Who is the best instructor in the US?

rmbales

Registered
Scott Lee

I have worked with several excellent instructors over the years and started working with Scott Lee in January 2017. I have had two lessons with Scott and he has helped me improve my game considerably. He is considered to be one of the best stroke teachers in the business and my experience supports this. I have had my stoke analyzed in the past, but no one deconstructed my stroke to level of detail that Scott did; and, no one has provided me with more ideas on how to improve my stroke efficiency and accuracy as Scott. I still have considerable room for improvement, but Scott has provided me with sound understanding of the stoke and a process to build a " consistent and repeatable stroke that is available at all times and under pressure".

In addition to analyzing and teaching stroke and fundamentals, Scott is also very good at teaching skills and game improvement. He knows his stuff, is an excellent communicator and is able to explain and demonstrate how to execute. And, he makes learning fun. I consider myself fortunate to have Scott as my teacher and coach and look forward to working with him in the future. If I had to pick one person to teach my grandchildren to play pool, it would be Scott Lee.
 

Scott Lee

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Instructor Symposium last week

Many of the best instructors in the country got together last week in Las Vegas for the BCA trade show, which was held in conjunction with the 9ball Jr Nationals. It was also the 25th Anniversary of the PBIA Certified Instructor program, and there were more than 15 clinics and demonstrations scheduled every hour in the PBIA booth. Demonstration instructors included myself, Randyg, Denny Stewart, Mark Finkelstein, Jerry Briesath, Dr Cue/Tom Rossman, Bob Jewett, Lance Cowles (the One Pocket specialist), and Roy Pastor. More than 25 PBIA instructors attended, and it was great sharing of knowledge and information. We look forward to next year in New Orleans...maybe we can get 50 instructors to attend! :thumbup:

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
 

tableroll

Rolling Thunder
Silver Member
Who is the best instructor in the US? Easiest to understand and make the game as simple as possible? Whos the most popular right now? Ive taken some lessons and their ok. But i need somone whos good at explaining, teaching? A great player can be a so so teacher. Any help greatly appreciated! 😀👍

I used Randy G in June of this year for a tuneup. He is very good. I have watched all 3 of Jerry B's videos and they are very good. There are others but these 2 come to mind.
 

ratdaddy

Registered
Jerry Briesath aka Breeze

Instruction certainly has come a long way in the last 25 years or so. Back then there were just a handful of professional instructors throughout the U.S. There were a lot of guys who gave lessons mind you...but they weren't full-time professional pool instructors. A lot of pro players would give lessons on the side to supplement their income, but the majority of them didn't have any kind of "lesson plan"or structure to their sessions. They were great players, but many great players (especially 25-30 or more years ago) could play any shot that might come up, but when it came time to explain how to hit a certain shot, or why the object ball and cue ball react the way they do in various situations, they couldn't do it. Some of those guys learned to play by feel, and by spending thousands of hours practicing and playing, so a lot of what they knew was sub-conscience...they did a lot of things without realizing it. It's pretty hard to teach someone else this way.

I was fortunate to have a front-row seat for about 7 years and watch one of the best instructors in the game work with students of all abilities and see the transformation in their game of the course of several days...Jerry Briesath.

I managed Jerry's pool room (Cue-Nique Billiards in Madison WI) during the late '80s and early '90s. I can't tell you how many students came through during that time...maybe close to a thousand...from those who have never picked up a cue before to well-known professional players. Each end of the spectrum has it's own set of challenges, but most of us fall somewhere in-between, so the majority of the lessons I watched from behind the counter were with "intermediate" players. But it was fun to watch him work with an advanced player, because no matter how good they thought they were, Jerry could teach them something they didn't know.

I have seen several posts in this thread mention "communication" as an important skill, and I couldn't agree more. This is where Jerry was the master. It's one thing to be able to explain a concept or how to execute different scenarios to students, but even the best, easiest instructions may not click in everyone's head. But Jerry had the ability to explain the same idea or concept several different ways if needed. A teacher could have all the knowledge in the world (which Jerry does) but what good is it if they are not able to convey that to their students?

Another aspect that I learned is Jerry never just "goes through the motions"...he has a passion for teaching, and even though he might have told a million students the same thing he's about to tell another one, you'll never get the feeling that this is the millionth time he has done this. His patience and easy-going manner puts nervous students at-ease and creates an atmosphere that is enjoyable and conducive to learning. This doesn't mean it's a walk in the park though...be prepared to put in a lot of hours at the table if you book lessons with Jerry. I'm not sure if he has changed this or not, but his Pool School was from 2 to 5 days. Most people came for 3 days. When students would fly into Madison, class sizes were between 1 and 4. Each day consisted of 6-7 hrs of instruction. Not many people booked 5 days. But almost everyone wished they had. A lot of guys would fly in once a year and build on what they learned previously.

These days there are many more quality instructors in all parts of the country to chose from. It's a great thing. I have no doubt that all of the instructors recommended in this thread are top-notch and will provide a great experience. My personal recommendation is Jerry Briesath.
 

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iusedtoberich

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Robin Dreyer, Portland, Oregon. His book will come out someday after he's done teaching and the world will know... Teaches full time at his house and has for 20+ years. Doesn't use anybody's aiming system but knows them all, doesn't use anyone's kicking system because he has his own. His own drills, patterns, safeties, etc. etc. Totally a thinker and original. www.robindreyer.com

Name the other instructors you have taken lessons from.
 
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Scott Lee

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
ratdaddy...I made a few trips to Madison when Jerry had Cuenique and later in The Green Room. Jerry Briesath is why most of the top instrutors teach the way they do! He has been a great role model for many of us, myself included! I've enjoyed getting 'coached" by Jerry on how to instruct better, for at least 30 years, and have enjoyed every minute of it. I take every opportunity I get, to visit with Jerry...whether it be having dinner, sharing teaching methods, or sweating a match between professional players, Jerry is always a joy to be with! Without question he is one of my greatest mentors, but I also enjoy the luxury of calling him my friend!

Now, let's get Jerry elected into the BCA HOF in 2019!

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

Instruction certainly has come a long way in the last 25 years or so. Back then there were just a handful of professional instructors throughout the U.S. There were a lot of guys who gave lessons mind you...but they weren't full-time professional pool instructors. A lot of pro players would give lessons on the side to supplement their income, but the majority of them didn't have any kind of "lesson plan"or structure to their sessions. They were great players, but many great players (especially 25-30 or more years ago) could play any shot that might come up, but when it came time to explain how to hit a certain shot, or why the object ball and cue ball react the way they do in various situations, they couldn't do it. Some of those guys learned to play by feel, and by spending thousands of hours practicing and playing, so a lot of what they knew was sub-conscience...they did a lot of things without realizing it. It's pretty hard to teach someone else this way.

I was fortunate to have a front-row seat for about 7 years and watch one of the best instructors in the game work with students of all abilities and see the transformation in their game of the course of several days...Jerry Briesath.

I managed Jerry's pool room (Cue-Nique Billiards in Madison WI) during the late '80s and early '90s. I can't tell you how many students came through during that time...maybe close to a thousand...from those who have never picked up a cue before to well-known professional players. Each end of the spectrum has it's own set of challenges, but most of us fall somewhere in-between, so the majority of the lessons I watched from behind the counter were with "intermediate" players. But it was fun to watch him work with an advanced player, because no matter how good they thought they were, Jerry could teach them something they didn't know.

I have seen several posts in this thread mention "communication" as an important skill, and I couldn't agree more. This is where Jerry was the master. It's one thing to be able to explain a concept or how to execute different scenarios to students, but even the best, easiest instructions may not click in everyone's head. But Jerry had the ability to explain the same idea or concept several different ways if needed. A teacher could have all the knowledge in the world (which Jerry does) but what good is it if they are not able to convey that to their students?

Another aspect that I learned is Jerry never just "goes through the motions"...he has a passion for teaching, and even though he might have told a million students the same thing he's about to tell another one, you'll never get the feeling that this is the millionth time he has done this. His patience and easy-going manner puts nervous students at-ease and creates an atmosphere that is enjoyable and conducive to learning. This doesn't mean it's a walk in the park though...be prepared to put in a lot of hours at the table if you book lessons with Jerry. I'm not sure if he has changed this or not, but his Pool School was from 2 to 5 days. Most people came for 3 days. When students would fly into Madison, class sizes were between 1 and 4. Each day consisted of 6-7 hrs of instruction. Not many people booked 5 days. But almost everyone wished they had. A lot of guys would fly in once a year and build on what they learned previously.

These days there are many more quality instructors in all parts of the country to chose from. It's a great thing. I have no doubt that all of the instructors recommended in this thread are top-notch and will provide a great experience. My personal recommendation is Jerry Briesath.
 

bobu5678

Registered
Listing of Instructors

I don't think any instructor would be "best", it depends on what your game is like, are you a beginner, or intermediate, or advanced, where you are, how much you can pay, etc.

What I would like to see is a listing of instructors by area. There are people that give instructions, in my area, but mostly it's by word of mouth. There's no listings. If there was a listing, I think people would try them. Or an instructor could say I'm teaching at this time, drop by, and watch. This would get more people involved. Also, different people price differently, I had 1 instructor who was good, charge $40/lesson, but you had to take 4 lesson, others are charging $75, and up. A listing of what's out there would help.
 
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stevekur1

The "COMMISH"
Silver Member
who is the best instructor in the us? Easiest to understand and make the game as simple as possible? Whos the most popular right now? Ive taken some lessons and their ok. But i need somone whos good at explaining, teaching? A great player can be a so so teacher. Any help greatly appreciated! 😀👍

tony robles !!!
 

Scott Lee

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I don't think any instructor would be "best", it depends on what your game is like, are you a beginner, or intermediate, or advanced, where you are, how much you can pay, etc.

What I would like to see is a listing of instructors by area. There are people that give instructions, in my area, but mostly it's by word of mouth. There's no listings. If there was a listing, I think people would try them. Or an instructor could say I'm teaching at this time, drop by, and watch. This would get more people involved. Also, different people price differently, I had 1 instructor who was good, charge $40/lesson, but you had to take 4 lesson, others are charging $75, and up. A listing of what's out there would help.

There already is a website with that information. Go to playbetterbilliards.com and look for pbia certified instructors by state in your area.

Scott Lee
http://pool knowledge.com
 
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tusmadpark

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
There already is a website with that information. Go to playbetterbilliards.comand look for pbia certified instructors by state in your area.



Scott Lee

http://pool knowledge.com



What should your level be to take lessons? Should you be able to string a few racks together or run 5 balls and then miss a ball because you have to power stroke it and don’t feel comfortable drawing 5 feet for shape?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

bbb

AzB Gold Member
Gold Member
Silver Member
What should your level be to take lessons? Should you be able to string a few racks together or run 5 balls and then miss a ball because you have to power stroke it and don’t feel comfortable drawing 5 feet for shape?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
i know your question was to scott
but i think everyone from someone who never played (especially for them ) to a pro can benefit with lessons.
look at the coach from the usa mosconi cup requiring the players to go to boot camp with him..there is an example of the best players still getting instruction
 

SFC9ball

JimBaker PBIA Instructor
Silver Member
What should your level be to take lessons? Should you be able to string a few racks together or run 5 balls and then miss a ball because you have to power stroke it and don’t feel comfortable drawing 5 feet for shape?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

At any level a player can benefit from lessons, the player just has to be open minded to get the most out of the experience.

My thought is this you can take a lesson and stream line the learning and get yourself to your highest potential in a reasonable time or you can muddle you way through it and take years to possibly get there.

New players taking a lesson right from the beginning will be better off because they wont have any bad habits to break. They will have the ability to build a solid foundation of their stance, stroke and Pre-Shot Routine in a shorter period of time and this helps greatly when working on the Skills needed to play the game at a high level.
 

Bobkitty

I said: "Here kitty, kitty". Got this frown.
Gold Member
Silver Member
Who is the best instructor in the US? Easiest to understand and make the game as simple as possible? Whos the most popular right now? Ive taken some lessons and their ok. But i need somone whos good at explaining, teaching? A great player can be a so so teacher. Any help greatly appreciated! 😀👍

You should contact Robin Dreyer. He WILL help you out. Reasonable rates. But, you'll have to fly to Portland, Oregon. No matter your game, he knows it all (as far as I can figure it out).
 

JC

Coos Cues
There already is a website with that information. Go to playbetterbilliards.comand look for pbia certified instructors by state in your area.

Scott Lee
http://pool knowledge.com

With all due respect Scott there are "recognized" instructors with established fargo ratings below 450 and "master" instructors below 525.

You can't teach what you don't know after a certain point.

JC
 

goettlicher

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
With all due respect Scott there are "recognized" instructors with established fargo ratings below 450 and "master" instructors below 525.

You can't teach what you don't know after a certain point.

JC



Hi JC

Scott knows! He knows more than most.
Remember, Scott teached "behind the cue ball" as good as anyone on this Planet.

randyg
\
 

JC

Coos Cues
Hi JC

Scott knows! He knows more than most.
Remember, Scott teached "behind the cue ball" as good as anyone on this Planet.

randyg
\

I spent a day with Scott and enjoyed it a lot. Never really got a handle on how he actually plays the game though. He talks a sporty personal game though. Please don't tell me he's a 450 fargo:(

JC
 

goettlicher

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I spent a day with Scott and enjoyed it a lot. Never really got a handle on how he actually plays the game though. He talks a sporty personal game though. Please don't tell me he's a 450 fargo:(

JC

No, Scott is not a 450 Fargo.

He's a 525 Fargo.

Scott teaches, not competes!

randyg
 

JC

Coos Cues
No, Scott is not a 450 Fargo.

He's a 525 Fargo.

Scott teaches, not competes!

randyg

In other words he doesn't have a Fargo rating...... Isn't everyone without games in the system a 525?

I was talking about established Fargos in the 450 range professing to be instructors.

Ummm No thank you please.

JC
 

goettlicher

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
In other words he doesn't have a Fargo rating...... Isn't everyone without games in the system a 525?

I was talking about established Fargos in the 450 range professing to be instructors.

Ummm No thank you please.

JC

Yes you have my drift.
Scott is a full time Instructor, not player.

Most us us have very little time to hone our games, we sharpen our teaching knowledge.

randyg
 
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kaznj

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I have worked with Scott on several occasions. Excellent instructor. Gives you more than you payed for.
As far as his skill level goes, Scott has always been able to demonstrate anything he teaches. He does not have to run ten racks to prove his point. One time we were talking about elbow drop. Many people say you cannot get a power draw shot without dropping your elbow. I taped Scott shooting a draw shot. Cue ball on head string, object ball on foot string. Cue ball drew back to end rail. Elbow did not move.
 
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