Expert Snooker & Pool Coach | 15+ Yrs at County, University & National Level | London, Online & International

Find out more about Rishi

• When did you start practicing? How did this passion find you?

  I first started playing snooker and pool at the age of 10, after a friend introduced me to the game with a pool table at his home. I quickly became fascinated! Over the years, my passion grew through competitive play, training, and eventually coaching others, turning a childhood hobby into a lifelong pursuit.

• Which artists or works affect you the most?

  In snooker, I’m most inspired by players who combine precision, creativity, and mental toughness - particularly Mark Selby, Ronnie O’Sullivan, and Stephen Hendry. Each of them has influenced how I approach playing and coaching: Selby for his tactical intelligence and resilience, O’Sullivan for his flair and creativity, and Hendry for his consistency and strategic mastery. Watching their matches has taught me the importance of patience, thinking several shots ahead, and staying composed under pressure.

• What are the qualities and skill required to succeed in this area?

  To succeed in cue sports, you need technical skill, mental focus, and strategic thinking. Precision, cue ball control, and strong positional play are essential, along with patience, discipline, and resilience to stay composed under pressure. Most importantly, consistent practice and a genuine love for the game turn potential into real progress.

• What is the most valuable advice you can give to help someone stay focused on creative projects?

  The most valuable advice I can give is to set clear, achievable goals and focus on consistent practice. Even if you don’t feel like it, start. Begin with easier practice routines, work on basic positional play, and focus on making smaller breaks consistently to build confidence and skill gradually. Track your progress and celebrate improvements along the way. Staying patient, curious, and persistent helps you maintain focus, even when progress feels slow, and ensures long-term growth and mastery.

• How would you describe your passion? How does it make you feel?

  Cue sports have always been a real passion for me - they give me a sense of focus, calm, and enjoyment. I love the mix of precision, strategy, and creativity, and the feeling of improvement is incredibly rewarding. Whether I’m practicing, competing, or coaching, the game puts me in a positive, focused state of mind. Sharing that passion with others and helping them progress makes it even more fulfilling.

• What creative achievements are you particularly proud of?

  I’m particularly proud of my competitive achievements, having played at county, university, and national levels, representing Berkshire in league and tournament competitions. As a coach, I love helping students improve their technique, positional play, and break-building skills, gaining confidence and reaching goals they once thought were out of reach. Turning my passion into a successful coaching practice and sharing it with others is something I value deeply.

• Have you ever been surprised by a student, by their ability or quick progression?

  Yes! Some students pick up the game quickly and show a natural ability, while others progress more gradually. The most important thing is staying consistent with practice and putting in the hours. With dedication, even those who take longer to learn can become very skilled in the future. It’s always rewarding to see each student reach their potential, no matter their pace.

• Being a Superprof is an art! What is your secret?

  Patience, clear guidance, and understanding each student’s needs is key. Everyone learns at a different pace and has different talents, so I focus on recognising each student’s strengths and weaknesses and adapting my coaching accordingly. I create structured practice, break skills into manageable steps, and encourage consistent effort. Celebrating progress - big or small - and tailoring lessons to each individual is what makes coaching both effective and rewarding.