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Professional snooker coaching backed by
Welcome to Cueology
Welcome to Cueology
My name is Iain Houghton, and I'm a fully accredited and DBS-cleared Level 1 World Snooker Coach based in Blackburn, Lancashire. I'm an experienced player of century break standard with many titles and achievements under my belt from over 40 years in the game. That's me, above, aged 11, playing in front of a large crowd in an exhibition match against Steve Davis in 1982 (admittedly, it was Davis's exhibition, not mine!).
Cueology offers something different to traditional snooker coaching, though. Beyond snooker, I've an honours degree in mathematical sciences, and this background combined with my snooker experience gives me a unique perspective to analyse your game. The scientific, data-driven approach that Cueology offers, including optional kinematic study (similar to swing analysis in golf), can quickly and demonstrably improve your game, whether you're a beginner, regular club player, experienced amateur, or even a tour professional.
Snooker coaching with an exceptional pedigree...
Snooker coaching with an exceptional pedigree...
As a teenager, I was coached by the very best, the late Frank Callen, widely regarded amongst professionals as the greatest coach in the game. Frank coached and advised many top professionals, including multiple World Champions Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry. Having the opportunity to be coached by Frank happened as a direct result of my game against Davis, pictured above.
If you're new to the game or more experienced but perhaps struggling to progress, then I recommend we follow World Snooker's excellent White to Black coaching framework, though this can of course be adapted to your specific needs. The framework takes students from the very basics of stance, grip and alignment through to advanced positional play and break building, and would be suitable for most students.
Cueology complements this with a data-driven approach to practice that highlights potential issues and acts as a strong motivator to improve. If you're interested in working with me, then get in touch to discuss your requirements.
...backed by modern scientific methods
...backed by modern scientific methods
I'm a graduate of the Open University with an Honours degree in Mathematical Sciences, and I'm also a BQF-accredited Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, which is an internationally recognised professional qualification specialising in process improvement techniques. Over the years, I've built up considerable expertise in mathematical modelling, predictive analytics and change management, and I currently work as an Operational Researcher* in the public sector.
The advanced Cueology modules I've developed are aimed at players of all abilities, right through to top amateurs and even players on the professional tour. Using video tracking software, I can analyse your cue action in great detail, and we can monitor, measure and track specific metrics of interest. We will devise a progression plan based on your unique areas of focus, and this will be supported with a disciplined approach with challenging goals and targets. This will transform your practice sessions and drive measurable performance improvements. Please contact me if this interests you and we'll fix up an initial appraisal.
* If you'd like to find out more about the origins of Operational Research, take a look at this short animation ORigin Story from the Operational Research Society.
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