ABOUT ME
ABOUT ME
For 25 years, I’ve dedicated my life to professional snooker. I’ve faced — and beaten — the best, earned ranking event titles, and learned a lifetime’s worth about the game. Competing at the highest level is a world of intense focus and personal growth, and snooker has given me everything.
But recently, I discovered something that I never expected to enjoy: coaching.
For 25 years, I’ve dedicated my life to professional snooker. I’ve faced — and beaten — the best, earned ranking event titles, and learned a lifetime’s worth about the game. Competing at the highest level is a world of intense focus and personal growth, and snooker has given me everything.
But recently, I discovered something that I never expected to enjoy: coaching.
MY VISION
MY VISION
I’ll be the first to admit that, wrapped up in my professional bubble, I hadn’t fully realized the world of coaching that existed outside of competition. And what did I find? A maze of over-complicated techniques and myths that, to me, seem to be getting in the way of what snooker is really about: simply playing and loving the game. I believe that snooker should be clear, straightforward, and fun, no matter your level.
I’ll be the first to admit that, wrapped up in my professional bubble, I hadn’t fully realized the world of coaching that existed outside of competition. And what did I find? A maze of over-complicated techniques and myths that, to me, seem to be getting in the way of what snooker is really about: simply playing and loving the game. I believe that snooker should be clear, straightforward, and fun, no matter your level.
MY GOAL
MY GOAL
My goal in coaching is to cut through that noise, keeping the focus on building skill, confidence, and enjoyment. It’s about finding your own flow and making the game accessible for everyone, no tricks, just pure snooker. Let’s clear out the clutter, get back to the basics, and focus on what really matters: playing snooker and enjoying every moment of it!
My goal in coaching is to cut through that noise, keeping the focus on building skill, confidence, and enjoyment. It’s about finding your own flow and making the game accessible for everyone, no tricks, just pure snooker. Let’s clear out the clutter, get back to the basics, and focus on what really matters: playing snooker and enjoying every moment of it!
MY ACHIEVEMENTS AS A PLAYER
MY ACHIEVEMENTS AS A PLAYER
2020
2020
2020
Shoot Out Winner
Shoot Out Winner
2x
2x
2x
Ranking Event Runner-Up
Ranking Event Runner-Up
2x
2x
2x
Minor-Ranking Event Winner
Minor-Ranking Event Winner
#20
#20
#20
My Highest Ranking
My Highest Ranking
WHAT SERVICES I OFFER
WHAT SERVICES I OFFER
1-2-1
coaching
Sessions are in my practice room on my star table in Nottingham. I will also travel.
Snooker
Workshops
For 4-6 people where I demonstrate the fundamentals (nothing to do with your feet, grip or elbow), bust myths and answer any questions you may have.
Online
coaching
Sessions are done over zoom. You will need a tripod for your device, a good internet connection and a spotted cue ball really helps.
Snooker
Exhibitions
I take on challengers, do Q&As, have a laugh and hopefully make some centuries!
What FELLOW PROFESSIONALS SAY
What FELLOW PROFESSIONALS SAY
Having known Michael for many years and I can safely say he is a great guy with years of experience at the highest level of competition. There is not anything he does not know about the game, not only is he great snooker player but also a great coach of which I would highly recommend.
Mark Selby
4x World Champion
“
“
I've known Michael for a very long time so I am more than qualified enough to know what a great snooker player he is. He has a wealth of knowledge and this is shining through his coaching. I would 100% recommend him as a coach.
Barry Hawkins
4x Ranking event winner
“
“
Michael’s YouTube channel is fantastic at addressing current talking points in snooker whether it be technical, mindset or even the understanding how the physics of the balls work which helps dispels a lot of myths. A lot of these points can be misleading for amateur players and get quite overwhelming. Having a current professional like Michael with years of experience sharing so much knowledge is invaluable for inexperienced and experienced players alike.
Neil Robertson
25x Ranking event winner
“
“
I’ve known Michael for over 30 years and he’s definitely making his mark in the coaching world. Every coach has their own unique style but the COD (circle of death) is a real thing! Helping people to improve their skills is something Michael is doing well.Having a current professional like Michael with years of experience sharing so much knowledge is invaluable for inexperienced and experienced players alike.
Stuart Bingham
6x Ranking event winner
“
“
I first met Michael when we were boys, chasing the dream of becoming professional players. A few years older than me, Michael was someone I always looked up to, and as a winner on tour, there would be few people in the world who know more about Snooker than him. A real “Pro’s pro” I would highly recommend a session with Michael for anyone wanting to know what’s actually going on in their game and to help them improve.
Shaun Murphy
4x Triple Crown Winner
“
“
If you want to improve your cue action you can’t go wrong with Michael. One of the finest cue actions of modern times and a wealth of knowledge. Plus he’s a great lad.
Anthony Hamilton
2019 German Masters Champion
“
“
Michael is a top class player and has become an excellent coach. We have spent many hours working on and discussing different areas of the game together. I am certain that with his extensive knowledge and experience, he can help players improve their level of play.
Chris Henry
Top Snooker Coach
“
“
Having known Michael for many years and I can safely say he is a great guy with years of experience at the highest level of competition. There is not anything he does not know about the game, not only is he great snooker player but also a great coach of which I would highly recommend.
Mark Selby
4x World Champion
“
“
I've known Michael for a very long time so I am more than qualified enough to know what a great snooker player he is. He has a wealth of knowledge and this is shining through his coaching. I would 100% recommend him as a coach.
Barry Hawkins
4x Ranking event winner
“
“
Michael’s YouTube channel is fantastic at addressing current talking points in snooker whether it be technical, mindset or even the understanding how the physics of the balls work which helps dispels a lot of myths. A lot of these points can be misleading for amateur players and get quite overwhelming.
Neil Robertson
25x Ranking event winner
“
“
I’ve known Michael for over 30 years and he’s definitely making his mark in the coaching world. Every coach has their own unique style but the COD (circle of death) is a real thing! Helping people to improve their skills is something Michael is doing well.Having a current professional like Michael with years of experience sharing so much knowledge is invaluable for inexperienced and experienced players alike.
Stuart Bingham
6x Ranking event winner
“
“
I first met Michael when we were boys, chasing the dream of becoming professional players. A few years older than me, Michael was someone I always looked up to, and as a winner on tour, there would be few people in the world who know more about Snooker than him. A real “Pro’s pro” I would highly recommend a session with Michael for anyone wanting to know what’s actually going on in their game and to help them improve.
Shaun Murphy
4x Triple Crown Winner
“
“
If you want to improve your cue action you can’t go wrong with Michael. One of the finest cue actions of modern times and a wealth of knowledge. Plus he’s a great lad.
Anthony Hamilton
2019 German Masters Champion
“
“
Michael is a top class player and has become an excellent coach. We have spent many hours working on and discussing different areas of the game together. I am certain that with his extensive knowledge and experience, he can help players improve their level of play.
Chris Henry
Top Snooker Coach
“
“
I'd like to wish Michael Holt all the very best with his new coaching website. He's turned into an excellent coach. I don't know a lot about coaching, I don't know about snooker. I can pot the balls, but I don't know how it works, but he seems to know quite a lot. Anyway. Great player, maybe an even better coach, who knows. All the best, Michael.
Stephen Hendry
7x World Champion
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“
Stephen Hendry
7x World Champion
Reviews from amateur players
Reviews from amateur players
had a couple of sessions now with Michael and couldn't reccomend him any more. Felt so relaxed and comfortable playing in front of him like i've known him years, finds the problem so quickly and the solution. He even has a frame with you at the end to show you how it's really done, unreal player and an even better person. Can't wait for the next time.
Jack
Suttle
Michael does what every top coach should do - he simplifies things and makes sure that the message is totally understood. I learned so much from just sitting and watching my lads session with Michael and we both left with the tools to take our game up a level. A top bloke and an absolute pleasure to deal with - just a shame he wasn’t coaching in 1996 because I could have saved nearly 30 years in the circle of death!
Kyle
Brady
Highly recommend. Had a group session with Michael some time ago, keeps the teaching style you see on his videos, keeps it simple decomplicating your game. Importantly noticed potting percentage increase and better cue ball control. No more circle of death 🙂 Thanks
Jon
Cassere
Had a 3 hour session with Micheal and really enjoyed my time with him, showed me a different way of playing the game, gave me things to work on which I can feel are already making a difference! Felt an ease during the whole session and was even kind enough to have a few frames with me at the end 👍 would highly recommend 👍
Antony
George
Had a session with Michael on the 1st June, at which point my highest break was 68. Since the session, I’ve continued to use what he has shown me and my consistency has drastically improved. So much so that last night I hit my first century in a game. Cannot recommend him enough! I look forward to booking again in the future to work on other areas of my game. Cheers!
Nick
Rogers
I've had coaching before, but thanks to Michael, I now have a clear mind and a clear path to improvement. Why have I been making the game so hard for myself? Everything that was explained is there to make you more consistent with your ball striking and allows you peace of mind to chuck all the usual manuals in the bin. I can't recommend Michael's coaching enough. He is very approachable and happy to answer any questions and use all his experience to tell you exactly how it should be done. Thanks again!
Dion
Whittall
I spent two hours with Michael yesterday, my only complaint is that I didn’t book more! Within ten minutes Michael could see the flaws with my game and we got to work on them straight away, I came away from the session with a clear goal on what i need to do to improve my game. A very friendly and relaxed approach to coaching I would highly recommend this to anyone. Thanks Michael and I look forward to our next session!
Bradley
Greensmith
I spent 3 hours with Michael it was very interesting and rewarding. In a few minutes he could see where I was struggling and give me advice. After hearing his explanations it makes sense. A very good coach who could answer all my questions, I highly recommend Michael. Thanks again
Hugo
Magistrini
I've just learnt more about Snooker in 2 hours than I have in 30 years. Absolutely brilliant coaching session, I wish I could have done this 20 years ago 😂 I'm super excited to practice everything we've worked on today, and I've already booked to go back. easiest 5☆ review I've ever written 👌
Phil
Knight
I have to say it was one of the most insightful 2hrs I’ve ever spent around a snooker table. Within a few mins he knows the shots I miss, the shots I like and the reason I’m missing them. I would recommend anyone who wants to learn to play better and understand their own pitfalls with the game to spend a couple of hrs with Michael, well worth it. Thanks again
Paul
Bean
Had a great lesson from Michael yesterday. He pointed out many flaws in my game that I wasn't aware of. Highly recommend this guy if you want to improve your game. Thanks
Chris
Arnold
Well i had a very wet journey from Harlow to have 3 hrs with this chap...worth every penny and effort, he picked out a flaw in my game and we worked on that, something my first coach didnt some years ago? So if you are thinking of coaching to help your game Michael is your man, down to earth, great player, great coach... i also beat my previous break of 49 and got a nice 61 playing with Michael in my head at the time playing back at home. So Michael, all the best mate, cheers Keith Bowden
Keith
Bowden
had a couple of sessions now with Michael and couldn't reccomend him any more. Felt so relaxed and comfortable playing in front of him like i've known him years, finds the problem so quickly and the solution. He even has a frame with you at the end to show you how it's really done, unreal player and an even better person. Can't wait for the next time.
Jack Suttle
Michael does what every top coach should do - he simplifies things and makes sure that the message is totally understood. I learned so much from just sitting and watching my lads session with Michael and we both left with the tools to take our game up a level. A top bloke and an absolute pleasure to deal with - just a shame he wasn’t coaching in 1996 because I could have saved nearly 30 years in the circle of death!
Kyle Brady
Highly recommend. Had a group session with Michael some time ago, keeps the teaching style you see on his videos, keeps it simple decomplicating your game. Importantly noticed potting percentage increase and better cue ball control. No more circle of death 🙂 Thanks
Jon Cassere
Had a 3 hour session with Micheal and really enjoyed my time with him, showed me a different way of playing the game, gave me things to work on which I can feel are already making a difference! Felt an ease during the whole session and was even kind enough to have a few frames with me at the end 👍 would highly recommend 👍
Antony George
Had a session with Michael on the 1st June, at which point my highest break was 68. Since the session, I’ve continued to use what he has shown me and my consistency has drastically improved. So much so that last night I hit my first century in a game. Cannot recommend him enough! I look forward to booking again in the future to work on other areas of my game. Cheers!
Nick Rogers
I've had coaching before, but thanks to Michael, I now have a clear mind and a clear path to improvement. Why have I been making the game so hard for myself? Everything that was explained is there to make you more consistent with your ball striking and allows you peace of mind to chuck all the usual manuals in the bin. I can't recommend Michael's coaching enough. He is very approachable and happy to answer any questions and use all his experience to tell you exactly how it should be done.
Dion Whittall
I spent two hours with Michael yesterday, my only complaint is that I didn’t book more! Within ten minutes Michael could see the flaws with my game and we got to work on them straight away, I came away from the session with a clear goal on what i need to do to improve my game. A very friendly and relaxed approach to coaching I would highly recommend this to anyone. Thanks Michael and I look forward to our next session!
Bradley Greensmith
I spent 3 hours with Michael it was very interesting and rewarding. In a few minutes he could see where I was struggling and give me advice. After hearing his explanations it makes sense. A very good coach who could answer all my questions, I highly recommend Michael. Thanks again
Hugo Magistrini
I've just learnt more about Snooker in 2 hours than I have in 30 years. Absolutely brilliant coaching session, I wish I could have done this 20 years ago 😂 I'm super excited to practice everything we've worked on today, and I've already booked to go back. easiest 5☆ review I've ever written 👌
Phil Knight
I have to say it was one of the most insightful 2hrs I’ve ever spent around a snooker table. Within a few mins he knows the shots I miss, the shots I like and the reason I’m missing them. I would recommend anyone who wants to learn to play better and understand their own pitfalls with the game to spend a couple of hrs with Michael, well worth it. Thanks again
Paul Bean
Had a great lesson from Michael yesterday. He pointed out many flaws in my game that I wasn't aware of. Highly recommend this guy if you want to improve your game. Thanks
Chris Arnold
Well i had a very wet journey from Harlow to have 3 hrs with this chap...worth every penny and effort, he picked out a flaw in my game and we worked on that, something my first coach didnt some years ago? So if you are thinking of coaching to help your game Michael is your man, down to earth, great player, great coach... i also beat my previous break of 49 and got a nice 61 playing with Michael in my head at the time playing back at home. So Michael, all the best mate, cheers Keith Bowden
Keith Bowden