Another new column for the site focusing on shot selections in amateur snooker.

Having watched some streams of amateur snooker on different channels, SnookerZone likes to commentate on some of the matches seen on live streams and make constructive observations on people’s shot selections.

At the time – we all make decisions that either end up not being the right shot to play, but it is useful for people to know in some circumstances you can learn from it – and try another shot the next time something similar comes up.

In this scenario, from the ClubLiv Youtube channel, this match at the very start the guy goes for a very difficult long pot, and, in view it was probably not the shot to go for – especially so early on when his cue arm wasn’t warmed up enough.

An alternative shot – although not straightforward would have been to have rolled onto the top red, and leave it on the top of the reds, as seen in the pic.

There would have been no pot on then. Both the two reds near the right side cushion as looking were tough long pots especially at the start of the frame when your cue arm is cold and you haven’t had much rhythm to begin with.

Playing competitive snooker at the start of a frame, whether it’s a league match, or, indeed, a tournament match – going for tough long pots is probably not the best time to go for it.

Settle in with some shots – safety and tactical and then be patient and wait for the opportunity to come. That’s constructive criticism, and just a thought for newcomers who may have confidence in their potting, but under the pressure of a match, will understand that the cue arm can tense up when match play conditions happen.

In a practice frame you might be able to do it because there are no real consequences to it – as there’s no pressure but in a competitive setting, you don’t want your opponent to have a straightforward start to the frame and get his cue arm going while yours is still cold!

That’s advice from someone who has played nearly two seasons of league matches at Oxshott – and understands the pressure cooker of it – both having had success, and also setbacks.

Enjoy your snooker – win or learn.