History of Billiard Sports in Higher Education Institutions of Ukraine

Abstract

Introduction. The history of billiards in general and the history of billiard sports formation in the territory of educational Ukraine have been studied in a research. The Purpose of the Research is analyzing the formation and development of billiard sports. The Research Methods are analysis of historical and sports literature on the theory and practice of the formation and development of billiard sports in the territory of educational Ukraine. The Results of the Research. Humanity’s love of playing with balls began so long ago that it seems impossible to determine the exact date of foundation of a billiard, as its historical homeland. The modern history of billiards begun in the 15^th–16^th centuries in Europe. The word «billiards» has been from the French «billart» or «bille», meaning «ball». There are two versions of the emergence of billiards in Europe. According to one of them, the British were the pioneers, according to the other, the French were the first. The history of billiards still continues today. At the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine (1998), on behalf of Rector V. M. Platonov, the coaches of billiards have been trained. The students of Ukraine were always the basis of the National team of Ukraine. Such students like Tarnovetskyi Ya. V. (twice), Novosad Ye. O., Pudovkin M. O. became the world champions. European Champions of the Pool Patsura V. I and Polovinchuk K. I. were Many Junior World Champions have emerged from the Ukrainian educational field. Findings. Today, when significant changes are taking place in our society, the attitude towards billiards – both as a sport and as one of the means of outdoor recreation – has significantly changed in Ukraine. Billiards is a super ancient game, which is not only enjoyable and interesting, but also prestigious game. The Billiards Championship is contested by the British and French among themselves, but we consider it as a national game. We have our own billiards’ professionals and specialists, producing the tables and cues. We have even got own schools.