Tuesday, 10 September 2024 / Published in Club News, Coaching

European Week of Sport – Free Developmental Day

On Saturday the 7th of September, As part of the 2024 European Week of Sport. Snooker & Billiards Ireland held a free Junior Snooker & Billiards Developmental Day in the SBI HQ Academy of Excellence in Carlow.

SBI held this Developmental day to introduce and encourage more juniors to play our beautiful sports. National Coach PJ Nolan and fellow SBI Coaches, Nigel Cooke from Errill and National Billiards Coach Aidan Murray from Wicklow attended to assist the players in learning the skills of the game.

Talented Stars of Future

Payers from all across Ireland from Dublin, Cavan, Tipperary, Mayo, Killarney and Youghal attended this a free SBI Coaching Cue Zone in the SBI Academy of Excellence in Carlow

SBI used 8 full size snooker tables for the more experienced player plus our mini star tables in the Academy were used to help introduce new younger people to the game. The players were shown how to have some fun, and learn some of the skills of the game.

Practice Drills

All players practiced specific routines with Aiming, Break Building, Potting and Safety. A mini tournament plus potting and control event was also held and the players performed excellent during the day. We really hope all the players had a great time with the coaches.

A Sport for Everyone

SBI would like to thank all the clubs who are currently holding junior coaching to promote the game in their regions. This is the only way to help us grow our game around the clubs. SBI will be holding more free development days with our National Coach PJ Nolan and his team in 2024 / 2025.

Billiards

Aidan Murray showed the art of Billiards to the players in making in-offs and cannons. PJ coached players on developing good fundamentals in their techniques. All the coaches were very impressed with all the players on the day.

Training Aids

The latest training aids were used to enhance the day like the Mini Domin Eye, QLine, Blade Mat, Master Doctor, Str8aim G-5 & SA-2, Chris Henry Balls and the EBSA Coaching Balls to help players to get on the line of aim and develop a smoother stroke in their delivery.

SBI Coaches

All current SBI Qualified Coaches who are Garda vetted were invited to attend the day. The players then learned about the Stance, Grip, Cue Action, Cue Ball Control and Basic Potting Skills. The game of Billiards was also introduced to the players.

Developing Fundamentals

The day began with the players playing some basic shots. PJ and the coaches gave some tips and advice to all the players. Next the players were coached in developing a good Approach, Stance and striking the middle of the cue ball.

All the players received a medal and a training booklet with practice drills and coaching advice plus we had a medal and trophy for the winner in each event.

All SBI Members

SBI would like to thank our members who encouraged their children/ friends/ members to attend this promotion day and help grow the game in Ireland. SBI would like to thank SBI Coaches Nigel Cooke and Aidan Murray for attending and helping out on the day.

Thank you to all the boys who attended and a big well done to all the winners on the day. Remember to practice the drills in your training booklet and learn how to improve with quality practice. We look forward to seeing you all play more in SBI events next season.