.
Agree 100% If professionals cant accurately find the centre of the cue ball all the time what chance do amateurs have? Just accept the fact you cant find this imaginary point all the time and put the side required on the cue ball on every cut shot it's much easier to see even half a tip of side than it is to find the middle. When I learnt this it supercharged my game.
You know what? You're a great teacher and snooker player. I know you're disappointed you didn't get through. And you're probably a little upset that other "coaches" question why you should use helping side all the time. But keep doing what you're doing. You're not resorting to gambling ads like Hendry's channel. You're just putting out great content that you're passionate about and it's bloody good to watch and hear your insights. I hope the negativity doesn't get you down because honestly there is negativity everywhere no matter what you try to do.
Great video. I think the guiding principal or principle - can’t remember which - is play like you’re a better player than you are and you will become that better player. If you play like you’re crap - you’ll stay crap. Brian in Stockholm.
Biggest take out from a coaching session wit Michael was playing high blacks with helping side. Now I would rarely play a high black without helping side. Positional play has improved massively 👍
another great video Michael! I have started using helping side since watching your videos and my potting has improved immensely and getting more consistent results. Ignore negative comments and keep loading more vids!! 🎱
You are correct on all Michael. As a former Pro Pool player and Coach. I've observed this, call it "natural side tendency" in the vast majority of Professional players Pool & Snooker. I have no doubt it not only helps the cue ball move in the direction, it also helps the cue ball of the rail in a more natural angle and it will help to cancel impact throw on soft shots. As far as I'm concerned. There's 4 good reasons to apply a trace, depending on the shot and angle ofc. And as you say. Its easier to find the Of Center point than dead centre. I've seen players / coaches preaching a mantra about always using center ball etc. To avoid deflection / spin transfer etc. I belive Experience makes the use of "a trace" an instinctive choice. Another thing that bugs me is the latest catch phrase " Deccel" Popularized by the 7 times WC. ( Who prb heard stephen Feeney say it and liked the "sound" of it lol. ) I've seen and heard this excuse being used in so many ways, not related to speed at all. If you Decell. You simply hit the cue ball too soft. If the Cue Ball turns over too soon, Its bad timing. It is a nice word and explains very well what is happening but I don't like it being inserted into a players game or frame of mind, as a stroke, backswing issue etc. That's digging Rabbit holes.
Michael, your instructional videos are a sense of fresh air ... always talking about details that other coaches never address. Please dismiss the negative criticism, your videos and insights are great 😀
Michael, one question. Helping side is absolutely needed while using cushions, but what do you say about helping side when no cushion is used? Btw, loved your previous video)
You would use helping side when not hitting a cushion. It’s to get the ball rolling in the direction it’s going next for that consistent roll you are looking for. This is vital to consistently be able to get on the next ball.
Always a trace on angled shots! It helps to counter the throw I think. Most people think they are hitting the center but they aren’t and I am one of those too haha. Another great video! Thanks Mike.
It's not often you are right, but you are right again :) Considering that controlling the white is the primary goal, then getting used to hitting it right is surely the most important thing. Also when learning aiming, if you are using ghost ball with no side, then you will probably miss a lot if you don't add it to counter and understand throw.
You are the man everybody has to listen to, if they want to improve. And that's the bottom line. Done and dusted. Don't let it get you. Nobody has more experience. They think that they are better, but never had proven it.
Hi Michael, thanks for the video - fantastic as usual. I would love to get up to Nottingham from the south coast for a couple hours coaching one of these days. In the meantime, could I ask a couple of questions - Should I use a spotted ball all the time when practicing alone? And, should I be looking at the white or the object ball when striking? Many thanks, Toni
You can if you want. It gives great feedback to where you hit the cue ball. There’s no right or wrong, I look at the object ball on strike. It’s the way I’ve always played. Find what suits you. 👍
When I started playing snooker the cloths where like carpet and the balls a lot heavier. Playing with a hint of side seemed like the right way to get the cue ball in the right place. The one thing I would like to say is if you can't hit the middle of the white how can you hit 2 mm past the middle of the white be on the right side or the left side. Although I do this naturally to me it's all part of the shot. Especially around the black spot when you want to get the cue ball in the right place to leave a high black. Positional play becomes much more easy with A trace of side. Hope you understand what I'm trying to say.
How would the ferrule effect it? Surely in terms of the equipment and deflection/throw, only the actual tip itself would matter to some degree, surely? Not the ferrule?
@@Charlie.c19 Compared to brass, titanium is a lighter but stronger metal which has the effect of reducing deflection (or 'throw') of the cue when playing with side. This is achieved via the lighter weight of titanium, meaning that when the cue ball is struck, less force is going through it as would be the case with a brass cue
The lack of knowledge about helping side in the amateur world is 100% down to unsound coaching, especially on TH-cam. They have a monopoly on what the amateurs think and do. That is, until you come along and point out that amateurs are missing key elements in their game - such as helping/trace of side. Keep up the videos, mate. Keep banging this drum. You're massively educating me and getting rid of the nonsense I've learned previously!
unlucky at the qualifiers buddy i watched along you didn’t seem yourself the whole match. cheers for continuing these videos, and without much of a break since the loss keep it up micheal
Mr Holt forget the nay sayers you speak the truth and they don't wanna hear it. I' was decent club player that got into the circle of death cld reg hit 60, 70+ brks so knew basics instinctively but began watching coaching videos and dismantled my game until it became paralysis by analysis and cld not make a 30 worried abt grip, stance elbow even which ball to watch ahh. Finally dug out my old book Inner game of tennis by Timothy Galway and stop analysing what my unconsciously knew already helping side. Keep up the excellent work ❤.
The same happens when you learn to ski. At first, you get taught to brake using a V stop which knackers your knees. Only later, they teach you the right way which is far easier.
surely its just as easy to hit white with touch of side as it is hitting middle(when you could then strike the wrong side).or another way of looking at it if you learn to hit the middle ,when your good enough you have to start again learning how to hit with helping side with the different shot picture involved?
I made my own sight right from 2 pieces of wood, it helped me with my sighting, I think they charge a high price because of the training course and videos that goes with it, but once you have your sighting correct from a self made sight right, just do your own practice.
@@niallmcburney2134 Have a look at an actual sight right, and make your own, I used a 1 inch wide piece of wood that was 6 inches in length, draw a line exactly in the middle along the length of the wood, then made a cut at 2 inches then glued the smaller piece on top of the larger piece. The basic principle to use the method, is that when you are in the correct position, the line on the sightright when you are behind the shot will be perfectly straight, and this will be your line of aim, then you need to find your own way of getting the cue travelling along this line.
Playing with helping side, increases the margin for error of where the tip must hit the cue ball. If try to play middle ball and hit a trace of inside spin, you'll overcut. If you aim with with helping side but hit middle, you'll probably still pot the ball. Love your approach, the coaches have been wrecking heads for decades, mine was one of them 🤣
Exactly. Summed it up perfectly. People would rather miss through unwanted side, instead of just play with a tiny trace of intentional side on every angled shot. Why? No idea. Stuck in their ways and/or listened to too many bad coaches.
Interesting idea... But don't you have to allow for that side in where you are aiming? And the problem becomes if you play on club tables (not professional one) that how much you allow changes from table to table, even changes within the location on the same table. I can imaging other coaches not wanting to deal with the guessing game and just tell people to hit the middle, until they get better at adjusting for table differences.
I’m far from qualified to give advice but my understanding ( and my limited experience) tells me that when your talking about very small amounts of side ( helping side) then in most cases there’s no adjustment to be made unless you’re hitting the ball really hard and throwing it off course.
Absolutely correct Michael 👍👍 I have never had any coaching and it took me years to learn how to play that shot it would have been great to know it sooner 😂😂
I think this is absolutely correct, however, i weighed the balls at my club and they were significantly lighter than a set of 1g balls.. obvs due to just being old etc. This make the throw different, as does the cloth. There are so many variables in the amateur game. we are not all lucky enough to play on star heated tabled with 1 g balls so conditions are the same. does this add an argument for centre striking?
The amount of side required for a trace won't make much difference, if any, to the throw. It's only less than a tip width. My club used to have lighter balls and in terms of deflection/throw, it doesn't matter in my opinion. The lighter balls changes the whole feel of the shot, but not necessarily the amount of throw.
My question would be, what is the difference between "helping side" and "side"? I know you say that anyone who confuses helping side with side don't know what they are doing, but I really would like to know what the difference is. Also, the shot you were playing to demonstrate helping side to get on the blue, what if you wanted to stay on the green, brown or yellow? Would you not then use check side or even, dare I suggest it, play for the middle of the white?
To play for the baulk colours from the position he's in, you would play the shot with a trace of left again, as that's where the cue ball will be moving from the red, and then you'd just play middle of the ball/slightly higher than middle (depending on the angle at which you hold your cue, as in, is it parallel to the table like Robertson, or angled a bit, like Ronnie). Watch Michael's video called "How to make bigger breaks by changing how you think". He uploaded it recently. In that one when he gets to potting the yellow and green, he plays it with just a trace of left/right with no top or bottom. This is probably the shot you're looking for.
@MichaelWaring-uz1ck helping side is a small amount of side (a trace of side) to help the ball move in the direction it's already going. It helps the ball along. Side spin in general would usually refer to playing with more side-spin than a trace, for example, playing off a cushion when snookered, swerving the ball, if a ball is hanging over a pocket and you can then.afforf to put much more on than a trace. The confusion around all this comes from people thinking that when pros play with "side", they think that they're using more than a trace, when in reality, it's only half a tip of side-spin. They will put on 2 tip widths of side (20mm) which is far too much. The average tip is around 9.5mm, so putting on about 5mm in general would be a trace. Whereas putting 20mm is far too much to still pot the balls reliably. Tbh, the only reason I know any of this is through watching Michael's videos. When you have time, watch all of Michael's videos on helping side.
@@Charlie.c19 But Michael stated categorically that any coach who doesn’t understand the difference between helping side and side, doesn’t know what they are talking about. He certainly doesn’t suggest that helping side is in any way related to the amount.
@MichaelWaring-uz1ck helping side is using a trace of side. So, really, helping side just means you use a little bit of side. So a left cut will always be played with a little bit of right hand side. Around half a tip tends to be what people think is appropriate for helping side. He means that if a coach doesn't encourage you to use helping side, and their reason is "try to just hit the middle" then they don't know what they're talking about. This is why Michael shows it with the shot that he chose - the way you play that shot is with a trace of side (aka, helping side). Otherwise, you'll have to screw it in if you're not using side - basically, you'll have much less margin for error. You will have to be much more accurate in terms of pace. Otherwise, it will over-run and yoy lose position easily. This is why it is called helping side.
Interesting videos mate! I don’t have a firm opinion either way on this side business and I’m not a coach. But I wonder have you coached an utter beginner on using side Michael? I’ve played with people who’ve seldom held a cue and I’d be surprised if they understood the nuances of side - eg how much is a trace, how to hit the cue ball with a trace every time (ie their technique isn’t precise enough yet to achieve it), even identifying the correct side to apply. Maybe these other coaches have experience of this?
No I still don’t understand. I can land the white in around the same positon, by just aiming slightly lower in the cue ball? You said yourself? If I start applying side I have to compensate for throw when striking the cue ball and that makes the pot missable for me. I’d love to see somebody explain to me, why using helping side is the correct way to play this
for a complete novice i would keep them away from using side and get the potting angles right first. Play the shot plain ball and see how the ball reacts then experiment on using side. and how the side reacts with power......
I learnt to pot with helping side when I started, Because it was just easier. I can't pot yellows greens and blacks without it. I just see no point not using it.
I had a coach who kept asking me to hit at the center of the cue ball. It never worked for me, so one day I asked him to play the same shot and show me and when he did I took a video. He was caught clearly hitting side. Wanker!!
Maybe they trying to get people to hit the ball in same place regularly,and centre ball striking is maybe the easiest to understand for beginners,I don’t know
Michael unlucky in the qualifying I watched it, forget the haters, why have those who know better never played at Pro level, because they are not as good as they think they are, if they were they would have been on tour, you keep your content going, I have been playing since 2 now 58, learn from the best not want to bes who could never make it
Well my main question would be, how much does the helping side change the way you aim compared to center ball? Does it still allow new (adult) players to use the ghost ball method so they don't have to rely 100% on intuition (adults are _terribly_ slow at learning intuitively). For example, imagine if tomorrow you tried to learn Chinese, using the methods of an averagely intelligent 8 year old child in China. Just immerse in the language, no dictionary required, and you'll be a natural in a few months right? That's how daunting it is for an adult beginner to learn snooker intuitively, which is why they try to use frameworks and simplifications to cut down the problem space. Also Michael I don't know why you're so sensitive to criticism. If instead you really tried to understand why other people think the things they think (even if they're wrong) and have reasonable discussions with them then I'm sure it would help both parties to find common ground faster and would thus make you a better coach.
For me Michaels coaching may seem like it's a little bit more involved than that of the snooker coaches I've watched. It's a different perspective and another way to apply yourself. What you're learning here is that there's more to the game than the fundamentals and when you apply that you'll improve quicker. That's my take on it.
Depends on your cue stiffness and where you play the white ball.But half a tip at the middle of the white is a good point for me too. I keep reducing this if I go up or down for top or side spin.
I actually had the same row on the forums n got shot down for saying same things - just hit plain ball many say unless you using it to come off a cush etc It never made sense to me as I always used bits of h s . Some snooker coaches don't get it and i questioned myself and it ruined my game - there is a coach Brandon that explains it a bit better than most on the web in a bit more detail - check out his potting black thread Mike. I wonder do you agree with him?
I think the reason other coaches don't teach it at the beginning is because they want to get as much money out of the student as possible, so they teach the bare minimum, forcing them to spend more with them.
I like it. Especially for beginners. You worry so much about hitting the middle then. Show them how little it is and most importantly the idea, that if they can’t find the middle anyway at least hit the correct side close to the middle.
Maybe a complete novice needs to get a grasp of the potting point first? Also useful if you know how to find the middle for straight pots. Some pros avoid side as much as possible, but do they also avoid helping side?
You said "please question me" Michael so I will. For less experienced players, who are struggling to make "simple" pots like the one you demonstrated, until they know how to pot it 10/10 without side, they would take much longer to learn how to do it with side, as they there are various factors that affect the CB deflection when applying side
A trace of side has very little deflection. If people are confusing side with a trace of side then that's their problem. I used to have no concept of a trace of side, which is what you're saying is the correct way about it. This has held me back for the last few years. I'm actually starting to make big breaks now by using helping side all the time. If I'd have never found Michael's channel, I'd have still been struggling to this day. Under your theory I was learning correctly, but that is factually untrue. If I'd have known about using a trace of side years ago then I'd have got a lot more enjoyment from achieving better results quicker. You will not get to the point where you're a good league player if you never use this, and never know why it's important.
The reason you’re getting negative or nasty comments from other coaches is basically because you’re debunking them. Explaining things in a simple no nonsense way making the game feel easier quicker. End of the day, I’d rather take advice from a person who’s actually walked the walk…I.e an actual professional player, over someone who ‘knows all the theory’ but has never actually done it for real at the top level.
Don't think it's necessary to be a pro to be a good coach, there are too many examples in all sports to say that. Talent plays a major part in doing anything, some people have an aptitude for snooker but couldn't really explain it, they just do it instinctively. 13 year olds making century break after playing for a year are common enough, most clubs throw up these talents. They can just do it naturally. Not everybody that picks up a cue can be great no matter how hard they try. Same as not everyone can run as fast as Usain Bolt or fly like Michael Jordan. Genetics
@@tomsharkey243 I agree, you don’t HAVE to be a pro to be a coach, but it’s a massive advantage to have been. Especially if you’re still a current player. Same in my field of work, I’m a designer of 34 years experience and people who start in the role who’ve been taught at college or university - I wasn’t, went straight into a studio from school - don’t know the latest techniques or even some of the absolute basics sometimes. They learn faster and become much better once in the job and being taught and mentored properly by experienced professionals as I did. So my comment was personal opinion, not a fact and born from how I prefer to learn.
using side either widens your angle OR SHORTENS YOUR ANGLE u NEED TO USE BOTH DEPENDING ON THE AREA You wanna get to THE STUN SHOT keeps your game tight Michael is Right Im with him on this topic .
Hey michael ya will get Haters and Negative people getting there two Bobs worth no matter what you do in life… you are kindly taking the time out to show us the method that works for you and the largest part of your fan base enjoys it and agrees with what you say.. your a strong minded person that wont let negativity derail you and sadly you did lose your match for the worlds but so will 60+others and you didnt lose by much .. i watched your match on youtube.. you should be proud of your self after being away from the big events for a few years and its good to see you back in the mix again along with all the others and it wont be long before your talent shines through the bunch and you make your way into the Top 16 again… Many more events ahead of you to prep you for nxt years worlds.. best wishes for them and your snooker future you will be ok…
You should use the cue ball diagram so we can see how much is a trace. Thanks for the great content Michael
could be as little as 1/8th of a tip, 1/4 would be considered a lot
@@paxconsciente3352 1/8 of a tip won't get your cueball spinning nearly enough for it to be considered helpful. trace of side would be as much as half a tip or even a full tip. 1/4 of a tip is nowhere near a lot.
@@nitnesto9195generally I'd say just try to use about half a tip. 1/8 of a tip would be too difficult to achieve as you'd probably play with a trace of negative spin by accident.
@@nitnesto9195 1/4 tip of spin is a lot especially when the player will unlikely be able to hit that 1/4 tip accurately and put a half tip on by accident instead, using spin in snooker is a nightmare, just stunning the ball in with center ball still doesn't mean an easy pot in this game. in pool, i use a full tip or more all the time for shits and giggles, snooker is different
i respectfully disagree.
@@paxconsciente3352 well everyone plays the game differently., especially depending on their skill level. I use a lot of extreme side in snooker and yes it makes the potting more difficult but it's a lot better for cueball control (i do come from american pool background though). Honestly can't imagine much shots I'd use only 1/4 tip side on. And most pros use side a lot, I've played 15-20 of them in tournament setting, they don't shy away from it
Keep doing what you are doing Michael, some coaches don't want players to improve or they won't have anybody to teach. Everything you say and demonstrate seems to work. Who better to explain the methods? A seasoned Pro or somebody who isn't good enough be to be on the circuit. Coming to have a session with you soon.
Learned about helping side from your vids.. took me from making 20-30 breaks to 50's and 60's... thank you and the proofs in the pudding
Same here. From 60s to 90s, hopefully tons soon. All down to Michael's no-nonsense approach.
Your video on helping side a little while ago is invaluable. Has helped my thinking on the game A LOT ! Thanks for the vids and looking forward to seeing how you go now you’re back on the tour.
Your helping side tip helped me alot, thanks for sharing. I was convinced, as you made the maxi explaining the helpingside thing.
Agree 100% If professionals cant accurately find the centre of the cue ball all the time what chance do amateurs have? Just accept the fact you cant find this imaginary point all the time and put the side required on the cue ball on every cut shot it's much easier to see even half a tip of side than it is to find the middle.
When I learnt this it supercharged my game.
Keep up the good work mate, there's loads of us who your videos help
You know what? You're a great teacher and snooker player. I know you're disappointed you didn't get through. And you're probably a little upset that other "coaches" question why you should use helping side all the time. But keep doing what you're doing. You're not resorting to gambling ads like Hendry's channel. You're just putting out great content that you're passionate about and it's bloody good to watch and hear your insights. I hope the negativity doesn't get you down because honestly there is negativity everywhere no matter what you try to do.
Keep fighting mate , love to see you back in top 32 again
Michael, you're doing a great job and best of all you're helping me so keep it up man
I was scared of using side for years for no reason it makes a massive difference to you're game when you use it.
Great video.
I think the guiding principal or principle - can’t remember which - is play like you’re a better player than you are and you will become that better player. If you play like you’re crap - you’ll stay crap.
Brian in Stockholm.
Please share your views on titanium Ferrule, will it make any difference for helping side?
Biggest take out from a coaching session wit Michael was playing high blacks with helping side. Now I would rarely play a high black without helping side. Positional play has improved massively 👍
Thanks Michael. Looking forward to your predictions for the latter stages of the world championship like last year.
another great video Michael! I have started using helping side since watching your videos and my potting has improved immensely and getting more consistent results. Ignore negative comments and keep loading more vids!! 🎱
Thank you. Keep potting. 👍
You are correct on all Michael. As a former Pro Pool player and Coach. I've observed this, call it "natural side tendency" in the vast majority of Professional players Pool & Snooker.
I have no doubt it not only helps the cue ball move in the direction, it also helps the cue ball of the rail in a more natural angle and it will help to cancel impact throw on soft shots.
As far as I'm concerned. There's 4 good reasons to apply a trace, depending on the shot and angle ofc. And as you say. Its easier to find the Of Center point than dead centre.
I've seen players / coaches preaching a mantra about always using center ball etc. To avoid deflection / spin transfer etc. I belive Experience makes the use of "a trace" an instinctive choice.
Another thing that bugs me is the latest catch phrase " Deccel" Popularized by the 7 times WC. ( Who prb heard stephen Feeney say it and liked the "sound" of it lol. )
I've seen and heard this excuse being used in so many ways, not related to speed at all. If you Decell. You simply hit the cue ball too soft. If the Cue Ball turns over too soon, Its bad timing.
It is a nice word and explains very well what is happening but I don't like it being inserted into a players game or frame of mind, as a stroke, backswing issue etc. That's digging Rabbit holes.
Another wonderful and insightful video
Michael, your instructional videos are a sense of fresh air ... always talking about details that other coaches never address. Please dismiss the negative criticism, your videos and insights are great 😀
Michael, one question. Helping side is absolutely needed while using cushions, but what do you say about helping side when no cushion is used?
Btw, loved your previous video)
You would use helping side when not hitting a cushion. It’s to get the ball rolling in the direction it’s going next for that consistent roll you are looking for.
This is vital to consistently be able to get on the next ball.
Always a trace on angled shots! It helps to counter the throw I think. Most people think they are hitting the center but they aren’t and I am one of those too haha. Another great video! Thanks Mike.
It's not often you are right, but you are right again :) Considering that controlling the white is the primary goal, then getting used to hitting it right is surely the most important thing. Also when learning aiming, if you are using ghost ball with no side, then you will probably miss a lot if you don't add it to counter and understand throw.
You are the man everybody has to listen to, if they want to improve.
And that's the bottom line.
Done and dusted.
Don't let it get you.
Nobody has more experience.
They think that they are better, but never had proven it.
if you've got haters you are doing something right! Great vid
Hi Michael, thanks for the video - fantastic as usual. I would love to get up to Nottingham from the south coast for a couple hours coaching one of these days. In the meantime, could I ask a couple of questions - Should I use a spotted ball all the time when practicing alone? And, should I be looking at the white or the object ball when striking? Many thanks, Toni
You can if you want. It gives great feedback to where you hit the cue ball.
There’s no right or wrong, I look at the object ball on strike. It’s the way I’ve always played. Find what suits you. 👍
If you was using a nic barrow ultimate training ball, what number would that be please
Micheal your pure quality....gutted you lost ..iam on seniors tour and love a day with you..sending love sii
When I started playing snooker the cloths where like carpet and the balls a lot heavier. Playing with a hint of side seemed like the right way to get the cue ball in the right place. The one thing I would like to say is if you can't hit the middle of the white how can you hit 2 mm past the middle of the white be on the right side or the left side. Although I do this naturally to me it's all part of the shot. Especially around the black spot when you want to get the cue ball in the right place to leave a high black. Positional play becomes much more easy with A trace of side. Hope you understand what I'm trying to say.
Makes total sense!
I couldn't agree more with this , as terrible as I am if I know a shot needs side im going to play it regardless, and at least give myself a chance
Michael, how much difference does using a titanium ferrule make to the method of using a trace of side?
How would the ferrule effect it? Surely in terms of the equipment and deflection/throw, only the actual tip itself would matter to some degree, surely? Not the ferrule?
@@Charlie.c19 Compared to brass, titanium is a lighter but stronger metal which has the effect of reducing deflection (or 'throw') of the cue when playing with side. This is achieved via the lighter weight of titanium, meaning that when the cue ball is struck, less force is going through it as would be the case with a brass cue
@@wiganer9912 interesting, never looked into it.
The lack of knowledge about helping side in the amateur world is 100% down to unsound coaching, especially on TH-cam. They have a monopoly on what the amateurs think and do. That is, until you come along and point out that amateurs are missing key elements in their game - such as helping/trace of side.
Keep up the videos, mate. Keep banging this drum. You're massively educating me and getting rid of the nonsense I've learned previously!
100% correct Michael 👍 looking forward to seeing you succeed this year on the tour. Best snooker channel on TH-cam 👍
So Micheal,do you ever play shots apart from dead straight ..obvs,,sorry couldnt help myself,just centre ball?
Spot on 👍👍
Makes perfect sense 👌🏻👍🏻
Mr Holt, where do you coach and what are the rates please Sir?
Hello. I coach from Nottingham or online.
Email me on michaelholtsnooker@outlook.com
👍
unlucky at the qualifiers buddy i watched along you didn’t seem yourself the whole match. cheers for continuing these videos, and without much of a break since the loss keep it up micheal
Great content once again
Mr Holt forget the nay sayers you speak the truth and they don't wanna hear it. I' was decent club player that got into the circle of death cld reg hit 60, 70+ brks so knew basics instinctively but began watching coaching videos and dismantled my game until it became paralysis by analysis and cld not make a 30 worried abt grip, stance elbow even which ball to watch ahh. Finally dug out my old book Inner game of tennis by Timothy Galway and stop analysing what my unconsciously knew already helping side. Keep up the excellent work ❤.
good sensible advice. Yoda of the snooker table
Very flattered from your compliment I am. 😃
The same happens when you learn to ski. At first, you get taught to brake using a V stop which knackers your knees. Only later, they teach you the right way which is far easier.
Can someone explain why it helps? And would it help in pool?
Micheal don’t worry what haters say your great and I love your content
I’ve always use side , it’s kind of natural to do the only shots that are difficult to play with side are long shots
surely its just as easy to hit white with touch of side as it is hitting middle(when you could then strike the wrong side).or another way of looking at it if you learn to hit the middle ,when your good enough you have to start again learning how to hit with helping side with the different shot picture involved?
Love your videos Michael, can you give your thoughts on SightRight, is it a gimmick?
I made my own sight right from 2 pieces of wood, it helped me with my sighting, I think they charge a high price because of the training course and videos that goes with it, but once you have your sighting correct from a self made sight right, just do your own practice.
How do you make it from 2 pieces of wood, really appriciate any advice to make my own and save money on the expensive lessons they charge
@@niallmcburney2134 Have a look at an actual sight right, and make your own, I used a 1 inch wide piece of wood that was 6 inches in length, draw a line exactly in the middle along the length of the wood, then made a cut at 2 inches then glued the smaller piece on top of the larger piece. The basic principle to use the method, is that when you are in the correct position, the line on the sightright when you are behind the shot will be perfectly straight, and this will be your line of aim, then you need to find your own way of getting the cue travelling along this line.
Thank you so much for your response, this will hopefully save me a fortune on expensive sightright lessons and make me a better player
When/how do you know if you need the side or no side
He uses a trace (less than a tip width) of side on every angled pot
I play less than 1/8 cut shot with middle white, everything else with helping side.
Playing with helping side, increases the margin for error of where the tip must hit the cue ball. If try to play middle ball and hit a trace of inside spin, you'll overcut. If you aim with with helping side but hit middle, you'll probably still pot the ball.
Love your approach, the coaches have been wrecking heads for decades, mine was one of them 🤣
Exactly. Summed it up perfectly.
People would rather miss through unwanted side, instead of just play with a tiny trace of intentional side on every angled shot. Why? No idea. Stuck in their ways and/or listened to too many bad coaches.
This is true. 👍
Hii sir, you will be criticized sir because you are doing it right keeping it real! It's very clear. Thank you 🙏 from hyderabad india.
Interesting idea... But don't you have to allow for that side in where you are aiming? And the problem becomes if you play on club tables (not professional one) that how much you allow changes from table to table, even changes within the location on the same table.
I can imaging other coaches not wanting to deal with the guessing game and just tell people to hit the middle, until they get better at adjusting for table differences.
I’m far from qualified to give advice but my understanding ( and my limited experience) tells me that when your talking about very small amounts of side ( helping side) then in most cases there’s no adjustment to be made unless you’re hitting the ball really hard and throwing it off course.
Headcam a must for all viewers 👍 to learn better
Absolutely correct Michael 👍👍 I have never had any coaching and it took me years to learn how to play that shot it would have been great to know it sooner 😂😂
I think this is absolutely correct, however, i weighed the balls at my club and they were significantly lighter than a set of 1g balls.. obvs due to just being old etc. This make the throw different, as does the cloth. There are so many variables in the amateur game. we are not all lucky enough to play on star heated tabled with 1 g balls so conditions are the same. does this add an argument for centre striking?
The amount of side required for a trace won't make much difference, if any, to the throw. It's only less than a tip width. My club used to have lighter balls and in terms of deflection/throw, it doesn't matter in my opinion. The lighter balls changes the whole feel of the shot, but not necessarily the amount of throw.
Michael my son and I love your videos. If we could afford a few lessons with yourself. We would 100% get your help with improving
My question would be, what is the difference between "helping side" and "side"?
I know you say that anyone who confuses helping side with side don't know what they are doing, but I really would like to know what the difference is.
Also, the shot you were playing to demonstrate helping side to get on the blue, what if you wanted to stay on the green, brown or yellow? Would you not then use check side or even, dare I suggest it, play for the middle of the white?
To play for the baulk colours from the position he's in, you would play the shot with a trace of left again, as that's where the cue ball will be moving from the red, and then you'd just play middle of the ball/slightly higher than middle (depending on the angle at which you hold your cue, as in, is it parallel to the table like Robertson, or angled a bit, like Ronnie).
Watch Michael's video called "How to make bigger breaks by changing how you think". He uploaded it recently. In that one when he gets to potting the yellow and green, he plays it with just a trace of left/right with no top or bottom. This is probably the shot you're looking for.
@@Charlie.c19 But what’s the difference between helping side and side?
@MichaelWaring-uz1ck helping side is a small amount of side (a trace of side) to help the ball move in the direction it's already going. It helps the ball along. Side spin in general would usually refer to playing with more side-spin than a trace, for example, playing off a cushion when snookered, swerving the ball, if a ball is hanging over a pocket and you can then.afforf to put much more on than a trace.
The confusion around all this comes from people thinking that when pros play with "side", they think that they're using more than a trace, when in reality, it's only half a tip of side-spin. They will put on 2 tip widths of side (20mm) which is far too much. The average tip is around 9.5mm, so putting on about 5mm in general would be a trace. Whereas putting 20mm is far too much to still pot the balls reliably.
Tbh, the only reason I know any of this is through watching Michael's videos. When you have time, watch all of Michael's videos on helping side.
@@Charlie.c19 But Michael stated categorically that any coach who doesn’t understand the difference between helping side and side, doesn’t know what they are talking about.
He certainly doesn’t suggest that helping side is in any way related to the amount.
@MichaelWaring-uz1ck helping side is using a trace of side. So, really, helping side just means you use a little bit of side. So a left cut will always be played with a little bit of right hand side. Around half a tip tends to be what people think is appropriate for helping side.
He means that if a coach doesn't encourage you to use helping side, and their reason is "try to just hit the middle" then they don't know what they're talking about.
This is why Michael shows it with the shot that he chose - the way you play that shot is with a trace of side (aka, helping side). Otherwise, you'll have to screw it in if you're not using side - basically, you'll have much less margin for error. You will have to be much more accurate in terms of pace. Otherwise, it will over-run and yoy lose position easily. This is why it is called helping side.
Interesting videos mate! I don’t have a firm opinion either way on this side business and I’m not a coach. But I wonder have you coached an utter beginner on using side Michael? I’ve played with people who’ve seldom held a cue and I’d be surprised if they understood the nuances of side - eg how much is a trace, how to hit the cue ball with a trace every time (ie their technique isn’t precise enough yet to achieve it), even identifying the correct side to apply. Maybe these other coaches have experience of this?
I have coached beginners and it’s very important to start aiming for the correct part of the cue ball from day 1.
No I still don’t understand.
I can land the white in around the same positon, by just aiming slightly lower in the cue ball? You said yourself?
If I start applying side I have to compensate for throw when striking the cue ball and that makes the pot missable for me.
I’d love to see somebody explain to me, why using helping side is the correct way to play this
The trace of side will mean there is very very little deflection.
Makes sense to me.
for a complete novice i would keep them away from using side and get the potting angles right first. Play the shot plain ball and see how the ball reacts then experiment on using side. and how the side reacts with power......
I learnt to pot with helping side when I started, Because it was just easier. I can't pot yellows greens and blacks without it. I just see no point not using it.
Coaches want that so they can keep the pupil coming, meaning more sessions, meaning more money! Well put Michael.
I had a coach who kept asking me to hit at the center of the cue ball. It never worked for me, so one day I asked him to play the same shot and show me and when he did I took a video. He was caught clearly hitting side. Wanker!!
Maybe they trying to get people to hit the ball in same place regularly,and centre ball striking is maybe the easiest to understand for beginners,I don’t know
Michael unlucky in the qualifying I watched it, forget the haters, why have those who know better never played at Pro level, because they are not as good as they think they are, if they were they would have been on tour, you keep your content going, I have been playing since 2 now 58, learn from the best not want to bes who could never make it
Well my main question would be, how much does the helping side change the way you aim compared to center ball? Does it still allow new (adult) players to use the ghost ball method so they don't have to rely 100% on intuition (adults are _terribly_ slow at learning intuitively). For example, imagine if tomorrow you tried to learn Chinese, using the methods of an averagely intelligent 8 year old child in China. Just immerse in the language, no dictionary required, and you'll be a natural in a few months right? That's how daunting it is for an adult beginner to learn snooker intuitively, which is why they try to use frameworks and simplifications to cut down the problem space. Also Michael I don't know why you're so sensitive to criticism. If instead you really tried to understand why other people think the things they think (even if they're wrong) and have reasonable discussions with them then I'm sure it would help both parties to find common ground faster and would thus make you a better coach.
If you aim middle on a cut shot most times your naturally going to impart helping side because you wont hit centre ball.
For me Michaels coaching may seem like it's a little bit more involved than that of the snooker coaches I've watched. It's a different perspective and another way to apply yourself. What you're learning here is that there's more to the game than the fundamentals and when you apply that you'll improve quicker. That's my take on it.
How close is helping side to middle.
Less than a tip width. Half a tip, I'd say
Depends on your cue stiffness and where you play the white ball.But half a tip at the middle of the white is a good point for me too. I keep reducing this if I go up or down for top or side spin.
I actually had the same row on the forums n got shot down for saying same things - just hit plain ball many say unless you using it to come off a cush etc It never made sense to me as I always used bits of h s . Some snooker coaches don't get it and i questioned myself and it ruined my game - there is a coach Brandon that explains it a bit better than most on the web in a bit more detail - check out his potting black thread Mike. I wonder do you agree with him?
I think the reason other coaches don't teach it at the beginning is because they want to get as much money out of the student as possible, so they teach the bare minimum, forcing them to spend more with them.
I like it. Especially for beginners. You worry so much about hitting the middle then. Show them how little it is and most importantly the idea, that if they can’t find the middle anyway at least hit the correct side close to the middle.
Why don't you show the difference between the two shots?
One middle of the cue ball, and one with the trace of left.
To show what the difference is...
Maybe the slower you learn the more they earn 🤔
That's it pal.
I think you are rigth but you cant know where a trace of sie is unless you have a decent idea where centere is rigth?
Maybe a complete novice needs to get a grasp of the potting point first? Also useful if you know how to find the middle for straight pots. Some pros avoid side as much as possible, but do they also avoid helping side?
You said "please question me" Michael so I will. For less experienced players, who are struggling to make "simple" pots like the one you demonstrated, until they know how to pot it 10/10 without side, they would take much longer to learn how to do it with side, as they there are various factors that affect the CB deflection when applying side
A trace of side has very little deflection. If people are confusing side with a trace of side then that's their problem.
I used to have no concept of a trace of side, which is what you're saying is the correct way about it. This has held me back for the last few years. I'm actually starting to make big breaks now by using helping side all the time. If I'd have never found Michael's channel, I'd have still been struggling to this day.
Under your theory I was learning correctly, but that is factually untrue. If I'd have known about using a trace of side years ago then I'd have got a lot more enjoyment from achieving better results quicker. You will not get to the point where you're a good league player if you never use this, and never know why it's important.
Also, what is the use in playing the shot incorrectly, but the ball goes in. If anything, you'll wrongly assume that you're playing properly.
Thanks @@Charlie.c19 - even a small amount of deflection needs a lot of attention for an inexperienced player
It takes no more attention than trying to hit the middle which is really hard to do. Professionals struggle to hit the middle.
The reason you’re getting negative or nasty comments from other coaches is basically because you’re debunking them. Explaining things in a simple no nonsense way making the game feel easier quicker. End of the day, I’d rather take advice from a person who’s actually walked the walk…I.e an actual professional player, over someone who ‘knows all the theory’ but has never actually done it for real at the top level.
Don't think it's necessary to be a pro to be a good coach, there are too many examples in all sports to say that.
Talent plays a major part in doing anything, some people have an aptitude for snooker but couldn't really explain it, they just do it instinctively. 13 year olds making century break after playing for a year are common enough, most clubs throw up these talents. They can just do it naturally. Not everybody that picks up a cue can be great no matter how hard they try. Same as not everyone can run as fast as Usain Bolt or fly like Michael Jordan. Genetics
@@tomsharkey243 I agree, you don’t HAVE to be a pro to be a coach, but it’s a massive advantage to have been. Especially if you’re still a current player.
Same in my field of work, I’m a designer of 34 years experience and people who start in the role who’ve been taught at college or university - I wasn’t, went straight into a studio from school - don’t know the latest techniques or even some of the absolute basics sometimes. They learn faster and become much better once in the job and being taught and mentored properly by experienced professionals as I did.
So my comment was personal opinion, not a fact and born from how I prefer to learn.
using side either widens your angle OR SHORTENS YOUR ANGLE u NEED TO USE BOTH DEPENDING ON THE AREA You wanna get to THE STUN SHOT keeps your game tight Michael is Right Im with him on this topic .
Hey michael ya will get Haters and Negative people getting there two Bobs worth no matter what you do in life… you are kindly taking the time out to show us the method that works for you and the largest part of your fan base enjoys it and agrees with what you say.. your a strong minded person that wont let negativity derail you and sadly you did lose your match for the worlds but so will 60+others and you didnt lose by much .. i watched your match on youtube.. you should be proud of your self after being away from the big events for a few years and its good to see you back in the mix again along with all the others and it wont be long before your talent shines through the bunch and you make your way into the Top 16 again… Many more events ahead of you to prep you for nxt years worlds.. best wishes for them and your snooker future you will be ok…
I win the lottery hes coming to Canada might get incentive to become a player again SnooKer is 1 tough game to be a Winner at