love your laid back simple but deadly accurate playing style ......you make the game seem simple ,if someone who never played snooker watched you they would assume this is so easy
Barry - I love how you talk about playing a "quiet little shot". I have a tendency to get quite nervy and snatch at the cue ball when I play, but I keep hearing your voice in my head: "Just play a nice quiet little shot"... Really helps me!! Thank you. And by the way, this open table exercise has been a real confidence booster for me too. It's a great way to get some fluency going, and to learn how to plan a break (without being distracted by having to play the difficult shots that ruin breaks). When I miss, I just remove the object ball and keep going. And if the cue ball ever becomes unplayable, I just nudge it a bit until it becomes playable again. There's no point being too hard on yourself; just keep the fluency going - that's the true value of this exercise.
Thanks for doing this video, amazing to hear the thought process while playing for the next shot. After years of not playing snooker, I have a new cue and ready to get back in to what I loved doing so much. Keep up the great work Barry 😀
Great tutorial. I've become obsessed with watching snooker, as though it's a form of meditation. It requires logic and vision, planning and adaptability. So far, I've become a half decent player in my head, now I've got to go and play. Cheers Barry.
I just watched it and I am truly amazed by your coaching. True master of snooker . I observed that Barry even replied to queries from people on this thread.Great to have people like your self helping the sport grow . You are awesome Sir
your language is very simple everybody can understand and your teaching also very simple but very effective !!!and i like the ending your talks makes very clear and understanding of your teaching !!! Thanks for all love and energy you put on this video !!! Love and hugs.from Nepal !!!
I think the break ended after the blue at 14:10, because the video cuts and the white seems to have moved a couple of inches down the table. Still, being 31 of age I'd like to play as good as him
@@andrevanderkant6616 i noticed that aswell, if he moved the ball for that shot it makes me think he done it on other shots, because he didnt even need to move it on that shot, weird
Tim. You are so right, snooker is a simple game, it is we amateur players that make it complicated. The top boys are so good at making difficult elements of the game so very simple, anybody who is good at anything make it look so very easy.
The major difference is most Amateurs have not mastered the fundamentals of the game - the basics, just like Golf, grip, stance & posture. Every shot in snooker is basically the same technique, just rinse & repeat. I play at Whitley Bay Snooker Centre (Now North East Snooker Centre) , I play in two leagues. Every Saturday there is a Pro Am, Gary Wilson & Elliott Slessor and more recently David Lilly play in these, its handicapped and great fun, amazing experience too. This has spurred me on to more solo practice, that has improved my general game including match play. I now often hit 50-60 breaks. With COVID-19, it’ll take a bit of time getting back up to speed on the table, can’t wait . Always looking to improve my game . Keep up the great videos!
Hi Barry. I love your videos and delivery style. After having two coaching sessions and watching various tutorials online I've managed to get breaks of 50 and 83 in the last two weeks! I've spent my entire life trying to make 50 and kept breaking down in the 40 's. The game plays on your mind a lot when the improvement doesn't come. My coach told me to stand completely differently to how I stood for 35 years. Believe me I went backwards before I improved. My tip for anyone that wants to improve. Imagine you are balancing a book on your head until the pot goes in. Then move. Sean Murphy will watch the pot all the way in especially when he is struggling and trying to get some rythum going. Barry you are an amazing coach and a credit to the game!
Wayne. Thanks for the compliments, its great that your game is improving all the time. Your tip of keeping the head still applies to several sporting activities and is particularly relevant to snooker players, well voiced.
Hello again Barry! It's Steven Kerr here (from Auckland, New Zealand). I just want to say thank you again, for posting so many great (coaching) videos. this one in particular. I now have 2 great practice routines that I use on a regular basis. Both of which I found on your channel. The first one being 'The Line-up. Both of these routines, have proven invaluable to me. Oh well, I guess I have said what I wanted to say, so I shall just say goodbye for now. PLEASE KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
Thank you for giving an insight into going for multiple easier options to get going on in the game rather than sticking to just one and come to a break stopped.
It was nice to meet you the other week outside Barratts Barry with my young son Leo. He was made up meeting his online mentor! I've actually been using this routine with my son for a few months before I saw this video, just to warm him up when we first get to the club because it's nice and easy and gets you into the potting action. Regards. Daren and Leo. (Usually on table 5 all day every Saturday).
Tom. The balls were in the open and in potable positions which made it easier, the main purpose of the video was to show the thinking behind each shot. Many thanks for your gratitude.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach no worries Barry. In my own game I don't put enough thought into the consideration of the exact shot I'm playing, I will aim to improve on this in the future. Cheers ☺
Hi Barry watched this video a few months ago , my breaks were consistently in the 40-50 mark every couple of frame's until I realised that I didn't have to play the flair shot which landed me out of position , I made my first century last night 102 missed on a green with colours still on their spots which usually months ago I would have had colours on cushions with the white careering around the table 😀 , thankyoi again Barry yoir videos are excellent and very insightful for a game that can be easy at times but at times can be the most hard and mind blowingly brutal 😀
AShley. Congratulations on your first century, it is always a great achievement. Cue ball control is the answer, the further the ball travels generally the less accurate you are going to be, keep it tight and your breaks will flourish. Well done.
Hello sir again, Wonderful video as far as break building is concerned. I really love your job!!!! Your videos are so helpful!!! Thank you very much for everything sir!!!!!
Yes Mr Stark, your videos really help me a lot!!! it was only after watching you, that I realized what snooker is all about and how it should be played. All thanks to you sir!!!!
Hi Barry, may i ask you something? I've been player snooker for years now, and i've always loved the game, beautiful game! I stopped playing for about 12 years. I now been back playing for 6 maybe 7 years. Back in 2012 and 2013, i had an 82 break and a 76 break, i've had many 30 & 40 breaks, and a 65 last week. But can't seem to break into the real big big breaks! But im playing snooker now than i did before i gave up for 12 years. Barry, i know you coach the great Kyren Wilson, nice lad and a great player, but please could you give me some tips, on my lack of big chucky breaks? Best wishes to you Barry! Ian 😀
Mr. Stark, As a novice, I do not think I would be able to come to the table and run off a break of 120 as you did in this practice. Since you did not miss, it did not come up, but what would you advise after a miss in this routine? Play the shot again? Continue on? Note the element that caused the miss (Carelessness, cueing, etc.) and resolve to work on that element in isolation later in the practice session? Regards from the USA, and thank you for your videos, James
James. I like both ideas of, Playing the shot again, and, Noting the element that caused the miss. Be determined to work on the element that caused the miss later on, but play the shot again to complete the exercise.
Hi Barry, as a student physiotherapist I have noticed the awareness of musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanics that you show throughout your videos. Is this something you have studied soley with respect to the game of snooker? It is a valuable asset for you to have as a coach.
dnbmania Mechanically speaking you would like to have a rock solid base from your lower limbs to keep your spine and torso as resistant to any movement as possible (strong core muscles, abdominals, erector spinae). This should give the shoulder girdle a better chance to guide the cue through straight, with the least moving parts possible. I think you see this mechanical style prominently in the Chinese players especially the younger ones like Cao Yupeng and even Ding to an extent who have very compact cue actions. But we see Ronnie playing with so much flamboyance and hitting the balls better than anyone so who knows really. I would say you have to find somewhere between being technically "correct" and being comfortable in the way that you cue.
I find it such an interesting topic how we're trying to move a stick in a straight line. I've done a small amount of looking into cue mechanics and there's been certain things that have really interested me. I think elbow position above the ball and also the eye dominance/cue position have been really interesting topics. I noticed how a lot of players considered to be brilliant potters have a 'opposite' hand/eye dominance (e.g. Judd is leftie with cue under right eye). A few other players are Robertson, Williams. I can theorise it's down to the inverted 'v' shape that the chest and side of the chin make but I could never tell for sure
Aaron. As a former PE instructor I have obviously studied anatomy and physiology and on an individual level have helped some players to overcome specific weaknesses with certain exercises. I like your final sentence which for me sums it all up, correct yet comfortable. What I am particularly concerned about is the lack of knowledge regarding the repetitive strain that snooker places on young bodies particularly during their anatomically formative years.
I saw Stephen Hendry interviewed once and he said he had a commentary running through his head while break building, I imagine it was something like Barry has done here.
Old. Its a habit of mine, I am always talking to myself during a break. Things like, stay calm, not too hard, relax, make sure you leave an angle, etc.
Nicely explained and played, you made it look easy! It seems to me that you just naturally used an element of right hand side on your shot on the pink at 11:41, when you wanted the queue ball to go up to the reds in the bulk area. The reaction on the cushion at 11:45 looks like side spin. Worked out perfectly.
Tilmann. I tried to play the shots plain ball, but sometimes I might apply a little side subconsciously, it seems to be something I do instinctively on some shots.
Loved that video. Liked the part about making sure you have options. Pool players would call it “leaving yourself outs”. Would you say that shot selection is the biggest part of playing position well?
Brad. It is certainly one of the biggest things, professionals will go about building a break differently but when you really have a good look they tend to play to an area when they can rather than playing on a specific ball. They are not afraid to change their mind either, they may for example want to play for the blue, but would rather play into the area between the blue and the baulk colours instead of running the risk of landing the wrong side of the blue.
Old. All the balls where in the open so there was not any real complications but the object was to show what can be achieved just playing centre ball striking.
Sir as usual ....You were fantastic in this lesson...And thanks for the video....My question is - ' Someday I am too good at play that I can try most shot and get the success,but other day I can't pot simple balls also....Why this happens ?.....Same ball ,same table ,same pressure match .....And my mental strength keeps changing.....Do day matters ?
Abhishek. We are human, we don't wake up and feel the same every day, we all have our off days. Just keep doing the right things, don't try and force the issue but keep stroking those little balls and play yourself into form.
First, I can't thank you enough for those videos! It's helping me a lot on every aspect of this wonderful game. So thanks, Barry! One question : I've noticed that most pro players have their grip elbow directly in the line of the shot. Mine is going a little bit downward so my wrist is bent. I tried to tuck it in but it feels very uncomfortable. Should I examine my stance to try correct this? Thanks again and cheers from Quebec City!
Eric. You use the term, most pros, that is because generally speaking when a player adopts something like a conventional snooker position the cueing arm tends to fall naturally into this position. However we are all different, so many things affect this, from the structure of an individuals joints, the range of movement within those joints right down to the type of employment we do and even how we sit for prolonged periods. Now obviously remedial exercise can assist in correcting bad habits or structural deficiencies and occasionally they are necessary but not always. As long as you cue in a straight line, are comfortable with how you stand and are on line what does it matter. The wrist is the key factor in circumstances like this in that it is a multi functional joint able to move in many directions, it certainly needs to be controlled and work in harmony with the elbow joint but this is explained in my video on the grip. please have a look, and don't worry about conforming to text book positions.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach Thank you very much, M. Stark. I'll wait a while to give myself the chance to evaluate if it's really broken before I try to fix it. ;-)
Dear Barry, my pal and I played yesterday and we had a pretty controversial situation. As we are beginners we don't use the miss rule, so if somebody fouls then the opponent can choose that want to continue or not (I hope that's the rule...). So what we had that my pal got a foul (and a miss), but the cue ball went to snookered position. If I know right than I had a free ball, but I asked him to continue, because I did not want that position. Here's the problem: does he also get the free ball, or has to touch the snookered object ball? I told him in this case he has to hit the object ball, but later on I wasn't quite sure. Was I right? Thank you for helping!
@David. You will certainly have to get used to the size because the distances involved will emphasize any cueing flaws you may have. However, provided the balls and the pockets are the same size there is still a lot of benefit to be made from playing on it.
- G'day Barry, Is it common for snooker players to have a sore back in their later years? I play regularly, my back is fine. I'm just curious 👍 Thanks for all your videos. And I love how you almost always wear your proper snooker kit. Lovely touch :)
Orrin. It is said that Walter Lindrum, the worlds greatest billiard player had a tremendously strong back because of the hours he spent on a billiard table. I do have a concern about the neck more than the back though, playing snooker requires adopting an unusual position and can result in repetitive strain. In fact a lot of snooker players do experience pain or at least discomfort in the cervical area. That is why I believe players should warm up and cool down properly paying particular attention to the neck area.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach - Interesting, thanks for that insight Barry! Loved Walter Lindrum, I'm an Australian as well. Whatever you do, keep posting videos. We all love them! 👍
Romac. Some players like to use side particularly on angle shots, others prefer plain ball striking. Beginners should concentrate more on plain ball striking the use of side and its intricacies will develop over time, don't try to rush it because it can cause other problems like cueing across the ball.
Barry, A big argument happening in Australia on social media. When you put side spin on the cue ball, does it impart any side to the object ball? I think your answer would be interesting to hear. Cheers and great work.
Steve. The object ball will definitely be kicked off its natural line, how much obviously depends upon the amount of side that has been applied to the cue ball. As for the argument about side being transferred, friction demands that the object ball will momentarily rotate laterally but will almost instantly dissipate and will certainly be of no advantage whatsoever.
Hi Barry! Very much enjoying your videos and have learnt a lot from you...thank you. I am in need of some help however when I go to my club I’m unsure what I should be practising, I could almost do with some kind of regime like at a gym... I’m a beginner to intermediate player (more the beginner side) and have found myself stuck on what to practice can you help? I could do with 5-6 exercises to practice regularly to help with my overall game, any advice would be most welcome..as I feel I’m wasting my couple of hours at the club at the moment.
vintage. There are so many routines and individual shot practises that will benefit a player that I hardly know where to start, but these should help. 1/ Colours on spots, one red near the black, pot red and black then clear colours. 2/ Pot black then pink then black then pink, black in corner pocket, pink in middle pocket, set target of say 5 each. 3/ Pot blue from spot sending cue ball between baulk colours, vary the path of the cue ball, i.e. between yellow and brown then green and brown etc,set yourself a target. 4/ Black on spot, cue ball in position high from it, pot black, white to rebound from top cushion and cannon balls positioned around that end of the table. There are plenty of routines on the channel. Good luck.
Thanks very much Barry I will give those a go with the other exercises on the channel :) thank you! I think one problem I have is cue delivery...making sure I’m straight on the shot and getting through the ball, plenty to go at on my next visit to the club.
Thanks for another helpful video Barry just wondering if you have any advice for first time cue buyers who have used the cues provided at the club for a few months and are looking to get there own personal cue?
mezman. You have to choose between an Ash cue or Maple, whichever you like best. I would go for a 3/4 jointed cue, they are easier to transport around and play just as good as a one piece cue. The cue should be around 58 inches long and weigh around 18 ounces with a tip size of between 9mm and 10mm. No varnish on the shaft, I hate the stuff. Like everything else, you get what you pay for but there is no need to pay a fortune by having one made, just go to the supplier and choose a nice one from the selection on show. If you have any doubt take a friend with you who has a little more experience that you, but generally if it feels right it is right.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach thank you for the advice and please keep up the great videos as they are second to none and have improved my game greatly I can’t thank you enough.
Hello Berry, can you elaborate the meaning of side when compared with top spin, stun spin. I believe you always said to be on top centre and bottom of the cue shot but at certain cases in this video you have used top spin of right or left side and even while playing the stun shot a little bit of right and left which I believe are not the center of the ball. Then how can these conditions vary with the word ‘Side’ you mentioned. Very eager to listen of what you have to say about my query. Thanks.
Raju. I believe in the video that I say that while I have used top spin, screw and stun I make a point of adding that I do not use side. It may look that I have used side spin because of the camera angle but I have not used it. Beginners cannot hope to fully understand the intricacies involved with the use of side, I can even mention a former number one player in the world who did not fully understand what happened when side was applied and he was playing against the nap.
MR.Barry I really admire your coaching . you are perfect coach and I learnt a alot by your vedios, Sir I really love snooker game, just sometime I have complex with my stance kindly please give me some suggestions.
Asif. There is often too much emphasis placed upon the stance, providing it conforms to the basics, you are comfortable and stable I wouldn't worry about it too much. Concentrate more on your cueing, that is where progress will come.
Hi barry, i have a problem shaping the tip. Right side of the tip gets always down no matter how good i shape the tip. When i play a shot with the side the cue ball spins more n i couldn't hit accurate shot n the result is miss... Couldn't hit straight shots either. I can feel its from the tip.... I sand the tip n get better shots then again this problem occur. I have no clue what i am doing wrong. Left side of the tip is firm n hard but the right side gets down n edges out of the ferrule. I changed the cue but the problem is same. Used a tip shaper but no luck. Really frustrated. Hope u could help me out.... Really grateful for yr kind advice.... Thanks
shafiq. It is normal for a tip to become slightly misshapen over a period of time because a player correctly uses his cue the same way around all the time. However, for this to become the problem that you are encountering is not quite normal and it makes me wonder if you are using a soft tip, cueing wrongly, chalking the cue incorrectly, using too much side, any one of these or indeed all of them. Try clamping the tips for a brief period before you put them on, this will firm the tip up and make it more consistent throughout its playing life.
Good afternoon Mr Stark, greetings from Greece, i would like to ask you something please. I want to change the tip of my snooker cue and you are the only person that can give me such a piece of advice. I am between an Elk Master and an Elk Master Pro. What density should I prefer? You are the only person that I trust as far as snooker issues are concerned. Thanks a lot Sir and greetings to Kyren too!!!! Have a nice day!!!
George. I have tried both of these and like both providing I have selected a good one. By that I mean there are variations in the quality of each although you will have more consistency with the pro tips (hence the price) there are still some inconsistencies from tip to tip. I prefer a firm tip, too soft and the cue ball gets thrown off line, too hard and you get very little feeling with the shot.The real problem is how to select a firm one, only experience can teach you that, even after all the years that I have been putting tips on for myself and other players I still get it wrong sometimes.
I really appreciate your knowledge Sir, you are right that sometimes you need a bit of luck to get a good tip. I'm mostly into an Elk Master Pro of medium density, I'll let you know when I put it on and play with it. Thank you very much Sir for your precious time!!!!
Hello Barry, Just play snooker game with a closed frame and then try to finish the table where some balls get dead or some shots where you open the break for making next balls sold. Thanks.
Barry,any advice on this issue im having?I noticed I have an unstraight cue stroke,I can fix it if I see it but then I need to adjust everything like stance,ino its barely any info but can ya help?when I have a stroke I have perfect shooting so I really need to fix this,thanks in advance
Crumbs. Try cueing along the baulk line without the cue brushing against the chest working at keeping the cue moving in a straight line. Do long, slow cue actions without hitting any balls while doing this, it will groove the muscles into correct action. Then when the cue rests against the chest to play shots it should become a lot easier.
Barry sir....i mostly see a lot of spin actions only on the snooker cue ball....please tell me that do the snooker cue ball is more quickly and easier to spin like the deep screw pull back or top spin than the pool balls.(8 ball pool cue ball)..if yes any reason....plzz reply sir..thank you...
Neeraj. I don't play pool so I cannot really answer your question with 100% certainty but snooker balls are smaller and lighter so it may be easier to screw back but because pool balls are heavier it may be that it is easier to apply top spin to them.
Charlie. You have to love the learning process, players get bored because they practise what they are good at. My tip is to set yourself targets and don't quit until you achieve them, particularly on aspects of your game that are a weakness.
Hello barry sir can you explain me how the cue past the chest and which pro is use this technique and how he do that . Can u give some details how to do that thank you sir
Nirmal. All top players, with few exceptions use the chest to support the cue during the shot. From there some keep the elbow high while others drop the elbow. To facilitate the latter some change the formation of the grip on the follow through,( take a look at Stephen Lee giving a lesson on TH-cam) others allow the hand to relax more without major changes to the grips formation, this in turn allows the hand to ease into the chest more increasing the follow through.
Kiran. A dangerous phase in the game, missing the pot but getting position more than likely for you opponent. If you are missing pots its time to be honest with yourself and admit that you are aiming wrong or cueing wrong or both. Start on the baulk line, place your cue on the line and check that you are aiming along it, then see if you can cue along it. Then see if you can hit just the cue ball along it and keep it on it after it rebounds off the opposite cushion, then get ready for some frustrating but useful work. Also check out my videos on where and how to grip the cue, good luck.
Loved that quote , "My name is Barry Stark not Ronnie O' Sullivan " 😄 ! That was a great practice to gain the confidence ...
When it comes to snooker, being Barry Stark is plenty good enough for me.
interesting enough, Ronnie himself said he always plays for areas and few posibilities instead of going for 1 ball
All pro's play the margin of error to leave more options rather single out one Red or colour.
What a masterclass! Ronnie will be worried if Barry gets back on the tour!
Daren. Don't think Ronnie has anything to worry about from me, Kyren possibly.
love your laid back simple but deadly accurate playing style ......you make the game seem simple ,if someone who never played snooker watched you they would assume this is so easy
Great advice there Barry. Thank you for keeping these videos coming.
Spud. My pleasure, we will try to keep them coming.
Barry - I love how you talk about playing a "quiet little shot". I have a tendency to get quite nervy and snatch at the cue ball when I play, but I keep hearing your voice in my head: "Just play a nice quiet little shot"... Really helps me!! Thank you. And by the way, this open table exercise has been a real confidence booster for me too. It's a great way to get some fluency going, and to learn how to plan a break (without being distracted by having to play the difficult shots that ruin breaks). When I miss, I just remove the object ball and keep going. And if the cue ball ever becomes unplayable, I just nudge it a bit until it becomes playable again. There's no point being too hard on yourself; just keep the fluency going - that's the true value of this exercise.
Mark. There is a lot of merit in what you have said, please bear in mind though that it is also important to learn from your mistakes.
I love it when you say "plenty of options". Usually when I play, I've got plenty of options too, but I am great at screwing them up ;)
Mistaken. Keep giving yourself those options and hopefully the screw ups will become less and less. Good luck.
Dear lord you make it look so easy with those very soft shots. No power needed. Just perfect!
Juha. It gets harder the older I get, but try to remember power creates errors, try to stoke the ball when you can.
Thanks for doing this video, amazing to hear the thought process while playing for the next shot. After years of not playing snooker, I have a new cue and ready to get back in to what I loved doing so much. Keep up the great work Barry 😀
Tech. Great that you are taking the game up again, I hope the videos help with your progress.
What a great player. Joy to watch
Great tutorial. I've become obsessed with watching snooker, as though it's a form of meditation. It requires logic and vision, planning and adaptability. So far, I've become a half decent player in my head, now I've got to go and play. Cheers Barry.
Electric. Mind and body work together, good luck with the progress.
As usual, top notch tutorial , and demonstration. A great teacher
john. Glad you like it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video.. I’ve always wanted to tap into the mentality of snooker players and this was it!
These videos are very valuable
zain. Glad you like them.
I just watched it and I am truly amazed by your coaching. True master of snooker . I observed that Barry even replied to queries from people on this thread.Great to have people like your self helping the sport grow . You are awesome Sir
Just a quick thank you to you, Barry. Your videos have really helped me develop my positional game.
Bob. Glad to be of help.
your language is very simple everybody can understand and your teaching also very simple but very effective !!!and i like the ending your talks makes very clear and understanding of your teaching !!! Thanks for all love and energy you put on this video !!! Love and hugs.from Nepal !!!
Very useful to me Barry thanks a lot for your time and thoughts. Greetings from Belgium
It is nice for sure when a teacher can teach, and when he can clear the table, you know he know's what he's talking about.
Good job Barry !
spr624. Thanks for that, I will keep trying while there is an interest.
Thanks for making and sharing such a nice video.
Thank you for your videos Barry. I for one appreciate them immensely.
Keep up the excellent work!
Phil. Many thanks, gad you like the videos.
A 120 break if I'm not mistaken. Very nice. :)
Andrew Mowat I counted 116 but I may be mistaken. Even in an open table practice like this where everything goes, I would be very proud of it
I think the break ended after the blue at 14:10, because the video cuts and the white seems to have moved a couple of inches down the table. Still, being 31 of age I'd like to play as good as him
@@andrevanderkant6616 i noticed that aswell, if he moved the ball for that shot it makes me think he done it on other shots, because he didnt even need to move it on that shot, weird
@@andrevanderkant6616 no it's just a camera illusion he didnt move anything
@@andrevanderkant6616 lmao nothing moved dude
Absolute joy to watch and listen Barry, thanks
Fisher. My pleasure and thank you.
Loved this video Barry - great tutorial. What you have shown here is that really you can keep things simple and uncomplicated.
Tim. You are so right, snooker is a simple game, it is we amateur players that make it complicated. The top boys are so good at making difficult elements of the game so very simple, anybody who is good at anything make it look so very easy.
The major difference is most Amateurs have not mastered the fundamentals of the game - the basics, just like Golf, grip, stance & posture. Every shot in snooker is basically the same technique, just rinse & repeat. I play at Whitley Bay Snooker Centre (Now North East Snooker Centre) , I play in two leagues. Every Saturday there is a Pro Am, Gary Wilson & Elliott Slessor and more recently David Lilly play in these, its handicapped and great fun, amazing experience too. This has spurred me on to more solo practice, that has improved my general game including match play. I now often hit 50-60 breaks. With COVID-19, it’ll take a bit of time getting back up to speed on the table, can’t wait . Always looking to improve my game . Keep up the great videos!
have you considered showing a game of snooker you've played against someone and doing a running commentary on your thought process during the match?
good idea
apointlessbird. Sounds good, I will give it some thought.
Wow cant wait to see that good idea
5 months later ^^ :p :p
Agreed this would be a good watch. I hope it gets picked up on...
Love the videos Barry, helping me get better all the time, regularly making breaks of 50+ now so thankyou!
Claranjeopardy. Great, lets hope those fifties become centuries in the near future.
Hi Barry. I love your videos and delivery style. After having two coaching sessions and watching various tutorials online I've managed to get breaks of 50 and 83 in the last two weeks! I've spent my entire life trying to make 50 and kept breaking down in the 40 's. The game plays on your mind a lot when the improvement doesn't come.
My coach told me to stand completely differently to how I stood for 35 years.
Believe me I went backwards before I improved.
My tip for anyone that wants to improve.
Imagine you are balancing a book on your head until the pot goes in. Then move.
Sean Murphy will watch the pot all the way in especially when he is struggling and trying to get some rythum going.
Barry you are an amazing coach and a credit to the game!
Wayne. Thanks for the compliments, its great that your game is improving all the time. Your tip of keeping the head still applies to several sporting activities and is particularly relevant to snooker players, well voiced.
Hello again Barry! It's Steven Kerr here (from Auckland, New Zealand). I just want to say thank you again, for posting so many great (coaching) videos. this one in particular. I now have 2 great practice routines that I use on a regular basis. Both of which I found on your channel. The first one being 'The Line-up.
Both of these routines, have proven invaluable to me.
Oh well, I guess I have said what I wanted to say, so I shall just say goodbye for now.
PLEASE KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!
Steven. Great to hear from your part of the world again, I hope you continue to enjoy the channel.
Hi Barry, I’ve been watching your videos, my breaks are in the 20 and 30 occasionally 50 ,thanks for all you do. Paul.👌
Paul. My pleasure, hopefully your breaks will continue to improve. Good luck.
One thing is elaborated practically that always leave an angle to make big breaks, love u barry stay blessed
Shehryar. Thank you very much.
Thank you for giving an insight into going for multiple easier options to get going on in the game rather than sticking to just one and come to a break stopped.
It was nice to meet you the other week outside Barratts Barry with my young son Leo. He was made up meeting his online mentor! I've actually been using this routine with my son for a few months before I saw this video, just to warm him up when we first get to the club because it's nice and easy and gets you into the potting action. Regards. Daren and Leo. (Usually on table 5 all day every Saturday).
Daren. Please give my regards to Leo, I will look out for him on table 5 when I come over.
Enjoy your videos. Thank You
what a master class and explained to detail. cheers barry
Malcolm. My pleasure, glad you like it.
a brilliant clearance and tutorial, thank you!
Tom. The balls were in the open and in potable positions which made it easier, the main purpose of the video was to show the thinking behind each shot. Many thanks for your gratitude.
@@BarryStarkSnookerCoach no worries Barry. In my own game I don't put enough thought into the consideration of the exact shot I'm playing, I will aim to improve on this in the future. Cheers ☺
Hi Barry watched this video a few months ago , my breaks were consistently in the 40-50 mark every couple of frame's until I realised that I didn't have to play the flair shot which landed me out of position , I made my first century last night 102 missed on a green with colours still on their spots which usually months ago I would have had colours on cushions with the white careering around the table 😀 , thankyoi again Barry yoir videos are excellent and very insightful for a game that can be easy at times but at times can be the most hard and mind blowingly brutal 😀
AShley. Congratulations on your first century, it is always a great achievement. Cue ball control is the answer, the further the ball travels generally the less accurate you are going to be, keep it tight and your breaks will flourish. Well done.
I haven't seen any video that I haven't liked as yet.
Well done!
Steven. That's nice to know, I hope I can continue with the trend.
Nicely explained throughout the brake good coaching
Glad it was helpful!
Brilliant and silky smooth. Oh to cue like that
Phill. It gets harder as I get older. Many thanks.
Absolutely great learn Video. I Love your Practice Videos 👍 Greets from Germany
Glad you like them!
Barry sir thanks for teaching us.
It's something that we will be better to better everyday,
When we see your videos
Zeeshan. Glad you like them.
Great channel!!! Fantastic advice given in all your videos....keep it up :)
Thank you.
Joe. Thanks for that glad you like the videos.
Totally loved the concept of snooker training
Great help for me - can't wait to get to the club to run this exercise.
51Dss. Its a great practise to get you started before you do more specific practises related to your strengths and weaknesses.
Hello sir again,
Wonderful video as far as break building is concerned. I really love your job!!!! Your videos are so helpful!!!
Thank you very much for everything sir!!!!!
George. Glad you like the videos, I sincerely hope they help your game to develop.
Yes Mr Stark, your videos really help me a lot!!! it was only after watching you, that I realized what snooker is all about and how it should be played. All thanks to you sir!!!!
Great video. I do this practice it helps me to build confidence before I have a game.
Great video as always Barry!
crosdad. Glad you like it.
Thanks Barry this video will help me alot
Glad it helped
Good stuff as usual Barry.
Really great video!
Ian. Glad you like the video.
Hi Barry, may i ask you something? I've been player snooker for years now, and i've always loved the game, beautiful game! I stopped playing for about 12 years. I now been back playing for 6 maybe 7 years. Back in 2012 and 2013, i had an 82 break and a 76 break, i've had many 30 & 40 breaks, and a 65 last week. But can't seem to break into the real big big breaks! But im playing snooker now than i did before i gave up for 12 years. Barry, i know you coach the great Kyren Wilson, nice lad and a great player, but please could you give me some tips, on my lack of big chucky breaks? Best wishes to you Barry! Ian 😀
I miss an odd word, hear and there, forgive my spelling. Thanks!
That's the best quality of great player they make look this game very simple
Mr. Stark,
As a novice, I do not think I would be able to come to the table and run off a break of 120 as you did in this practice. Since you did not miss, it did not come up, but what would you advise after a miss in this routine? Play the shot again? Continue on? Note the element that caused the miss (Carelessness, cueing, etc.) and resolve to work on that element in isolation later in the practice session?
Regards from the USA, and thank you for your videos,
James
James. I like both ideas of, Playing the shot again, and, Noting the element that caused the miss. Be determined to work on the element that caused the miss later on, but play the shot again to complete the exercise.
Great stuff Barry.
really awesome sir keep it up. thanks
Very very helpful. Thank you!
That was beautiful!
Hi Barry, as a student physiotherapist I have noticed the awareness of musculoskeletal anatomy and biomechanics that you show throughout your videos. Is this something you have studied soley with respect to the game of snooker? It is a valuable asset for you to have as a coach.
Aaron I'm just wondering have you done much looking into the mechanics of snooker? I'd be interested to know
dnbmania Mechanically speaking you would like to have a rock solid base from your lower limbs to keep your spine and torso as resistant to any movement as possible (strong core muscles, abdominals, erector spinae). This should give the shoulder girdle a better chance to guide the cue through straight, with the least moving parts possible. I think you see this mechanical style prominently in the Chinese players especially the younger ones like Cao Yupeng and even Ding to an extent who have very compact cue actions. But we see Ronnie playing with so much flamboyance and hitting the balls better than anyone so who knows really. I would say you have to find somewhere between being technically "correct" and being comfortable in the way that you cue.
I find it such an interesting topic how we're trying to move a stick in a straight line. I've done a small amount of looking into cue mechanics and there's been certain things that have really interested me. I think elbow position above the ball and also the eye dominance/cue position have been really interesting topics. I noticed how a lot of players considered to be brilliant potters have a 'opposite' hand/eye dominance (e.g. Judd is leftie with cue under right eye). A few other players are Robertson, Williams. I can theorise it's down to the inverted 'v' shape that the chest and side of the chin make but I could never tell for sure
Aaron. As a former PE instructor I have obviously studied anatomy and physiology and on an individual level have helped some players to overcome specific weaknesses with certain exercises. I like your final sentence which for me sums it all up, correct yet comfortable. What I am particularly concerned about is the lack of knowledge regarding the repetitive strain that snooker places on young bodies particularly during their anatomically formative years.
Thanks Barry. I always learn something useful from your videos.
Brian. Glad the videos are helping your game.
Makes it look so easy.
I saw Stephen Hendry interviewed once and he said he had a commentary running through his head while break building, I imagine it was something like Barry has done here.
Old. Its a habit of mine, I am always talking to myself during a break. Things like, stay calm, not too hard, relax, make sure you leave an angle, etc.
I am your fan ..Sir.. and your teaching..
Nicely explained and played, you made it look easy!
It seems to me that you just naturally used an element of right hand side on your shot on the pink at 11:41, when you wanted the queue ball to go up to the reds in the bulk area. The reaction on the cushion at 11:45 looks like side spin. Worked out perfectly.
Tilmann. I tried to play the shots plain ball, but sometimes I might apply a little side subconsciously, it seems to be something I do instinctively on some shots.
Nice video thank you Barry.
Russell. Many thanks, glad you like it.
Very good Barry and well played but you could have said what type of side you were putting on the white. Very good though!
Loved that video. Liked the part about making sure you have options. Pool players would call it “leaving yourself outs”. Would you say that shot selection is the biggest part of playing position well?
Brad. It is certainly one of the biggest things, professionals will go about building a break differently but when you really have a good look they tend to play to an area when they can rather than playing on a specific ball. They are not afraid to change their mind either, they may for example want to play for the blue, but would rather play into the area between the blue and the baulk colours instead of running the risk of landing the wrong side of the blue.
How to think, that is very useful how to plan a break based on what you have and a 147 would be much stricter exercise of options, Barry Thank you.
Thank you so much, sir with your tips managed to get break of 72 with all the blacks, although in the end I missed a tricky long pot.
Satyajeetsinh. 72 is a good break by any ones standard, well done.
Thank you Barry👍
yk. My pleasure, glad you like the videos.
Barry you should get back into competitive snooker that was brilliant
Next time I get free time I’ll try this set up at a club . Just wondered what that break was as I did not count lol
Hey Barry! Would you please make a video on how to line up for a shot if you have a dominant eye?
beautiful
Excellent clearance
Old. All the balls where in the open so there was not any real complications but the object was to show what can be achieved just playing centre ball striking.
Sir as usual ....You were fantastic in this lesson...And thanks for the video....My question is - ' Someday I am too good at play that I can try most shot and get the success,but other day I can't pot simple balls also....Why this happens ?.....Same ball ,same table ,same pressure match .....And my mental strength keeps changing.....Do day matters ?
Abhishek. We are human, we don't wake up and feel the same every day, we all have our off days. Just keep doing the right things, don't try and force the issue but keep stroking those little balls and play yourself into form.
First, I can't thank you enough for those videos! It's helping me a lot on every aspect of this wonderful game. So thanks, Barry!
One question : I've noticed that most pro players have their grip elbow directly in the line of the shot. Mine is going a little bit downward so my wrist is bent. I tried to tuck it in but it feels very uncomfortable. Should I examine my stance to try correct this?
Thanks again and cheers from Quebec City!
Eric. You use the term, most pros, that is because generally speaking when a player adopts something like a conventional snooker position the cueing arm tends to fall naturally into this position. However we are all different, so many things affect this, from the structure of an individuals joints, the range of movement within those joints right down to the type of employment we do and even how we sit for prolonged periods. Now obviously remedial exercise can assist in correcting bad habits or structural deficiencies and occasionally they are necessary but not always. As long as you cue in a straight line, are comfortable with how you stand and are on line what does it matter. The wrist is the key factor in circumstances like this in that it is a multi functional joint able to move in many directions, it certainly needs to be controlled and work in harmony with the elbow joint but this is explained in my video on the grip. please have a look, and don't worry about conforming to text book positions.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach Thank you very much, M. Stark. I'll wait a while to give myself the chance to evaluate if it's really broken before I try to fix it. ;-)
Hi great videos .just wondered if you did pool lessons as well as snooker
Dear Barry, my pal and I played yesterday and we had a pretty controversial situation. As we are beginners we don't use the miss rule, so if somebody fouls then the opponent can choose that want to continue or not (I hope that's the rule...). So what we had that my pal got a foul (and a miss), but the cue ball went to snookered position. If I know right than I had a free ball, but I asked him to continue, because I did not want that position. Here's the problem: does he also get the free ball, or has to touch the snookered object ball? I told him in this case he has to hit the object ball, but later on I wasn't quite sure. Was I right? Thank you for helping!
vzsombor95. You were right, he does not get the free ball, he has to try to hit the ball he is snookered on.
Hi Barry I have got a three quarter size table would it make any difference when I play in a full size table or not can you help me please .
@David. You will certainly have to get used to the size because the distances involved will emphasize any cueing flaws you may have. However, provided the balls and the pockets are the same size there is still a lot of benefit to be made from playing on it.
- G'day Barry,
Is it common for snooker players to have a sore back in their later years? I play regularly, my back is fine. I'm just curious 👍
Thanks for all your videos. And I love how you almost always wear your proper snooker kit. Lovely touch :)
Orrin. It is said that Walter Lindrum, the worlds greatest billiard player had a tremendously strong back because of the hours he spent on a billiard table. I do have a concern about the neck more than the back though, playing snooker requires adopting an unusual position and can result in repetitive strain. In fact a lot of snooker players do experience pain or at least discomfort in the cervical area. That is why I believe players should warm up and cool down properly paying particular attention to the neck area.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach - Interesting, thanks for that insight Barry! Loved Walter Lindrum, I'm an Australian as well. Whatever you do, keep posting videos. We all love them! 👍
Interesting you shun side as "complicating things". Music to my ears from someone who knows a ton more than I!
Romac. Some players like to use side particularly on angle shots, others prefer plain ball striking. Beginners should concentrate more on plain ball striking the use of side and its intricacies will develop over time, don't try to rush it because it can cause other problems like cueing across the ball.
Love your videos
Barry,
A big argument happening in Australia on social media. When you put side spin on the cue ball, does it impart any side to the object ball? I think your answer would be interesting to hear. Cheers and great work.
Steve. The object ball will definitely be kicked off its natural line, how much obviously depends upon the amount of side that has been applied to the cue ball. As for the argument about side being transferred, friction demands that the object ball will momentarily rotate laterally but will almost instantly dissipate and will certainly be of no advantage whatsoever.
Hi Barry! Very much enjoying your videos and have learnt a lot from you...thank you. I am in need of some help however when I go to my club I’m unsure what I should be practising, I could almost do with some kind of regime like at a gym... I’m a beginner to intermediate player (more the beginner side) and have found myself stuck on what to practice can you help? I could do with 5-6 exercises to practice regularly to help with my overall game, any advice would be most welcome..as I feel I’m wasting my couple of hours at the club at the moment.
vintage. There are so many routines and individual shot practises that will benefit a player that I hardly know where to start, but these should help. 1/ Colours on spots, one red near the black, pot red and black then clear colours. 2/ Pot black then pink then black then pink, black in corner pocket, pink in middle pocket, set target of say 5 each. 3/ Pot blue from spot sending cue ball between baulk colours, vary the path of the cue ball, i.e. between yellow and brown then green and brown etc,set yourself a target. 4/ Black on spot, cue ball in position high from it, pot black, white to rebound from top cushion and cannon balls positioned around that end of the table. There are plenty of routines on the channel. Good luck.
Thanks very much Barry I will give those a go with the other exercises on the channel :) thank you! I think one problem I have is cue delivery...making sure I’m straight on the shot and getting through the ball, plenty to go at on my next visit to the club.
Hi barry can you plz do a video on what is deceleration of a shot and how it changes the movement of cue ball
kamran. To do this I need a high speed camera, They cost an awful lot of money and I am trying to hire one to show various things.
Poetry in Motion.
Nate. Thank you, An open table is not too difficult once you get that cue action something like. Keep working at it and good luck.
Thanks for another helpful video Barry just wondering if you have any advice for first time cue buyers who have used the cues provided at the club for a few months and are looking to get there own personal cue?
mezman. You have to choose between an Ash cue or Maple, whichever you like best. I would go for a 3/4 jointed cue, they are easier to transport around and play just as good as a one piece cue. The cue should be around 58 inches long and weigh around 18 ounces with a tip size of between 9mm and 10mm. No varnish on the shaft, I hate the stuff. Like everything else, you get what you pay for but there is no need to pay a fortune by having one made, just go to the supplier and choose a nice one from the selection on show. If you have any doubt take a friend with you who has a little more experience that you, but generally if it feels right it is right.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach thank you for the advice and please keep up the great videos as they are second to none and have improved my game greatly I can’t thank you enough.
Great player thank you teacher
Lafaele. Many thanks, glad you like the videos.
Hello Berry, can you elaborate the meaning of side when compared with top spin, stun spin. I believe you always said to be on top centre and bottom of the cue shot but at certain cases in this video you have used top spin of right or left side and even while playing the stun shot a little bit of right and left which I believe are not the center of the ball. Then how can these conditions vary with the word ‘Side’ you mentioned. Very eager to listen of what you have to say about my query. Thanks.
Raju. I believe in the video that I say that while I have used top spin, screw and stun I make a point of adding that I do not use side. It may look that I have used side spin because of the camera angle but I have not used it. Beginners cannot hope to fully understand the intricacies involved with the use of side, I can even mention a former number one player in the world who did not fully understand what happened when side was applied and he was playing against the nap.
Thank you so much
Brian. My pleasure, glad you like the video.
MR.Barry I really admire your coaching . you are perfect coach and I learnt a alot by your vedios, Sir I really love snooker game, just sometime I have complex with my stance kindly please give me some suggestions.
Asif. There is often too much emphasis placed upon the stance, providing it conforms to the basics, you are comfortable and stable I wouldn't worry about it too much. Concentrate more on your cueing, that is where progress will come.
Barry Stark Snooker Coach okay Sir thank you very much.
What's your highest break Barry? ... and do you ever beat Kyren when you play him?
Brent. My highest break is 147, it is very rare for me to beat Kyren when we play.
Love this video thanks :)
Hi barry, i have a problem shaping the tip. Right side of the tip gets always down no matter how good i shape the tip. When i play a shot with the side the cue ball spins more n i couldn't hit accurate shot n the result is miss... Couldn't hit straight shots either. I can feel its from the tip.... I sand the tip n get better shots then again this problem occur. I have no clue what i am doing wrong. Left side of the tip is firm n hard but the right side gets down n edges out of the ferrule. I changed the cue but the problem is same. Used a tip shaper but no luck. Really frustrated. Hope u could help me out.... Really grateful for yr kind advice.... Thanks
shafiq. It is normal for a tip to become slightly misshapen over a period of time because a player correctly uses his cue the same way around all the time. However, for this to become the problem that you are encountering is not quite normal and it makes me wonder if you are using a soft tip, cueing wrongly, chalking the cue incorrectly, using too much side, any one of these or indeed all of them. Try clamping the tips for a brief period before you put them on, this will firm the tip up and make it more consistent throughout its playing life.
Good afternoon Mr Stark, greetings from Greece, i would like to ask you something please.
I want to change the tip of my snooker cue and you are the only person that can give me such a piece of advice. I am between an Elk Master and an Elk Master Pro. What density should I prefer? You are the only person that I trust as far as snooker issues are concerned.
Thanks a lot Sir and greetings to Kyren too!!!! Have a nice day!!!
George. I have tried both of these and like both providing I have selected a good one. By that I mean there are variations in the quality of each although you will have more consistency with the pro tips (hence the price) there are still some inconsistencies from tip to tip. I prefer a firm tip, too soft and the cue ball gets thrown off line, too hard and you get very little feeling with the shot.The real problem is how to select a firm one, only experience can teach you that, even after all the years that I have been putting tips on for myself and other players I still get it wrong sometimes.
I really appreciate your knowledge Sir, you are right that sometimes you need a bit of luck to get a good tip. I'm mostly into an Elk Master Pro of medium density, I'll let you know when I put it on and play with it.
Thank you very much Sir for your precious time!!!!
Hello Barry,
Just play snooker game with a closed frame and then try to finish the table where some balls get dead or some shots where you open the break for making next balls sold.
Thanks.
Barry,any advice on this issue im having?I noticed I have an unstraight cue stroke,I can fix it if I see it but then I need to adjust everything like stance,ino its barely any info but can ya help?when I have a stroke I have perfect shooting so I really need to fix this,thanks in advance
Crumbs. Try cueing along the baulk line without the cue brushing against the chest working at keeping the cue moving in a straight line. Do long, slow cue actions without hitting any balls while doing this, it will groove the muscles into correct action. Then when the cue rests against the chest to play shots it should become a lot easier.
I have to work a lot more on my center line shots; 'side' is way outside of my wheelhouse (but not for long).
Barry sir....i mostly see a lot of spin actions only on the snooker cue ball....please tell me that do the snooker cue ball is more quickly and easier to spin like the deep screw pull back or top spin than the pool balls.(8 ball pool cue ball)..if yes any reason....plzz reply sir..thank you...
Neeraj. I don't play pool so I cannot really answer your question with 100% certainty but snooker balls are smaller and lighter so it may be easier to screw back but because pool balls are heavier it may be that it is easier to apply top spin to them.
Sir barry stark can you explain and make video on front pause and back pause ... And how to implement in my cue action ..
Nirmal. I will try to explain this on video as soon as time and opportunity permits.
Thank you so much for your coaching lot help me my game is lot improve thank you sir
I’ve been getting bored of snooker lately and only been playing a few frames a day, know and tips to help me play more.
Charlie. You have to love the learning process, players get bored because they practise what they are good at. My tip is to set yourself targets and don't quit until you achieve them, particularly on aspects of your game that are a weakness.
Hello barry sir can you explain me how the cue past the chest and which pro is use this technique and how he do that . Can u give some details how to do that thank you sir
Nirmal. All top players, with few exceptions use the chest to support the cue during the shot. From there some keep the elbow high while others drop the elbow. To facilitate the latter some change the formation of the grip on the follow through,( take a look at Stephen Lee giving a lesson on TH-cam) others allow the hand to relax more without major changes to the grips formation, this in turn allows the hand to ease into the chest more increasing the follow through.
Thank you so much Sir your advice always help me lot
Please help me.. I am great at positional play but I miss the ball like all the time.Any tips.
Kiran. A dangerous phase in the game, missing the pot but getting position more than likely for you opponent. If you are missing pots its time to be honest with yourself and admit that you are aiming wrong or cueing wrong or both. Start on the baulk line, place your cue on the line and check that you are aiming along it, then see if you can cue along it. Then see if you can hit just the cue ball along it and keep it on it after it rebounds off the opposite cushion, then get ready for some frustrating but useful work. Also check out my videos on where and how to grip the cue, good luck.