Well, I just returned from 3 days with Mark Wilson at the Billiards Bullpen in Collinsville, IL (St. Louis area). Once again I was struck by the intensity of Mark's love for the game, his teaching expertise, the cleanliness and quality of the playing equipment, and the tremendous hospitality shown by him and his lovely wife Cathy.
A weekend lesson with Mark included 10 hours of pool a day - lessons interspersed with tournaments (my very first 10-ball "King of the Ring" ring game) and matching up with various patrons (or Mark himself). Zeeder once again drove in from Columbia for a couple of marathon straight pool games.
The lessons included refining the basics of my stance, routine, and stroke (this was my very first lesson with him where I did not need an adjustment in my stance and set up!!!!!); as well as straight pool strategy, kill shots, specialty shots, and mental game considerations. We also developed a 3 phase practice plan for the next few months. I was also treated to a host of stories regarding Mark's pool experiences, and his experiences with some of the greats of the game.
I am continually surprised by how many serious pool players avoid lessons. I have met quite a few AZB'ers who are serious about pool, and definitely to some degree "students of the game." For ALL such players, a weekend with Mark at the Bullpen is an experience of a lifetime. I think of these weekends more as a pool vacation than a "lesson", and I think anyone who is at all serious about the game is really missing out on a great opportunity to improve their performance and knowledge. POOL IS FUN. POOL PLAYED WELL IS WAY MORE FUN. I can't wait for my next visit to the Bullpen.
Here is a link to my post from last year's visit. The operating hours are a little different, and Sarah Rousey is no longer living there - otherwise the details are the same:
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=15750&highlight=Louis
A weekend lesson with Mark included 10 hours of pool a day - lessons interspersed with tournaments (my very first 10-ball "King of the Ring" ring game) and matching up with various patrons (or Mark himself). Zeeder once again drove in from Columbia for a couple of marathon straight pool games.
The lessons included refining the basics of my stance, routine, and stroke (this was my very first lesson with him where I did not need an adjustment in my stance and set up!!!!!); as well as straight pool strategy, kill shots, specialty shots, and mental game considerations. We also developed a 3 phase practice plan for the next few months. I was also treated to a host of stories regarding Mark's pool experiences, and his experiences with some of the greats of the game.
I am continually surprised by how many serious pool players avoid lessons. I have met quite a few AZB'ers who are serious about pool, and definitely to some degree "students of the game." For ALL such players, a weekend with Mark at the Bullpen is an experience of a lifetime. I think of these weekends more as a pool vacation than a "lesson", and I think anyone who is at all serious about the game is really missing out on a great opportunity to improve their performance and knowledge. POOL IS FUN. POOL PLAYED WELL IS WAY MORE FUN. I can't wait for my next visit to the Bullpen.
Here is a link to my post from last year's visit. The operating hours are a little different, and Sarah Rousey is no longer living there - otherwise the details are the same:
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=15750&highlight=Louis
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