Snooker Potting Tips

In snooker, the objective is to score more points than your opponent to win the frame. Matches consists of multiple frames -- the number tends to vary between competitions -- and the winner is the player who takes the most frames. Players accumulate points by potting a combination of red and colored balls. Red balls are worth one point, while the value of colored balls ranges from two to seven points.

  1. Sight the Ball

    • Sight the ball well; determine which balls can be potted and which can't. Snooker can be a time-consuming game, and often the player who keeps his composure wins the match. Don't try and pot a ball that has little or no chance of finding the pocket. This gives your opponent a chance to take control of the frame.

    Keep Still

    • Keep steady when you're potting the ball. Striking the ball too hard usually results in poor aim, causing you to miss the pot. Flick your eyes back and forth between the cue ball and the object ball; keep your body perfectly still.

    Thinking Ahead

    • Snooker is all about racking up points; read the position of the balls and plan ahead. Focusing strictly on potting individual balls is a quick way to lose a match. Try and leave the cue ball in position for the following shot when potting a ball.