Pros Lead The Way On Coaching Course
Snooker professionals Peter Lines and Igor Figueiredo, former pro John Astley and former billiards champion Ian Williamson recently graduated as WPBSA World Snooker Coaches, with 16 other delegates from countries such as Austria, Sri Lanka, Brazil and Holland.
The two-day course was held at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds and led by Steve Davis together with the WPBSA Coaching delivery team of Chris Lovell, Andrew Highfield and Chris Motley.
Delegates gained skills and knowledge on how to deliver the basics of the game and then how to differentiate between various types of technique that have proved successful, using player examples.
The course introduced delegates to marketing techniques and ways of generating a full or part time income through coaching , as well as child protection training via the NSPCC model.
A full briefing was delivered on how snooker is growing around the globe and how the WPBSA and World Snooker generate the best possible growth.
All delegates undertook a written and practical examination to achieve their appropriate level of graduation.
Presentations were also given on Cue Zone Into Schools and the Paul Hunter Foundation, with opportunities for all present to get involved and join the team.
Steve Davis said: “It was a great couple of days with everyone fully committing to learning new things and sharing debate and opinion. The group grew as the course progressed and there was a real sense of team spirit by the end, which we hope will be used as support as they go out to grow the game.”
What the delegates said:
“The course was fantastic and really well run. It is a credit to everyone on the team. I would also like to say that I was inspired by the work done by the Paul Hunter foundation. I hope to be able to contribute as much as I can in the future to help grow the game and inspire others.”- Ben
“I found the course to be very informative and it gave clear direction on what is expected of a WPBSA coach. It was also very well organised with a great overview of the Paul Hunter Foundation and functional snooker in schools. Andy and Steve demonstrated a very in depth knowledge on coaching technique, common faults and different methods to correct these. Chris also gave a very good insight into the child protection and the duty of care we have as coaches. I believe what they didn’t know about the game was not worth knowing. I would have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone who was considering a career in snooker coaching. A brilliant experience over the two days and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”- Lee
“The content and delivery of the course were excellent and I had a thoroughly enjoyable two days.” Martin
“It was a real pleasure, I was blown away by the team spirit. What an amazing few days. You’ve shown me a different side to the game and one which I am now keen to show the world. I hope this is a stepping-stone on my new venture with WPBSA. I think the functional snooker was inspiring and I already have a few ideas on how I could implement this.” – Jayson
“Superb”- David
“I enjoyed the course and it has given me different ideas on how I will coach people in the future”- John
“I think I have the knowledge to teach people about snooker, I’ve learnt a lot from great coaches during the course.”- Paul
“I have experience in how to kick off my coaching and to start bringing snooker into schools local to me”- Adam
“I loved the course and I have a dream to be a WPBSA World Snooker Coach, to help Brazilian players improve their game.”- Danilo
The next course will be held at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th March 2016. To download an application form and course agenda click here.
