World Snooker Coaching Course great success
The World Snooker coaching team of Steve Davis, Terry Griffiths and Chris Lovell delivered its first course at the World Snooker Academy in March.
This new and innovative coaching programme, developed by the WPBSA, centres around three areas.
The Basics – led by Terry Griffiths, this section ensures that the coach can safely go away knowing that he or she can instruct the basics of the game to any player.
Technique – led by Steve Davis. This is a unique opportunity to learn at first hand from a six times World Champion how technique can influence success. Using current playing examples, Steve engages the group through small workshops to analyse, practice and answer questions on all those things a player may ask of their coach.
The roles and responsibilities of a World Snooker coach – led by Chris Lovell. This much anticipated part of the course for the first time examines what is expected of a World Snooker Coach and their responsibilities to safeguarding/child protection, preparing an exciting development programme for a player and most importantly how to market and promote themselves in their area.
Coaching Students at The Academy, Sheffield
The emphasis is all about creating and developing the team. Chris Lovell said: “I’ve been blessed that since the age of 16, I’ve been in and around a culture that puts its people and the team first, thanks to my employers North Lancs Training Group. For over 41 years Jim Harkness MBE, the man behind the group, has taught me a philosophy that in business if you bring companies together and encourage them to work together and mix socially, they will pool their resources and generate new ideas, which will develop into better ways of delivery.
“This is key to the course…14 people came together not knowing each other, but within two hours they were beginning to share their ideas to examine the basics of snooker coaching. This strength grew throughout the two days, which included a social evening in the heart of Sheffield.
“The honour of earning the World Snooker coaching badge was also integral to the course, with all successful participants being given a polo shirt, jacket, bag and presentation folder, all branded with the WPBSA and World Snooker logos. This will enable them to be fully professional when they are growing the game in their areas.”
You’re never on your own with the WPBSA…that was also a strong message from the team that once coaches go back to their areas, the y have the full support from Steve, Chris and Terry.
Regular get togethers are planned in the form of workshops and seminars. Support from the top is key and WPBSA Chairman, Jason Fergurson opened the course and took part in the initial ice breaker.
The group was made up of people from the UK, Israel and Germany.
Steve Davis said: “The atmosphere and camaraderie level among the group was excellent. Everyone went away inspired and feeling that they could make a real difference to the participation levels of snooker in their area, and that’s what this new programme is all about.”
Steve has also set up a Facebook page for the members of the coaching team - CLICK HERE
The next course is scheduled for July; dates to be confirmed. For more information and to download an application form, CLICK HERE
What course participants said:
“I really want to thank you for your hospitality over the last two days. I was very apprehensive about the course and in awe of meeting Steve Davis and Terry Griffiths, but that was short lived as they were great fun and put us all at ease straight away. I can’t believe how much I have learnt during this two day period and again I put this down to your ability to make people feel at home”. Just wished it could have gone on for another couple of weeks! Can’t wait for the seminars”.
Luke Walker
“Hi Chris, just wanted to thank you again for organising the coaching course these past two days. It’s difficult to put into words just how inspirational it was. At first my intention was to be able to simply help people become better players and perhaps help to introduce people to the game. The work you have done, however, opened my eyes to how much good can be achieved through the game we love. As I said, the empowered feeling I have to extend your work in my area is immense. Please do pass on my thanks to Steve, Terry, Jason and Andrew as the whole team was instrumental in the success of the course. Thanks again.”
Andrew Green (a very proud World Snooker Coach!)
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to become a World Snooker Coach. I wear the polo shirt and jacket with a great sense of pride. I regard this as one of the great achievements of my life. Of course I realise that the real work is about to begin.”
Tom Wright
“Just wanted to say a big thank you for the course put on in Sheffield this week. It was great to meet you all and to hear your thoughts on the game, technical blueprints and how to enthuse others and grow the game. Overall the event has left me feeling that snooker is once again in good hands”.
Ben Truppin
“Thanks again for yours and Steve’s time and effort with the course. Everybody back here’s really pleased I passed. I am being interviewed this week by a Rotherham/Barnsley business magazine. Our club is 80 years old in May so we have arranged with the council’s events team and ACT for Rotherham to have marquees in the town square on Saturday 7th May. We are putting up tow 6ft tables so the kids can have a free go at the sixty second challenge and the winner gets a free session with their school mates and some coaching at the club. This initiative I have taken from the course”.
Richard France
“Thank you for the two beautiful days. To me it was a great experience to be there. The intensive work on our skills, lead by Steve, Terry and Chris gave me a burst forward. The course was what you can expect, it was completely professional. The whole group has this enthusiasm for snooker, it was superb to see how they made a team of us. I have to thank all for the warm welcome, the respect and these very good days. We are looking into the future with confidence that we achieve our objective – growing the game. Being the first certified coach by the WPBSA in Germany, I will continue to give my best.”
Ole Steiner
“Thank you again for a great day last Thursday, I was proud to be part of the team and you ran and organised the day very well. With the team now in place the growth of the coaching programme is going to be excellent.”
Andrew Highfield (official coach)
Birmingham Billiards
Apr 05. 2011
The sport of snooker needs more academies such as this one. Sounds like everyone had a really great time.