Tuesday, 04 June 2024 / Published in Club News, Coaching

Succesful SBI Development Day

On Saturday the 1st of June, Snooker & Billiards Ireland (SBI) held another successful National Junior Snooker & Billiards Developmental Day in the SBI HQ Academy of Excellence in Carlow.

SBI hold Developmental days to introduce and encourage more juniors to play our beautiful sports. Payers from all across Ireland attended from Dublin, Galway, Nenagh, Laois and Youghal.

National Coach PJ Nolan and fellow SBI Coaches Peter Troy from Dublin and National Billiards Coach Aidan Murray from Wicklow attended to assist the players in learning the skills of the game.

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.

Today we had two girls from Nenagh aged 7yrs and 12yrs and both impressed so much with their potting and good techniques. Both girls are part of the New Institute Snooker Club Nenagh Academy are it was a pleasure having them in Carlow today.

Keep on potting Girls!!!!

All players tried some practice routines with Break Building, Potting and Safety. A Re-spotted black and 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.

Star of the Day

SBI Star of the day went to Ben du Bois from Galway who won two training events on the day and he showed his skill in why he has been selected for the U-21 Home International in Leeds in August.

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 to learn some more skills of the game.

Billiards

Aidan Murray showed the art of Billiards to the players in making in-offs and cannons and Peter coached players on developing good fundamentals in their techniques. Both 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.

Planned Schedule

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 training booklet with practice drills and coaching advice plus we had medals and trophies 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 Peter Troy and Aidan Murray for attending and helping out on the day.

Finally thank you to all the boys and girls who attended and a bog 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.