Stuart Smith - Pool Coach

I've often used local players as examples when explaining different aspects of the game, and I've been asked on several occasions who I consider to be the best players to watch in specific areas.

With that in mind, I thought I'd put together a list of the players I would personally watch to learn more about each aspect of the game.

This is purely my opinion, and there are plenty of players who excel in each area. These are simply the players I would personally focus on when looking to educate myself and improve.

Break: Patty McCarron.
This one I think is non negotiable, best break without contest.

Cue ball control: Mike Clark.
I could name a plethora of top players here, but I'm sure they would all agree that Mike is top draw here.

Positional play: Darren Matthew.
Most naturally talented player I've ever seen.

Tactical play: Phil Craig Snr.
A player I've greatly enjoyed watching and learnt a lot from since I've moved down to Aberdeen.

Attacking play: Darren Matthew.
Again... It's Daz.

Potting: Steven Fraser.
The lad pots them off lampshades constantly.

Bottle: Rab Davidson.
If I ever had to pick a player to make a finish with everything on the line, I'd be straight to Rab.

Cue action/fundamentals: Patty McCarron/Fraser Allan.
Again there's so many players I could put here, I even pride myself on my own fundamentals, but Patty and Fraser are a cut above and never falter.

🎱 Cue Tip Of The Week - Week Six 🎱

Start developing the habit of identifying "insurance" balls.
What do I mean by an insurance ball?
Imagine you're attempting a difficult cannon, but there's no guarantee the cue ball will finish on another ball afterwards. Now picture the same situation, except you have a ball sitting over a nearby pocket. That ball becomes your insurance ball—a ball that gives you a high-percentage shot even if the cannon doesn't go exactly as planned.
The same principle applies to difficult positional shots. If you're trying to land on your most awkward ball, look for another nearby ball that still gives you a shot if your position isn't perfect. Rather than relying on a single, precise outcome, you're building a margin for error into your clearance.
The best players don't just plan for the perfect shot—they also plan for what happens if things don't go perfectly.

🎱 Cue Tip Of The Week - Week Five 🎱
(I'll be looking to do these more consistently, had a lot on lately!!)

This tip focuses on one of the most important aspects of the game, pattern play.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever been given — and one I always pass on — is to identify two things before attempting a clearance: your problem ball (as mentioned in my previous tip) and your key ball before the black. Having these identified immediately gives structure to your route planning.

You’ll often see top players work backwards from the black when constructing a clearance. Think of it as building a chain: “To land on this ball, I first need to land on the ball before it,” and then continue working backwards from there. This approach helps create a clear, controlled route through the table rather than relying on instinct shot by shot. For those of your that are local to Aberdeen, a player I'd recommend watching to visually learn pattern play is Mike Clark, I doubt anyone would disagree with that, never plays anything flash because he simply doesn't need to, having such a high level of pattern play.

🎱 Cue Tip Of The Week - Week Four🎱

Attack your problem ball as soon as possible. If you break off and have a cluster of balls tied up, play the cannon at the earliest opportunity. The more of your own balls you leave on the table, the greater your chances of landing on one after the cannon.

The same principle applies if a ball goes onto the cushion—try to address it as early as you can.

There are, of course, exceptions to this rule. For example, if a ball on the cushion is an ideal option to take last before the black, or if it serves as a strong linking ball within your pattern. However, the above remains a solid rule of thumb to follow.

That's me all set to head to Newcastle for the first IPA event of the season, the IPA European Open.

I’m very much looking forward to the experience—not only competing in such a major event, but also having the opportunity to watch and learn from professionals I’ve admired since I first started playing pool.

Since moving to Aberdeen, my game has improved significantly and a lot more doors have opened, giving me the confidence to step into international open competitions. This marks an important step forward, and I’m excited to test myself in this kind of environment and developing my game further at this level.🎱🏆

Thank you to my Sponsors:
Legends Sports Bar
The Square Kintore
P Booth Plumbing And Heating LTD

🎱 Cue Tip Of The Week - Week Three🎱

I get asked about sidespin a lot. My answer is usually simple — if you’re not comfortable with it, don’t force it.
There’s a misconception that you need sidespin a lot of the time to create angles, especially off cushions. In reality, good position is about leaving natural angles, having the cue ball travel as little as possible, and choosing the simplest route.
On open pots where the cue ball isn’t hitting a cushion, side is often unnecessary and just adds more variables and opportunities for things to go wrong. Keep it simple!!

🎱 Cue Tip Of The Week - Week Two 🎱

When buying a cue, if you are unsure which cue length to choose, a practical guideline is to measure from the floor to your collarbone and select a cue that most closely matches that measurement.
Cue length is ultimately a matter of personal preference; however, this method provides a useful starting point for players who have not yet developed a clear preference.

🎱 Cue Tip of the Week – Week One 🎱

STOP TRYING TO HIT THE BREAK AS HARD AS POSSIBLE! A phrase I always keep in mind is: “Hit the break as hard as you can control.”
The break is the most important shot in pool—it sets the tone for the entire frame. When you attempt to put maximum power into every break, you sacrifice a significant amount of control. An effective break is as much about timing as it is about power. Focus on striking the front ball as cleanly and flush as possible, and you will notice a substantial improvement in consistency and results.

Happy belated New Year everyone, hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year! ❄️🎱
Now that the snow has finally began to clear, I'll be looking to take on some weekday bookings in Legends Sports Bar or Kintore Square for those out you out in the Inverurie Direction.

If you’re looking to sharpen your game for the 2026 season, get in touch! 💪

I'll be in Thurso from Monday the 15th (tomorrow) until Thursday.
If anyone is interested in getting some coaching while I'm up, give me a shout. 🎱