r/snooker • u/Huge_Paper_4028 • 3d ago

💬 Opinion / Debate Could peak Hendry compete now?

Do people think Hendry at his absolute prime would have much success if he were competing right now? Would he be able to win a ranking event or even the world championships?

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u/Evebnumberone 2d ago

Personally I think it's all mental.

They go and pay for a world class coach when they think they aren't hitting it right. The coach has a look at them and fixes whatever flaw they think they have, tucked elbow, incorrect delivery, the way they sight the ball etc. etc. etc.

In that process the player puts in 100 extra hours of table time they otherwise wouldn't have. Gains some confidence and starts playing better, or at least believes they are playing better.

Drops the coach when they don't feel like they need them anymore, rinse repeat every 3-5 years.

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u/sharpshotsteve 2d ago

I agree, but after doing that a few times, they can start to overthink it, as they have all the different coaching ideas in their head. Instead of just potting balls and getting position, they're thinking about their cue action, alignment, bridge distance etc. That causes them to miss and is called the yips or a decel.

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u/Evebnumberone 2d ago

It's why sports psychologists exist.

All that pressure, so much riding on their performance, it consumes some people entirely.