fcsnooker Snooker Coaching Services - The Life and Times of Frank Callan

fcsnooker - Snooker Coaching and Instruction - The Life and Times of Mr Frank Callan

Frank's love of the game was originally expressed in a love of playing, becoming a very good amateur player in the days when there was little recognition to be had from this - and certainly no gold at the end of the rainbow. In contrast with today's prodigies, Frank Callan was thirty-two when he made his first century break. At nineteen he was the best player in Fleetwood just down the coast from Blackpool, but went into the army in 1940 and did not play again until he was twenty-seven years of age. He then won the North West of England Championships and a few other substantial amateur events, but many a week he would not practise from one week to the next due to increasing work commitments. When nothing much was happening in snooker in the 1960's Frank turned his attentions to golf, another game which lends itself to the minute dissection of technique which so fascinates him. A back injury in the late 1960's ended his participation in golf and he returned to snooker again, securing the Fylde Amatuer Snooker Championship in 1972 and winning a couple of other local events. It was clear however that at the age of fifty-two his best playing days were behind him, due in part to the back injury that forced him to re-modify his playing style and technique. In later life he found that he could make a major contribution to the game of snooker through analysing the mechanics of technique in an entirely fresh way and by challenging traditional methods of coaching as expressed in books or as standard policy in World Snooker Association coaching courses. Frank's outstanding success as a coach suggests that many official coaching principles should now be re-considered. This firmed his opinion that the ideal way is to find a technique that suits an individual's body, as opposed to moulding the body unnaturally to a preconceived technique. Frank's philosophy is that all coaching must be flexible to suit the requirements of an individual. Now as the most successful coach in the history of snooker Frank continues to work with many of the top players in the world, but also assists seasoned amateurs, up and coming youngsters and new beginners to the game. Share his fascinating views, insights and thoughts into snooker. Let him help you through the pages of this web site. Snooker Coaching Introduction - Coaching with Callan - What They Say

If you are new to the game of snooker, visit the beginners guide to discover the rudiments of the game.

This page contains useful reference to the table, the game and the playing equipment required. There is also an excellent glossary page which helps the new starter to snooker learn the industry specific language and terminology.

The basics touches upon aspects of technique and preparation which should be learnt prior to attempting more advanced techniques.

Perhaps the most important section of snooker tuition on the website. Get the basics right and you can then move onto the more advanced levels and cueing techniques.

For people who are comfortable with the basic fundamentals of the game but now wish to progress to the next level visit the intermediate and advanced links for detailed instruction.

Learn about the nap on the cloth, top-spin, side-spin, back-spin and playing with the rest.

The link to practise provides routines which should be incorporated into your regular training schedule. Many of the 'set' routines can be utilised by players of all standards, all of which will benefit from the training methods detailed.

The section on break building routines and shot selection are vital if you are to maximise the size of breaks you achieve.

The link to general interest is very thorough and detailed, covering a wide array of subjects and varying aspects of the game.

This section covers many topics and has links to some subjects and situations that only arise occasionally but when they do you will be glad you were prepared.

The mental approach to snooker and the tactical side of the game are covered in the link to strategy.

How to stay focused when the pressure is at its fiercest, coping with tension and playing at your best when it matters most.

fcsnooker - The Frank Callan Suite - 282 Ribbleton Lane, Ribbleton, Preston, Lancashire, England - PR1 5EB
tel. + 44 (0) 1772 702211