This is a perfect example of two players lacking a proper “pre-shot” routine and it lacks consistency in their set -up.

Whilst some players might get away with this – when the push comes to shove, at certain tension points a player with no defined routine when approaching the shots will be inconsistent in the long run.

This is something that must be instilled into newbie players that a pre-shot routine is so important.

It’s not about potting balls, it’s about playing the right way and creating consistency on the shots every single time you approach the table.

It doesn’t matter what you’re kind of pre-shot routine is – you can do it how you like, you can shuffle, you can walk around the table (which you should do) chalk your cue, but in this video, if you notice carefully, you can clearly observe that their time spent behind the shot is quick – and there is not thought plan going on. It’s rushed.

It’s making sure that you’re on the line you select for the shot – and that is what makes a player look like a snooker player. Not just a player that comes to the table hoping they pot it, but a player coming to the table knowing that with a decent pre-shot routine and focus, they can.

Having a pre-shot routine won’t guarantee you will pot all the balls, it will make sure though you are focused and set for the shot.

And observing what happens after.

I see in this video no feedback after – they are up and off the shot straight away and are not observing what the cue ball is doing – and so they will not know what they did wrong for later on.

If you do have a pre-shot routine, stick to it – and you will at least have a head start in a proper snooker set-up for a shot.

Then, you can focus on just learning and enjoying frames and growing every time you go to the table.