So what makes a good instructional Pool DVD

BarneyCalip

BarneyCalip

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
As a 7 year old I shined shoes in Delano California in 1956. I was allowed to play pool in bars because I was a working stiff. I am a B player so I just bought several One Pocket tapes. They were horrible it showed nothing but normal shots and a few tough shots. Nothing was new? Robert Byrnes and Eddy Robins books are 1000 times better for a beginner or advanced student. So my question is what makes a good instructional Pool DVD?
 
Right now there are plenty of video and books out there. I think that depends on your skill level. For example, if you're an APA 2, a video or book that concentrates on fundamentals like stance, stop shot, follow and draw is going to be alot more helpful than Joe Tucker's racking secrets. For higher level player, learning the rack may be the difference to breakthrough (no pun intended) to reach the next level.


Case in point. In my 8-ball league, there is an elderly man who picked up the game very late. He breaks at the same speed as his normal stroke. When I rack for him, he insist a wall cue for breaking and will analyze the rack a place the cue ball according to either the A,B or center spot. He rarely hits hard enough to make a ball. I suggested to him that we practice together and work on fundamentals.

Maybe what we need is rating system like with kids' toys; instead of "This is suitable for kids ages 2-4", it could carry a label like this is suitable for APA levels 2-3.
 
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In my opinion, you get your money's worth from a DVD if you get something out of it that you would have been happy with from an in-person lesson of the same price.
 
I've seen many great shots...

Ctyhtr, trying to learn fundamentals “Like stance, stop shot, follow and draw is best done by a live teacher in my opinion. Generally it is best to pay for lessons from a accomplished pro in your area, i.e Billy Palmer.

DC, that is my philosophy if I learn one thing that improves my whole game, especially when that shot comes up in a real game. Racking techniques need to be learned and I agree that is a technique that beginning players should know. In the DVD’s that I got there was nothing of value.

I’ve played in the Derby. Francisco Bustamante, Mike Massey, Marlon Manalo, Paul Potier, Bert Schrager are good friends of mine and have been to my home many times. I have seen many great shots over the years by, Luther Lassiter, Joe Balsis, Irving Crane, Keith, Louie Roberts, Efren, Mika, Johnny Archer, Dalton, Frost, Helfert (shoe pool).

We all want to learn techniques and thoughts from a great player and that is what I want.
 
I'm friends w/Dr. Dave as we both live in the same city so forgive me, I don't want to sound like a shill for his and Tom Ross' dvd series, VEPS. But in my opinion, this is what you are looking for. It goes over so many shots and variations of the same shot to get your cueball where you would like it to go, that it gives you a great blue print to be as creative in any pool game that your ability allows. Players at all levels can learn from this comprehensive collection of shots/techniques. It does not spend time on fundamentals.

You can google Dr. Dave and you will be able to read more about their 5 dvd offering.

As far as fundamentals clearly organized and presented, I really like Max Eberle's dvd but I forgot the name (power pool?). But there are many good ones out there.

Good luck. It looks like you have a lot of friends that can answer any specific questions.

Dave
 
Dr Dave

12Squared, I have visited Dr. Dave site and it is great. I’ve spent many hours on his site.

Several years ago Max, Mike Massey, Phille Capelle and I talked about pool tactics for over six hours at a Hardtimes tournament in Bellflower. Yes including Efren’s play in the tournament. Max is a great guy and we all learned a lot, from each other.

I guess what bothered me is that I paid good money for a DVD by a top pro and in my estimate. If you make a DVD you should put something that is worthwhile, not regurgitate what is well documented.

I am anxiously awaiting Scott Frosts Power One Pocket video. I hope it is more than just showing off his great shot making ability. His insight into the game is I guess, what I really want to see. Take Care Barney
 
Hartimes with Max

MasseyCabrelleMikesellCalipGroupofFour a-2.jpg Hopefully this attachmnt with photo works
 
BarneyCalip said:
I am anxiously awaiting Scott Frosts Power One Pocket video. I hope it is more than just showing off his great shot making ability. His insight into the game is I guess, what I really want to see. Take Care Barney
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I too am looking forward to Scott's dvd. If Lenny would have let me, I would already have been pre paid :).

And, I agree with what you are saying about duplication, but solid fundsmentals are so import, that if one player over another connects w/an individual, it's worth it. There is only so much that can be taught in books or dvd's that would appeal to the masses, this includes the pool schools-they teach the fundamentals in detail 1st so their students can move forward from there.

Oh well.

Dave
 
BarneyCalip said:
As a 7 year old I shined shoes in Delano California in 1956. I was allowed to play pool in bars because I was a working stiff. I am a B player so I just bought several One Pocket tapes. They were horrible it showed nothing but normal shots and a few tough shots. Nothing was new? Robert Byrnes and Eddy Robins books are 1000 times better for a beginner or advanced student. So my question is what makes a good instructional Pool DVD?
Click to expand...

If you learn something that's new and of course fits your game the dvd is good.

SPF=randyg
 
12Squared

Dave, Are you the Dave Gross that played at California Billiard Club. If so it's been a long time Barney. I still have those One Pocket Tips from Allen Gilbert
 
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