New study highlights significant gap in scientific support for elite snooker players

Elite snooker players lack the scientific support available to players and coaches in other precision sports, according to a new study by Sheffield Hallam University.

Press contact: Rebecca Ferguson | r.ferguson@shu.ac.uk 

Researchers in the University’s School of Sport and Physical Activity conducted the first comprehensive review of sports science research in snooker. They found just 14 studies specifically addressing sports science applications in snooker – highlighting a significant opportunity for performance improvements in a sport that has seen dramatic increases in both popularity and professionalism in recent years. 

The research team categorised existing studies into three main areas: psychology (including coaching, decision-making, mental toughness and visual skills), biomechanics (covering balance, cue action and performance testing), and notational analysis (examining match outcomes through statistical modelling and simulations). 

The findings suggest that snooker players and coaches could benefit significantly from adopting interdisciplinary scientific methods already proven to be effective in similar precision sports.  

Dr Ben Strafford, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science in the School of Sport and Physical Activity at Sheffield Hallam University, led the study. He said: “Despite snooker's status as a premier closed-skill sport requiring exceptional precision, consistency and mental resilience, the application of sports science remains surprisingly limited.  

"Our review demonstrates that available research is predominantly monodisciplinary, examining isolated aspects of performance rather than taking an integrated approach." 

Closed-skill sports are those performed in stable, predictable environments, where the timing and execution are controlled by the performer such as snooker, diving and darts.  

The research comes at a time when professional snooker continues to expand globally, with increasing prize funds and viewing figures emphasising the importance of marginal performance gains at elite level. The study represents the first systematic attempt to map the landscape of sports science research in snooker. 

Study co-author, Dr Joe Stone, Associate Professor of Skill Acquisition and Performance Analysis, said: “This study is the catalyst for inspiring a series of new research programmes based at Sheffield Hallam. Using state-of-the-art technology, the team will collect biomechanical, physiological and eye tracking data from the game, creating a new research evidence base to support players and coaches. 

The research caught the attention of the World Snooker Championship, featuring on the BBC’s national coverage of the longest-running and most prestigious tournament in professional snooker, held at the Crucible in Sheffield every year since 1977.



The team, along with project partner Dr Laura Carey from the University of the West of Scotland, met with six-time World Snooker Champion, Steve Davis and Presenter Abigail Davies to speak about the research and demonstrate how eye-tracking technology can underpin expert performance in sport.

Dr Lee Bell, Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science and co-author of the study, added: “As a university with well-known expertise is sport science, we are now actively looking for players and coaches to work with us to better understand the factors that underpin high-level performance in snooker, and help advance knowledge and understanding in this field.”

To contact the research team, email Lee Bell, or visit www.snookerscience.co.uk.