Snooker and pool are social, low-impact, non contact games that can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, indoors. They encourage gentle movement, balance and coordination while also stimulating focus and strategic thinking. With the added benefit of being placed in a friendly, social environment, these games can improve mental and social well-being, and be a fun way to get active
The bending, stretching and moving around the Snooker or Pool table means these games are good for balance, coordination and can help to improve postural stability. The act of lining up the ball and the cue improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor control. Playing snooker and pool are particularly good if you want low impact and low intensity exercise, with the added benefit of being with friends.
While snooker and pool won’t increase your heart rate much, each shot uses large muscle groups which will gently increase your heart rate.
Core strength will improve your playing performance.
Snooker and pool are great for balance
There are lots of snooker and pool tables around, so a simple search online will tell you where to find your closest one, try wpbsa.com to begin with.
Everyone has to start somewhere! You can find groups to go to where everyone is a beginner, and there are lots of online sessions aimed at complete beginners. Try to focus on your enjoyment of the music and movement, and the benefit that you are getting from it. You could try online classes at home by yourself or with family or friends to build your confidence.
It’s true, playing snooker and pool takes time to practice, which is true of any skill. The more you play, the better you’ll get!
No, you can borrow the equipment you need. Just wear loose, comfortable clothes and shoes, and you’re ready.
It can be hard to know where to start when trying to move more. Everyone begins at a different point, depending on how active they are, how easily they move, and how strong they feel.
To get started, choose the option that best matches what you usually do on an average day in each column below. Look at your daily activities, mobility, and strength to find a sensible place to begin. Then click on the ‘see results’ button to reveal where you should start.
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If you enjoy watching snooker or pool, you could move while the match is on. Try marching on the spot, doing a few bicep curls with light weights, or sit-to-stand exercises after frames. Every bit of movement helps. Want more ideas? Try some easy chair-based exercises!
Not ready to play yet? That’s okay. Doing gentle strength or balance exercises while watching can keep your body strong.
Snooker, pool and other cue sports are perfect for those who want an activity that’s low impact and low intensity whilst still challenging enough for the mind and body. Find your local table and go with a friend or family member.
Aim to play once or twice a week to improve skill, balance and cardiovascular health. The repetitive walking around the table will increase your activity level without getting out of breath.
Now that you’ve mastered the skills, you could think about playing competitively by entering local league matches and amateur level competitions across the country.
Snooker, pool and other cue sports are very inclusive as the rules and equipment are the same for everybody.
The WPBSA is the global governing body for snooker and billiards, promoting the sport through professional player support, coaching, grassroots development, and international events.
This site has been put together by specialists in exercise medicine and supported and funded by Nuffield Health Charity. In collaboration with academic experts, specialists in behavioural change, medics across a wide spectrum of specialties, physiotherapists, nurses and most importantly, people living with the symptoms of long term conditions. Through our rigorous academic process we have carefully ensured that all the information on this website is trustworthy and evidence based.
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