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There are many kinds of sport that are associated with the United Kingdom, but among all of them, snooker is definitely at the top of the list. Even the statistics of the betting site GGBet shows the extreme amount of people who are watching literally every event in this discipline, because they are passionate about the rules, the atmosphere and unique nature of this discipline. But it is important to point out that not all people are well acknowledged over how sport started its way to global appreciation and what makes it so special.
The Story Of Success and Basic Instructions For Beginners
Snooker is a cue sport that is played on a large green baize-covered table with pockets in each of the four corners and in the middle of each of the long side cushions. According to the official origins story that can be found on the internet, this discipline was born in India in the latter half of the 19th century and then spread to the whole world. If you are new to snooker, be sure to keep in mind following recommendations from professionals with enough experience surrounding this kind of sport:
- Work on Getting Good Equipment. Investing in the proper snooker gear is essential if you want to hone your skills. Among pieces of equipment you will need: Cue stick (between 52 and 59 inches long and around 19 to 22 ounces in weight), chalk (helps reduce miscues and allows for better cue control), rest (used as a bridge to make awkward shots more comfortable). Use only regulation snooker balls that are smaller than pool balls but heavier to get the right response on the table. The cue ball should be plain white without any markings.
- Master the Stance. Stand facing the shot squarely and anchor your chin on the cue stick to align your eye with the ball. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart for balance with one foot slightly ahead of the other. Relax your bridge arm and hold the back of the cue loosely with your front hand. This open stance allows you to deliver smooth, accurate strokes. Avoid grip styles like the closed bridge that are more limiting. Keep practicing the stance until it becomes second nature.
- Control on the White Ball. This is the key to winning at snooker. Rather than just potting balls, think several shots ahead about position play. For instance, after sinking a red, figure out where you want the cue ball to end up so that your next shot is lined up well. When making a shot, strike the cue ball above its horizontal midline. Hitting lower generates more spin, causing the ball to move unpredictably. Above the midline, you get a more controlled roll. Also, use the right pace – do not hit too hard or soft. This just takes time and patience to develop the required finesse.
- Practice Technique and Grip.Work on perfecting your snooker grip and stroke to hit straight and accurate shots consistently. Grip the bottom of the handle between your thumb and forefinger. Spread your remaining fingers along the cue for support. Keep your wrist firm and deliver an even, pendulum motion from the elbow which generates power. Follow through the shot a few inches after contact for better control. Avoid «jabbing» at the ball. Set up shots and attempt to pocket balls cleanly into the middle of the pockets rather than landing narrowly. You could even sign up for coaching sessions to have your technique analyzed.
- Brush Up on Game Rules. While the basics of pocketing object balls seem simple enough, snooker also comes with its own set of rules around fouls and penalties that you need to abide by. Common fouls involve touching balls improperly, sinking the white by mistake, or even groaning which may disturb your opponent!
Also learn how the peculiar scoring system works. Points are awarded per red ball potted, with added points for further colored balls. Understand how the highest break concept works, along with other specifications around timed shot limits. After implementing these recommendations, even those who have zero experience with this kind of sport will have no issues with achieving great results.
The Simplicity is The Secret
By taking care with your fundamentals – stance, grip, ball-striking, rules and more, any beginner can develop their cue skills swiftly. Just be patient with yourself as snooker requires immense precision. Over time, any beginner will be able to execute tricky shots like spins, banks and pots effortlessly.
