North West Snooker Academy, Liverpool UK
Snooker Mentoring Mind Coaching
Mental Coaching for Snooker
This will be a unique offering from the NWSA, as far as we know, no other Academy or Club is offering a Mentoring/Mind Coaching service for Snooker. We use The FrameWork - a series of questions and prompts that our Mentors, Matt Andrews and Zak Lamb, help the player complete over an informal chat. Often players see Mind coaching as a bit ‘hooky’ and we’re going to change that.
- Our Mentors abide by the British Psychological Society guidelines. You’re in safe hands with regards to confidentiality and mental health safety.
- We combine the technical and mental aspects of the game
- We do not adopt a ‘one mentoring method’ that fits all. This does not work and can ruin players.
- Zak is currently doing a PhD in Snooker affiliated with the Sports & Exercise Psychology department Liverpool John Moores University
We know each player is different, especially in the mental area of the game. It’s important the Mentor understands and discusses issues and challenges with the player. This offering lends itself to players who compete, perhaps 70+ break makers who compete regionally and nationally. Question areas to include in The FrameWork include:
- Effective practice – drills, focus exercises, reviewing sessions, ‘learnings’. Leading to purposeful practice
- Match Preparation – self talk, banking positives, eating/sleeping well before the match starts
- During the Match Phase – dealing with negative thoughts, intimidation, nerves, racing thoughts, winning line “playing not to lose”. Controlling the chimp.
- Reflections – how to lose, what to take from a win
The Mentoring Coaching Team
Matt & Zak are members of the British Psychological Society and abide by their guidelines and best practices. Zak is affiliated by partnership to the Sports Psychology department at Liverpool John Moores University and studying for a PhD in Snooker! As well as working independently within the region, these guys offer people help with things away from the baize. Whether it be preparing for a big tournament, nutrition, coping strategies or simply learning to control thoughts/breathing patterns during frames, it’s all covered.
