If you secure a copy of the Joe Davis How I Play Snooker PDF, pay close attention to these specific chapters. They are worth more than a hundred hours of bad practice.
It’s worth clarifying upfront: is a legendary title, but it was published in the 1950s —long before PDFs or even home computers existed. As a result, there is no official, legal PDF released by the publisher or the Davis estate.
Davis was a stickler for fundamentals. In his writing, he emphasizes that the stroke begins with the feet. His teachings on stance were about stability and balance. He argued that a player should be so balanced that they could remain in the playing position indefinitely without swaying. Regarding the grip, he advocated for a loose hold on the cue, using the fingers to guide the feathering motion, ensuring the cue remained perfectly straight during delivery. joe davis book how i play snooker pdf
Original physical copies of Joe Davis’s books, particularly the early hardcover editions printed in the mid-20th century, have become collector's items. They are often found in dusty second-hand bookshops or specialized auction sites, commanding prices that are prohibitive for the average player. The binding on many surviving copies has deteriorated over time, making the text fragile. Consequently, the PDF format represents a way to preserve and democratize this rare knowledge.
This is the most controversial part of the book. Davis argued that you should not place your dominant eye over the cue (as modern coaches suggest). Instead, he insisted the cue should run directly under your chin. The PDF contains a famous photo of Joe looking down the cue like a rifle. Whether you agree or not, understanding his logic is vital. If you secure a copy of the Joe
At the time of its release, Joe Davis was the undisputed 15-time world champion. His authority was so absolute that his coaching methods were often viewed as the only "correct" way to play.
No, for modern technique (Frank Callan, Nic Barrow, or Barry Stark’s YouTube channel are better for actual improvement). As a result, there is no official, legal
In the history of cue sports, one name stands head and shoulders above the rest as the founding father of modern snooker: . Before Ronnie O’Sullivan, before Stephen Hendry, and before Steve Davis (no relation), there was "Gentleman Joe."
That said, here’s an interesting guide to finding, understanding, and using the book if you’re keen to track it down.
Published in 1949 by Country Life , Joe Davis's " How I Play Snooker