WPBSA and SIGHTRIGHT coach Brian Cox appeared in the doubles of the 900 – and both his junior team mate ZAIN JERAJ put up a great fight – but lost out in the quarter-finals.

The 900 since it has appeared on PLUTO TV has been a fanatastic mix of drama, skill, entertainment, and, camaraderie from those involved – and the 900 continues to promote a range of players across the board.

Cox is a credit to the game of snooker and was one of the reasons I have been in the game in terms of playing since 2015. Had it not been for his coaching and some of his phrases like the basics will always win, I would have not won a league title in 2024/5 at Oxshott.

I made sure they were instilled into me – and it paid off – and although I am not interested in becoming a top amateur or pro, I am interested in playing the game I love and promoting it – however way I see fit as a writer/journalist and entrepreneur and creative thought leader. This is what this site is all about.

Although I loved the game before 2015, Brian Cox motivated me to want to play snooker EVERY SINGLE WEEK, and that is the sign of a good coach! If someone motivates you to want to pick up a cue, even when you’re not feeling it, or even when you’re having major issues off the table, that is someone who is worthy of praise and deserves the utmost respect.

It doesn’t matter how often you play the game – people picking up a cue and wanting to play and enjoy snooker regularly is the most important thing. Whoever is doing the motivating – that’s the sign of a good teacher or coach.

Here’s a previous interview I did as a throwback a while ago…

Coaching Spotlight: Brian Cox on Developing Players, Mental Strength and the Realities of Snooker…

First met Brian Cox in 2015 at Woking Snooker Centre – a long time ago when the club was quiet and that was the year that proved snooker was one of my passions – it has always been a passion of mine, from playing in clubs like Walton Snooker in Hersham in the 2000s with family and friends, but 2015 is when I took the whole love of the game to another level.

I turned up and instantly knew that I wanted to be not only a decent club player, but, also, a top snooker writer and reporter. And – 11 years on, I have proved that.

With a league title from Oxshott in 2024/25…And I have only ever played twice a week – at most!

A portfolio of work online and off – PROOF!

A training aid built – the Coin Balance Cue Trainer

Books written on Amazon and more to come

And a new era on SnookerZone which is not just about snooker – but the culture around it. The food, the music, the laughs, the entertainment, the exhibitions…

SnookerZone caught up with the then Coulsdon-based coach Brian Cox, a highly experienced player and coach operating out of Frames Academy, and Woking, as well as elsewhere in the country to talk about his journey in the game, his coaching philosophy, and what it really takes to improve.

Now, into mid life, Cox combines decades of playing experience with a passion for helping others unlock their potential on the table.

From a Mini Table to a Lifelong Passion

Like many players, Cox’s introduction to snooker started young—but in humble fashion.

A mini table gifted on his eighth birthday, complete with marble-like balls and a cue “more like a drumstick than a proper cue,” sparked what would become a lifelong obsession with the game.

That early curiosity soon developed into serious practice, competition, and eventually, a career in coaching.

Turning Knowledge Into Coaching…

Cox’s transition into coaching came naturally.

After building a reputation in local events, fellow players began approaching him during practice sessions, asking how he generated power, spin, and control.

“I got pleasure out of showing people how it was done—and seeing the smile on their face when they achieved it.”

Encouraged by those around him—including guidance influenced by renowned coach Derek Hill, known for working with Ronnie O’Sullivan—Cox pursued coaching more seriously, adding to his knowledge through insights from respected figures like Barry Stark.

Despite ambitions to make it purely as a player, coaching became the perfect balance—allowing him to stay in the game while helping others improve.

A Proven Track Record in Competition

Before focusing heavily on coaching, Cox built an impressive playing résumé.

While based in Boston, Lincolnshire, he dominated the local scene:

• 9-time Boston & District individual champion
• 10+ league titles with his team
• Highest recorded league break of 137 (2012) Youngest ever in that league to make the feat.

He has also:

• Represented England at the Home Internationals (2011, Prestatyn)
• Competed on the old PIOS and pro ticket tours
• Achieved a personal highest break of 145

The Mental Side of Snooker

While technique is vital, Cox is particularly passionate about the mental side of the game—something he believes many club players misunderstand.

He highlights a common issue: players becoming frustrated at missing low-percentage shots they were never likely to pot in the first place.

“If players understood the true difficulty of certain shots, they’d enjoy the game more and not get so uptight.”

This thinking has even led him to conceptualise a potential future training tool.

The Future: A Smarter Way to Practice?

Cox has an innovative idea for a digital coaching aid—one that could analyse a shot and provide a realistic “pot percentage” based on factors such as angle, distance, cue ball position, and player ability.

The goal?

To give players a clearer understanding of shot difficulty, track performance data, and ultimately improve decision-making and mindset on the table.

It’s a concept that reflects the increasing overlap between technology and coaching in modern snooker.

Coaching Philosophy: Simple, Effective Fundamentals

Despite his forward-thinking ideas, Cox keeps his core coaching advice simple and accessible.

A basic but powerful takeaway for players:

• Keep a relaxed grip
• Maintain a right-angled back arm
• Use a solid bridge
• Follow through smoothly

And perhaps most importantly:

“Be calm and enjoy.”

It’s a reminder that improvement often comes from mastering the basics rather than overcomplicating the game.

Spotting Future Talent

Working with players of varying abilities, Cox sees genuine potential emerging—but is realistic about what it takes to succeed.

Talent alone isn’t enough.

He emphasises the importance of:

• Hard work
• Sacrifice
• The right mindset
• Financial and structural support

Without these, even the most promising players can struggle to progress.

Life in Snooker: The Lighter Moments

Like many in the game, Cox has experienced his fair share of unusual moments along the way.

From running to matches after car trouble to playing under bizarre distractions—including an opponent eating a banana mid-shot—his stories highlight the unpredictable nature of life on the circuit.

A Coach Making a Difference

Today, Brian Cox continues to coach players in the Surrey Snooker Academy, helping them refine their technique, understand the game more deeply, and most importantly—enjoy their snooker.

With a blend of experience, honesty, and passion, he represents the kind of grassroots coaching that keeps the sport growing from the ground up.

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Players interested in coaching can reach out via his website, or go to the Surrey Snooker Academy, where you will get high-standard tuition from him on heated tables and quality equipment.