Ric Washer Snooker Coaching

When you've just gone favourite to win the frame, it's a great time to prove it!

For this drill, place 1 red parallel with the black and the top cushion to begin with.

The idea is to pot the red and stun the cue ball in such a way that you leave the angle to then pot the black and attain position on the Yellow and subsequently clear the colours off their spots.

Its always a nice way to finish off any practice session.

Practicing her colours!

As we know, the value of the colours in a frame is 27 and therefore can be a key factor in determining the result of the frame and sometimes a pivotable moment in a match.

This is one reason why I finish every practice session with trying to clear the colours (off their spots).

In the amateur game, in a vast majority of frames, the last 6 colours tend not to be on their spots, so sometimes it's a case of working the cue-ball a little more in order to clear them.

The idea here is to trust in your technique, don't rush but play every ball as if it's the first shot within the break. Keeping your head still and your breathing calm is key to being able to clear when under pressure.

If you are "home and dry" before the final black, it's always nice to finish with an unorthodox shot, a trick shot perhaps, or in this case playing the black left handed, especially when challenged by your opponent.

Always be respectful, but laying down the marker, ready for the next frame, will give provide you with a positive mindset. It sends the signal to your opponent that given the opportunity, you have the patience and skills to clear the table and win key frames when it matters.

Back in April 2024, Steve contacted me for some coaching lessons and over the next 10 months, we worked together on improving not just his technique and timing, but his all round game and mindset.

Steve put the work in, going on to hit tons and clearances in solo training and periodically since then, we have played mini match-play sessions, putting everything learnt during the lesson into practice.

The missing piece of the jigsaw was getting over the hurdle of beating the coach!

Last night, a solid performance in potting, determination and mental strength proved the winning formula, with the highlight, this performance captured on camera.

Well done buddy.
Steve Mcdonnell

So last night was the last of my private 1 to 1 coaching sessions for the Spring. I will be restarting up again now in the Autumn.

To all my pupils over the past 8 months, I hope you have enjoyed our sessions and they have helped in improving your cue action, technique and mindset when playing the game we all love.

Good luck with your frames over the Summer months and I look forward to catching up again in the Autumn.

As I mention to all my pupils, with ANY practice, always finish off with trying to clear the colours off their spots.

This "Exhibition" Black to Yellow is my "go to" way to complete my practice sessions.