Snooker Science: A Cross-Discipline Scoping Review

Despite the increase in popularity and professionalism of snooker, the application of scientific support by coaches and athletes to improve snooker performance is limited compared to other closed-skill sports. This study aimed to categorise sports science in snooker through a cross-disciplinary scoping review of the scientific literature. The literature search was conducted in four electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science in September 2024. The search terms were selected based on the sports science disciplines outlined by the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Initially, the search yielded 261 records, with a total of 14 included in the scoping review, demonstrating a general scarcity of available literature. Three broad themes were identified during data extraction: A) Psychology, B) Biomechanics, and C) Notational Analysis (snooker outcomes). Findings outlined that literature in snooker is monodisciplinary spanning various sport science disciplines. Studies in Theme A investigated: Coaching, Cognition, Decision-making, Mental Toughness, Motivation, and Visual-perceptual skills. Studies in Theme B investigated: Balance, Cue Action, Coaching, and Skills Test (Performance). Studies in Theme C investigated: Statistical Modelling, Complex Networks, and Simulations to understand snooker outcomes. Given the monodisciplinary nature of studies included in this review and the general scarcity of specific sport science research examining snooker, future interdisciplinary snooker science research should align with the three broad stages of the applied research model for sports sciences (description, experimentation, implementation), while also drawing on current knowledge in other closed-skill sports to inform performance preparation.